About Us
The HSLWR is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides a safe haven for companion animals in need until a loving, forever home can be found.
Our Philosophies:
- Kindness and respect of animals with special needs and of all ages.
- Provide necessary, quality medical care to animals while in our care.
- Support and encourage volunteer endeavours in our community.
- Develop outreach programs to foster an understanding and caring community.
- Enforce stringent adoption policies to ensure a proper home environment for the animal.
- Educate our community and adopting families on the responsibilities of animal ownership.
Our History
Our story began with four people and a fierce desire to help save homeless animals in Manatee County. The HSLWR's first rescue pup was a 150 pound mastiff housed at a founding Board member's private home and a new rescue and shelter organization was born! Soon, The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch was providing food, shelter and medical care to six dogs!
We soon realized that we would need more space to grow and our next chapter began in a small, donated commercial space. We spent 7 years in our "little shelter that could" until we out grew that space too!
In 2019, a generous benefactor purchased a house and garage in Myakka City, FL on 5.6 acres of land for us to develop into the state-of-the-art shelter we have today.