**If you see the "Adopt Big" icon on the profile photo that animal is eligible for the adoption promotion.**
When you adopt a shelter pet, you save two lives—the pet you adopt and the pet who takes the space your new pet just vacated. HSSC has been a no-kill facility since 2009, which means that no animal is ever euthanized to make space for another. Every animal in our facility is getting a second chance for a happy life.
Falling in love with a pet is easy. Adopting a pet, however, is a big decision. Dogs and cats require a lot of time, money, and commitment. HSSC encourages you to think through your decision before you adopt a companion animal. When you visit HSSC to adopt, our experienced Adoption Counselors and Matchmakers will help you find the pet that’s likely to be a good fit for your lifestyle and living arrangements.
Are you an active-duty member or veteran of the U.S. Military? Your adoption fee may be waived. Learn more about our Military Adoption Program.
Please read the Adoption FAQ below for other helpful information.
Special thanks to our Foundation Partner, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County for their lifesaving support.
HSSC Adoptable Pets Are:
Browse our real-time listings of available dogs and cats.
Adoption Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday–Friday: 10am–6pm
Saturday: 10am–4pm
Sunday: Closed
Adoptions stop 30 minutes prior to closing.
HSSC is open to the public for normal adoption hours. We ask that you please wear a mask or face covering currently.
HSSC is located at 2331 15th Street, Sarasota, FL 34237. Get Directions. Look for the sign that says “Adoption Center.” There is a parking lot outside the Adoption Center.
The adoption fees we collect help us provide food, shelter, important medical care, and treatment for the animals.
Adoption Fees for Dogs |
|
Puppies (up to 6 months) |
$200 |
Small Adult Dogs (Under 25 lbs) (6 months to 6 years) |
$125 |
Medium & Large Adult Dogs (6 months to 6 years) |
$85 |
Senior Dogs (7 years and older) |
$55 |
|
|
Adoption Fees for Cats |
|
Kittens (up to 5 months) |
$85 |
Adult Cats (6 months to 7 years) |
$65 |
Senior Cats (7 years and older) |
$25 |
We complete all adoptions digitally, so we can either text a checkout link to your mobile phone or you can complete the process using one of our devices. We accept debit/credit cards.
Additional Fees
Adopters Receive:
Adoption Programs:
Military Adoption Program: The Humane Society of Sarasota County's Military adoption program is made possible by Sun Outdoors Sarasota. Thanks to Sun Outdoors Sarasota's generosity, adoption fees are waived for all active‐duty and veteran members of the U.S. Armed Forces when they adopt a companion animal from HSSC. Service members simply need to show proof of military service, and their adoption fee is covered. While not trained service animals, HSSC adoptable animals are guaranteed to provide love and support and be a true comrades in arms.
Plan to spend at least an hour at HSSC to complete the adoption process.
Our website has real-time listings of available dogs and cats. If an animal is not on the website, it has either been adopted or has been made temporarily unavailable. If you like to see which animals have been adopted, we post adoption photos on our Facebook page also.
Once you have met the pet you wish to adopt, and you wish to place a hold on them, a hold is only good until the end of the following business day. The hold fee is $20 and is not refundable and will be applied towards the adoption fee. If the adoption is not completed, the holding fee will be considered a donation to HSSC.
HSSC does not maintain a waiting list because we have no way to guarantee what animals will be available or when. We encourage those looking to adopt to regularly visit our available dogs and cats pages. Keep an open mind, too. We regularly see adopters fall in love with animals they never considered until they visited the shelter. Our Adoption Counselors and Matchmakers are excellent at helping your find the dog or cat who is right for you.
There is always an adjustment period with a new pet, especially if you have other pets in the home. HSSC can help you manage the adjustment. Several handouts are available in the Adoption Center and in our Pet Health & Safety section.
If you have any questions, issues, or concerns about your pet once you get home, please contact us. Your Adoption Counselor can ease the transition and can refer you to our K-9 Behavior Coordinators or Feline Specialist.
Make sure to schedule any follow-up appointments with your veterinarian.
If an adopted animal turns out to not be a good fit, the animal may be returned to HSSC within 30 days of adoption, space permitting. There is no fee to return, but the original adoption fee will not be refunded.
After 30 days, animals must go through the surrender process at HSSC. Acceptance is not guaranteed. Learn more about Pet Surrender.
All returns and surrenders are by appointment only.
Read the Adoption Returns Policy (PDF).
The Animal Resource Guide (PDF) lists the various animal service organizations throughout Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties. Pet Pages publishes a print resource directory and has an online directory with quick links to local animal resources, including emergency veterinary care. Here is a great guide for renters looking for pet-friendly housing.
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THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF SARASOTA COUNTY, INC., IS A PRIVATE, NON-PROFIT 501(C)(3) CORPORATION REGISTERED WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & CONSUMER SERVICES, REGISTRATION NUMBER CH239, AND RECEIVES 100% OF ALL DONATED FUNDS. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR ONLINE AT WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.