FAQs, Resources, Lost and Found Help
Are there any requirements to adopt an animal?
Adopters MUST complete the Adoption Application, be approved by one of our experienced Adoption Counselors, and be at least 21 years old. Adopters must also be allowed to have a pet where they live and be willing and able to spend the time and money necessary to provide training, medical attention, and proper care for their new pet. Our primary focus is finding a FOREVER home for the life of the dog/cat and matching the environment to the animal. Please see our Adoption FAQs for more details.
When can I drop off a donation?
Donations can be dropped off in our lobby between 9 am and 5 pm any day of the week or call to make other arrangements. Our shelter can always use sclean heets and towels or check out our Amazon and Chewy wishlists. Thank you!
Do you need any donations in particular?
Donated items are a big help! Clean towels, blankets and washable dog beds are always welcomed. Quite often we request items through our Amazon WishList, Facebook page or on our website page "Other Ways To Give".
Can I just drop off my pet or stray animal?
If you have to give up a pet, we do require a Surrender Application All Surrender Applications will be carefully considered and you will be notified by our Shelter Director ASAP if we can accommodate your request. We review each situation on a case by case basis and we do not have one set fee. Surrender fees are based on many factors including, but not limited to if the animal is spay/neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations. Unfortunately, we are not equipped to accept strays. Please contact Manatee County Animal Services at 941-742-5933 or Sarasota County Animal Servies at 941-861-9500 if you find a stray dog or cat. As we are a non-profit organization, we will typically (although not always if extreme financial hardships exist) request a donation to assist with costs to cover food, veterinary care, monthly medications, etc. until the pet can be rehomed. Click HERE for the Canine Surrender Application and HERE for Feline Surrender Application.
How long do animals stay at The HSLWR?
We are a no-kill shelter and animals will stay with us as long as they need until they can find their forever home.
How is The HSLWR funded?
The HSLWR is an independent, nonprofit organization with a 501(c)(3) status. We rely on the generous financial support of individual donors, grants, charitable donations, and funds from special events. HSLWR does not receive funding from the state or federal government and is not affiliated with a national organization. All of the work that we do is made possible through your support!
Where can I find information on volunteering?
There are many ways to get involved at The HSLWR, and help in any area is greatly appreciated. Check out or Volunteer page for more information and our Volunteer Application.
How much does it cost to adopt an animal?
Adoption fees vary. Currently, Kittens under 1 year-$85, Cats-$75, Puppies (under 1 year)-$300, young adult dogs (1-2 yrs. old)-$250, adult dogs-$200. Purebred or Senior dog prices may vary. Click here for more Adoption FAQ's.
Can I put an animal "on hold"?
Unfortunately, no. We adopt our animals to qualified individuals after they come into the shelter to meet the animal and complete our Adoption Application. Applications are carefully reviewed and considered on a first come, first served basis. No exceptions. We appreciate your understanding on this policy.
Can you notify me when a certain type of animal becomes available?
As much as we’d like to, we unfortunately don’t have the resources to keep up with potential adoptor’s requests. Our animal population changes frequently, so the best thing to do is keep checking our website's adoptable dogs and cats and our Facebook and Instagram feeds. If there is one who strikes your fancy, come on down and get acquainted!
How can I foster a cat or dog?
Fostering is important because it helps prepare animals for adoption by giving them a chance to live in a home where the can fully express their personality, work to overcome fears, or recover from trauma as well as some puppies/kittens who need a little bit more TLC. You can download a Foster Application by clicking this link, return it to us and our Shelter Director will contact you.
Will my new pet be spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped?
YES! All of our cats and dogs are spayed or neutered before leaving the building. Every animal will be as up-to-date on their vaccinations as age permits, however some boosters may be needed. All of our animals are microchipped. All details regarding medical and vaccination history will be provided at adoption.
To Report Animal Cruelty, Abuse or Neglect:
Manatee County Animal Services: 941-742-5933
Manatee County Sheriff’s Dept. Large Animal Complaints (Agricultural Deputy): 941-747-3011 x 1150
Sarasota County Animal Services: 941- 861-9500
Have you lost your pet?
It can be a traumatic experience for both of you when your beloved dog or cat strays from home. Here are some tips that we hope will help you find your pet.
1. Search the neighborhood. Pets often hide when they are scared. Walk or drive through your neighborhood several times each day. Bring favorite treats and call for your pet. Ask neighbors, letter carriers and delivery people if they have seen your pet. Hand out a recent photograph of your pet and information on how you can be reached if your pet is found.
2. Check the Manatee County Animal Services website.
You should also visit animal services to see if your pet has been found and isn't yet updated on their website. If your animal is not at animal services, we suggest that you report them as missing so you can be contacted if they are found.
Manatee County Animal Services 941-742-5933. Please also visit their website at Manatee County Animal Welfare Lost/Found Resources You will find many resources including a map and images of lost/found animals and a form to submit in case your pet is found.
Sarasota County Animal Services 941-861-9501. Please also submit and image and description of your lost pet to sarasotsheriff.org
3. Advertise. Post flyers at grocery stores, veterinary offices, traffic intersections, pet supply stores and other locations. Include your pet's sex, age, weight, breed, color and any special markings as well as a way to contact you if found.
4. Try the Internet. Social media can be very helping in getting the word out quickly. Use Facebook to post on your own page as well as send messages to local shelters and rescue groups. Craigslist and Nextdoor.com can also be helpful. You can also try www.lostfoundpets941.com-thier Facebook group is now the largest, most active lost and found group in the Manatee - Sarasota County areas covering Sarasota, Bradenton, Palmetto, Parrish, Ellenton, Venice, Northport, Myakka and areas beyond. Please also post on Petco Lost Love.
5. Don't give up your search. Check animal services and their websites daily. Animals who have been lost for months to years have been reunited with their owners.
A pet has a better chance of being returned if she always wears a collar and an ID tag with your name, address and telephone number. Microchipping is the best way for a pet to be reunited to its owner!
Have you found a pet?
1.Check for a microchip. Most local veterinarian and animal shelters are able to scan for a microchip. If the pet has a registered microchip, it should have the contact information of the owner.
2. Report the animal to Animal Services. Call Manatee County Animal Services at 941-742-5933 and Sarasota County Animal Services at 941-861-9501 to report details of the animal you have found. Even if you do not bring the pet to Animal Services, it is important to report the animal you have found. This gives all owners the best opportunity to find their pet. Please also submit a found report at Manatee County Animal Services
3. Contact local shelters & rescue groups. Email or call with information about the pet such as where it was found, description and your contact info.
4. Advertise. Make a flyer to post around the location the pet was found. Post on Facebook, www.lostfoundpets941.com, Petco Lost Love & Nextdoor.com.
What if I need to return (surrender) my newly adopted dog or cat back to the HSLWR?
If an adopted animal needs to be surrendered back to the HSLWR, it must be done by appointment only and the original Adoption Fee will not be refunded. If you have any questions, please refer to your Adoption Contract or contact your Adoption Counselor.
