Furry Friends is a dedicated and passionate group who rescues dogs and cats that are at risk and homeless through no fault of their own. Once in our care, these companion animals are vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed or neutered. Special attention is provided for those animals that need additional time and medical care before going to a new home. We are a foster-based rescue group that runs on the support and aid of dedicated volunteers and supporters. Our fostered pets live in homes, as family members, receiving all of the love and care they would in an adoptive home, until they are adopted. The adopters gain greater insight into the pets’ behavior and personality versus interacting with an animal who has been living in a kennel and the pet is more prepared for a loving home life. This helps produce the best match possible for the new families, resulting in a 99% success rate!

Looking for a Furry Friend? Let us help you find the perfect match!

Furry Friends is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Emma DeVos - Executive Director

Long-time animal welfare advocate Emma DeVos is honored to serve as Furry Friends' executive director. She sees the challenges facing animal welfare, both at Furry Friends and throughout our community, becoming increasingly complex. At the same time, she sees more opportunities than ever to save pets’ lives.

Emma’s devotion to animals began early in her life. In high school, she worked in animal care at the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, where she saw how challenging the shelter environment could be for companion animals. She quickly understood the impact foster-based rescues could have — giving second chances and saving animals’ lives. Emma went on to campaign for improved animal welfare through legislative action and rescue work in South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota.

In addition to her work in animal welfare, Emma has more than 15 years of experience in special events and marketing, fundraising and development for nonprofit and political organizations, and project management. Her passion for animal welfare, broad base of experience, and strong relationship-building skills are an ideal fit for Furry Friends.

Sarah Block - Director of Operations

Sarah Block is Furry Friends’ Director of Operations. Her role focuses on supporting all of the volunteers in the dog and cat divisions. Sarah joined the Furry Friends team in 2014 as a special events volunteer. She has also opened her home to foster dogs and helped with foster outreach. Sarah’s background includes event services, operations management, and organizational development. Sarah has had a life-long passion for animals- she likes to say it’s in her genes. Many of her family members are those crazy animal people. Her other interests include going to concerts, fishing, and being creative. Sarah shares her home with her husband, Jeremy, and their two Chihuahuas named Frank & Beans.