Suncoast Humane Society History and Mission
Suncoast Humane Society was founded in 1971 as the Animal Aid Society of Englewood by a dedicated group of community pioneers who incorporated as a 501(c) 3 nonprofit, charitable organization.
The original small building was enlarged throughout the years as the pet-overpopulation problem grew throughout Southwest Florida. The latest addition, includes the visiting and adoption offices, cattery and kennels, and was constructed in 1997. Over time our service area also expanded and now covers more than 450 square miles including Charlotte County, most of Sarasota County and a portion of Lee County.
Suncoast Humane Society exists to reduce the number of homeless animals and improve the quality of life. As one of Florida’s few “open admissions” animal shelters, we accept all animals brought to us from within our service area. We are committed to our policy of never turning an animal away regardless of health, temperament, size or breed.
We offer a variety of programs and services to ensure the well-being and humane treatment of animals. These include Pet Adoptions, Foster Care Program, Lost & Found Services, Preventive Health Care Clinic, providing low-cost spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping and preventive medications, Community Outreach, which provides Pet Therapy Teams, Pet Pantry Program, Humane Education, Animal Cruelty Resource and Animal Disaster Resource, three Thrift stores and a robust Volunteer Program.
Suncoast Humane Society helps animals and people through our various programs and services. For example in 2016 alone, more than 5,600 people took advantage of the services provided by our preventive care clinic, over 1,100 animals were placed into new homes or reunited with their owners and over 225,000 adults and children were reached by our social media presence and outreach programs. We are proud that our organization continues to meet the needs of the communities we serve by providing critical services that are making a difference for the homeless animals throughout Southwest Florida.