For the shelter dogs at Manatee County Animal Services (MCAS), there’s something special happening this October. No, it’s not spooky sweaters or Halloween treats—it’s the promise of a better life. October is Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month, which means it’s the perfect opportunity to help our homeless pets find loving, happy homes. Currently, MCAS has 92 dogs and 114 cats at the shelter.
For the entire month of October, adoption fees will be reduced to $10 for all dogs.
Manatee County residents are required to license their new pet for an additional $20 tag fee. All pets will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and micro-chipped - a value over $300.
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, Bradenton, are available to visit by appointment only. You can make your online appointment by going to mymanatee.org/pets and filling out an adopter profile and reserving your appointment date.
MCAS is Manatee County’s only open-admission shelter facility, taking in an average of 7 animals per day in 2020. The mission of MCAS is to maintain public health and safety through the enforcement of laws and ordinances related to animals, issue and maintain records for annual pet licensing, to promote responsible pet ownership, promote adoptions, and reduce pet overpopulation. MCAS continues to operate the Pet Pantry Program offering free food and supplies to pet owners facing financial and housing hardships. The Rescue Transfer Program continues to expand with a current roster of 130 rescues and shelters as partners accepting 665 pets into their care last year. For the 2020 calendar year, MCAS had a 93% save rate.