The Dearborn Animal Shelter was founded by a small group called the Friends for the Dearborn Animal Shelter (FFDAS) in 1993. The shelter is owned by the City of Dearborn, managed by the Dearborn Police Department, and run by the FFDAS. The mission of the FFDAS is to provide loving care and sanctuary to animals, encourage adoptions and reunions, and promote respect, responsibility and compassion for all animals.