The Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County is reporting another successful year of helping many local animals.
Joe Sprague, HS/SPCA’s executive director, said the no-kill organization’s growth and 95 percent live-release rate is largely due to community members who demonstrated that they truly care about helping save animals’ lives.
“It is because of our adopters, volunteers, businesses and club sponsors, donors, shelter staff and volunteer board that lives can be saved and improved,” Sprague said.
The organization’s five-acre campus in Lake Panasoffkee is progressing with recent kennel expansions and facility improvements. Sprague invites visitors to come by, meet him and his team and tour the campus to learn more about how they can make a difference.
Sprague said some of the organization’s successes from the past year include:
- Fun events such as the Black Cat Adoption Party and the first Puppy Bowl were big highlights for connecting loving adopters with dogs and cats. Monthly pet adoption events throughout Sumter County and National Pet Adoption Days at Petco and PetSmart led to many happy faces, In fact, more than 100 cats were adopted at each of the Petco and PetSmart partners’ showcases.
- Total direct HS/SPCA Adoptions: 698 (275 dogs and 423 cats) found new families. In completing the third and final year of voluntarily helping transfer/adopt dogs and cats from Sumter County Animal Services, an additional 408 dogs/485 cats were transferred to other partnering no-kill shelters/rescues and 33 dogs/21 cats were adopted directly.
- The “Seniors for Seniors” Reduced Fee Adoption program saw six seniors adopt a senior pet and accept a discounted adoption rate.
- The “Pets For Vets” Reduced Fee Adoption program had 13 veterans and/or active military accept a discounted adoption rate.
- The “Big Fix” Free Spay/Neuter Voucher program had 726 dogs and cats spayed/neutered for qualifying families throughout Sumter County. This will prevent the birth of potentially 3,600 kittens and 2,400 puppies next year. The organization invested more than $60,000 in this vital effort to curb animal homelessness and needless suffering.
- The Strut Your Mutt organizers and supporters raised approximately $50,000 to support the organization, helping improve and expand operations.
- The HS/SPCA’s Humane Education outreach touched hundreds of local children at area schools and groups, while pet safety was featured for thousands of Florida residents at local hurricane expos. Local Girl Scouts, UMC Youth Ministry and the Builder’s Club kids also got involved to save lives.
- The HS/SPCA proudly teamed up with Boondocks K9 Search & Rescue and helped collect and donate truckloads of emergency provisions to Hurricane Michael victims.
- The HS/SPCA spent more than $200,000 in medical care with $40,000-plus going to preventive care/medications and $20,000-plus to emergency cases. The organization took in 46 cats and kittens and 11 puppies from very dire situations and 10 dogs surrendered to them from a backyard breeder. Due to so many animals in need year-round, monthly expenses can average more than $50,000.
- Through the “Kibbles” Free Pet Food Pantry, the group distributed more than 21,000 pounds of dog and cat food to an average of 70 qualifying Sumter County families (a monthly average of 105 dogs and 83 cats fed). This program helps people who might otherwise be forced to surrender their furry family members due to financial hardship.
- Dedicated volunteers helped make these achievements a reality through their hard work at the Lake Panasoffkee campus or at off-site adoption and fundraising events.
- The devoted and kind staff spent countless hours caring for so many animals, giving their hearts to each one as they worked to help heal and nurture them while finding them forever homes.
Donations to the Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County Inc. help cover the costs of saving, treating and caring for neglected, abused and abandoned animals. Learn more at hsspca.org, call (352) 793-9117 or visit the organization’s Facebook page by clicking HERE.
The shelter is located at 994 County Road 529A in Lake Panasoffkee. The office is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Kennel pet viewing takes place Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and visitors are always welcome.
