Welcome!

​

Friends of Yolo County Animal Services relies on the generosity of our community to accomplish our mission (friendsofycas.org/donate)

​

Mission

We support and enhance the lifesaving work of Yolo County Animal Services by funding critical care, resources, and community programs that keep pets safe and healthy and give them the second chance they deserve.

​​​​

About Us

We believe every animal deserves a chance at a happy, healthy life. Whether an animal is in the shelter or placed with a loving foster, we work to create better conditions, promote adoptions, and increase the number of positive outcomes for our community’s most vulnerable pets.

 

Sometimes that means stepping in when animals need more than basic care, when they require medical treatment beyond what the shelter can provide. From emergency surgeries to specialized procedures, we help ensure that no animal is left behind due to cost or complexity.

 

​​We also support vital initiatives that strengthen the entire sheltering system, including expanded spay/neuter programs, enrichment activities to support animal well-being, and training for the dedicated staff and volunteers who provide daily care and compassion.

​​​

Our work is grounded in the belief that compassionate, progressive animal services benefit the entire community. By advancing humane education, promoting responsible pet ownership, and creating pathways to lifelong homes, we are building a safer, more caring future for animals and people alike.

 

Together with our partners, we are redefining what’s possible for animal welfare in Yolo County.

 

The Friends of Yolo County Animal Services (YCAS) is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. EIN 83-4254935

​​​

​​Board Members: Patricia Hilliard (President), Vicky Fletcher (Vice-President), Cami Mowry (Secretary), Mike Clark (Treasurer), Silvia Eckert, Julia Martinez, Pat Mikkelsen, Brandi Wilson​

• Tricia Hilliard, President, has been an animal advocate for as long as she can remember, starting as a kid caring for feral cats and learning early on what it means to show up for animals who have no one else. She eventually left the corporate world to follow that passion and focus on more meaningful, hands-on work in animal welfare. She currently has dogs at home and is especially drawn to senior dogs in need. Giving older dogs a safe, comfortable place to land is something that means a lot to her. She started volunteering in 2019 and quickly saw a gap in funding and resources that directly impacted the animals. That led her to co-found Friends of Yolo County Animal Services with a like-minded partner, and it continues to drive the work she does every day to support shelter and community animals and ensure they have the support and care they deserve. 

• Vicky Fletcher, Vice President, worked as an Animal Services Officer, Supervisor, and Animal Shelter Director for Yolo County from 1986 to 2019 when she retired.  Dogs, cats, horses, and cattle are a big part of her life.  It was one of her goals, while still working, to have a nonprofit organization attached to Animal Services as there was never enough funding to help animals in need. That dream came true in 2019 with the founding of Friends of Yolo County Animal Services, an amazing team of like-minded caregiving volunteers!  I provide historical information and write grants for our projects.  

• Cami Mowry, Secretary. has been a proud member of the Friends Board since 2022. With a background in animal services and veterinary medicine, Cami brings both professional expertise and genuine heart to her role. Her passion for animal welfare isn’t just a career, it’s a way of life! She serves as the Board’s point person for medical case tracking and financial oversight of medical care expenditures, with veterinary assistant experience. When she’s not advocating for shelter animals, she loves nothing more than spending time with her dog Gus.

• Mike Clark, Treasurer, brings over 25 years of experience as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. He has worked extensively with nonprofit organizations, helping manage funds and supporting long-term financial stability. Michael has a strong history of community involvement, serving as President of his local PTA and Kiwanis chapter and as former Board member of Yolo Hospice. A lifelong resident of Davis, Michael grew up with dogs and continues that tradition today as the proud owner of an English Bulldog named Winston. His personal connection to animals and his financial expertise support his commitment to the shelter’s mission.

•  Silvia Eckert, Director, has volunteered at the shelter since 2023. Besides walking dogs, she has been a mentor for new volunteers, does medical and day fosters (including fun trips to the pet wash), and transports dogs to our rescue partners. For Friends, she has initiated and produced our wonderful newsletter and leads creative and successful fundraising projects like our Pet Portrait events.

• Julia Martinez, Director, is an Associate Attorney at Donahue Fitzgerald LLP, where she practices in the Business and Corporate group. She lived in Yolo County for nine years while earning her undergraduate and law degree at UC Davis. During that time, Julia developed a strong connection to the local community and to the shelter. While studying for the bar exam, she volunteered at the shelter and fostered numerous kittens—ultimately adopting one, which happily led to three beloved “foster failures”—Junie, Buddha, and Orbit. Julia brings both her legal expertise and her passion for animal welfare to Friends and is proud to support the organization through pro bono counsel and board service.

• Pat Mikkelsen, Director, has volunteered at the shelter since 2020. She tends to see things that need doing and helps make them happen. For example, desperately needing a dedicated area for small dogs, she helped secure the necessary permission and funding, resulting in the Canine Casitas, a welcoming environment where the little ones can safely and happily be with each other and with volunteers. Currently, Pat is helping with website redesign, and uses her writing and editing skills to enhance community outreach efforts, including writing dog bios for the Shelter so prospective adopters have the information they need to choose their next forever friend.

• Brandi Flood Wilson, Director, Woodland community member, and lifelong animal advocate. Proud rescue mama to Rousi & June (kitties) and Franki, a former Yolo County shelter pup. Since she can remember, she has been helping local pets in need—getting lost or abandoned animals to safety and into loving homes. She is grateful to be part of a team dedicated to giving animals a second chance. The need is great—but so is the impact we can make together. Adopt, don’t shop.