The 2024 Giving Challenge took place April 9-10 from noon to noon. During that 24-hour period, an astounding $17,244,298 was raised by 53,305 donors for the benefit of 724 organizations. This was the highest number of nonprofit participants since the first Giving Challenge in 2012, which had 109 nonprofits (including the Humane Society of Sarasota ...

In anticipation of the 2024 Giving Challenge, which will take place April 9-10, from noon to noon, we reflect on the fantastic success of the 2022 Giving Challenge and how donors made a difference for HSSC and the animals we serve. #BeTheOne April 26 and 27, 2022, were two seemingly ordinary days. Here's what was happening at the Humane Society of ...

The Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC), the area's premier no-kill shelter, is the recipient of a $25,000 grant from the Helen C. Schwieder Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Grant funds will be used for emergency veterinary treatment for urgent cases or extraordinary medical needs for shelter animals. As a no-kill shel...

Clyde came to the Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC) in desperate need of medical attention. The two-year-old dog was hit by a car and left on the side of the road. Without hesitation, HSSC staff said yes to saving a life. Upon arrival, our veterinary team determined Clyde had sustained fractures in his pelvis. They immediately jumped into ac...

We know that you have many choices of nonprofits to support. You have high standards and expect nonprofits to meet them.  As a private nonprofit that does not receive any government funding and is not affiliated with any other humane organization—national or local—the Humane Society of Sarasota County depends on the support of individuals...

The HSSC Animal Clinic is open for walk-in vaccinations and $10 micro-chipping on Monday until 5pm and Tuesday 8am - noon at 2331 15th Street, Sarasota, FL 34237.The shelter and animal clinic will close to the public on noon Tuesday and will re-open at 10am on Thursday weather-permitting. The Adoption Center will be closed, however all adopters wit...

As storm preparations were just about complete at the Humane Society of Sarasota County, executive director Anna Gonce added one more task to the list; meet the dog transport that was arriving with 15 dogs from Dixie County Animal Control. "These are dogs that would have otherwise had to ride out the storm in outside kennels," said Gonce. "We had t...

HSSC's 2023 Fall Newsletter is hot off the press. See below to read all about our latest efforts to increase lifesaving in Sarasota County and beyond. To receive a print copy of this newsletter, please contact our Philanthropy Team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 941.955.4131 x121.

When a young girl named Rilee Michelle Beisler lost her life at attempting to save her two dogs from a house fire in May 2021, the Sarasota community mourned this tragedy. HSSC started to receive gifts in her memory from kindhearted donors. Many of them did not even know Rilee, but they were so touched by her bravery and how her last thoughts ...

HSSC's Second-Annual Adult Summer Camp took place on Saturday, July 29, 2023. More than two dozen kids at heart filled the Education & Training Center to marvel at animals both domestic and exotic, owned and adoptable. For three hours, these campers became kids again. We kicked things off with a pop quiz about HSSC's history and programs, follo...

We are still reeling from the wild success of Florida's first statewide adoption event held June 23-25, 2023 and presented by Petco Love with support from BOBS from Skechers™. A total of 1,928 dogs and cats found new, loving homes across the state!Thanks to the overwhelming support of our community, HSSC had a record adoption weekend, pla...

Saturday, November 12, 2022, was a perfect day for a race. Tropical Storm Nicole had departed our region only a little more than a day prior, leaving clear blue skies in her wake. More than 160 runners of all ages, including dogs, waited behind the inflatable Fit2Time arch, hands over hearts as the Sun Outdoors Sarasota Veterans Honor Guard raised ...

The Giving Challenge, presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County with giving strengthened by The Patterson Foundation, caused a fervor of generosity across the Suncoast. This 24-hour day of local giving generated more than $15.9M in unrestricted contributions for 669 nonprofits. Of that total, HSSC received $78,081 from 531 donors. Th...

Once again the Giving Challenge, presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County with giving strengthened by The Patterson Foundation, is upon us. Since 2012, this 24-hour day of local generosity has inspired the community and generated more than $59 million in unrestricted donations for 700+ area nonprofits. HSSC has participated in ...

There is absolutely nothing better than an event that's as fun as it is successful. The 2022 Paws on the Dance Floor, held Friday, April 8, at Art Ovation Hotel, raised an incredible $268,982 for the shelter animals at HSSC. From start to finish, it was an event like no other. Guests were treated to a non-stop party atmosphere, beginning with dange...