Home For The Holidays Initiative Encourages Pet Adoptions

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Manatee County Animal Services launched its Home for the Holiday promotion to encourage the adoption of shelter animals this holiday season, according to a news release from MCAS.

The department encourages the community to adopt, rather than shop, when searching to bring home a new pet this season. With more than 100 adoptable dogs and cats to choose from, it’s an ideal time to add a new member to your family, MCAS said.

For all pets, adoption fees will be waived in lieu of a donation made to the Friends of Manatee County Animal Services. This promotion runs through Jan 5. Adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and rabies certificate — a value of over $300 in savings. Manatee County residents are required to license their new pet for an additional $20.

The Palmetto Adoption Center and Shelter, located at 305 25th Street West in Palmetto, and Manatee County Cat Town, located at 216 6th Avenue East in Bradenton, are available to visit by appointment only. Make an online appointment by going to mymanatee.org/pets, filling out an adopter profile and reserving your appointment date.

Unfortunately, not every pet will find their forever family in time for the holidays, but every pet benefits from being in a home, even if only for a few days, the department said. MCAS is bringing back holiday fostering, a short-term, holiday season fostering option. Through Jan. 5, county residents can take home a shelter dog or cat two to five days. For all foster participants, MCAS will provide all food and necessary supplies. For more information, please fill out the express application here.

The “Stuff our Stockings” Donation Drive will have drop-off bins at both locations. People are encouraged to drop off donations of new toys and treats for the homeless animals at our shelter. MCAS is requesting donations of the following items:

• Small treats for dogs and cats
• Fleece cat blankets
• Various cat toys
• Nylabone products for dogs (medium to large size)
• Kong Classic products for dogs (large size)

Find MCAS’ full Amazon Wish List online here. Donations can be shipped directly to the Palmetto shelter or dropped off in a bin outside both locations.

MCAS is Manatee County’s only open-admission shelter facility, taking in an average of 12 animals per day in 2019. The mission of MCAS is to maintain public health and safety through the enforcement of laws and ordinances related to animals, to promote responsible pet ownership, promote adoptions, and reduce pet overpopulation. For the 2019 calendar year, MCAS had a 95 percent save rate.

Adoption donations will benefit Friends of Manatee County Animal Services. FoMCAS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves as a fundraising arm for Manatee County Animal Services and works to enrich the lives of the shelter animals by raising funds to provide additional resources, medical care and heartworm treatment.