Our Vision
Achieve a community void of homeless animals.
Our Mission
Advocate animal protection and welfare.
To achieve our vision and accomplish our mission, our goals are:
- Protect, care for, and nurture homeless and abused animals
- Help eradicate the need for euthanasia of adoptable dogs and cats
- Promote responsible pet ownership
- Support legislation and regulatory changes that benefit animals
Since 1963, the Animal Welfare League has served the community of Charlotte County, Florida by providing a temporary home, medical services and caring attention to thousands of dogs, cats and other animals.
The Animal Welfare League was incorporated in 1964. Prior to this, a small number of Charlotte County residents were concerned enough about lost and homeless animals in the community to take them into their care and search for permanent new homes for them. The number of dogs and cats needing help grew as the county did. It soon became clear that a permanent facility was needed. Under the guidance of Mr. and Mrs. Abernathy and Carol Stevens, the Animal Welfare League was established in 1973 when the first shelter building was constructed on Drance Street.
In the Fall of 2005, through the generosity of our donors, we broke ground for construction of a new 10,000 sq. ft. building, which opened early in 2008. This additional space increased our capacity to care for our animals and is helping us achieve our goal of ending the euthanasia of healthy adoptable pets.
Our Adoption Center, includes two cat colony rooms with enclosed outdoor access, indoor/outdoor dog runs, six outdoor exercise runs, an educational and conference center, a spay/neuter surgical suite, and an on-site licensed veterinarian.
In early 2015 we announced the launch of our Facility Funding Challenge. The original shelter building, currently functioning as our Intake facility, was fifty years old and in desperate need of repairs and updated equipment. This renovation project will greatly improve the building's overall environment. It will enrich our quality of care and allow us to better address the needs of our animals, staff, volunteers and the community. Construction is expected to be completed in September of 2015.