SUBJECT:
Title
Present Update for Grants Provided to Humane Society of Marion County, Inc., Sheltering Hands, Inc., and Voices of Change Animal League, Inc.
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INITIATOR: |
DEPARTMENT: |
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Angel Roussel, P.E., Assistant County Administrator |
Administration |
DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
For the past two years, Marion County has provided grant funding to support animal services through three local organizations: Humane Society of Marion County, Inc., Sheltering Hands, Inc., and Voices of Change Animal League, Inc. (VOCAL). These services include Spay and Neuter surgeries, vaccinations and micro-chipping.
Humane Society of Marion County, Inc., is a non-profit shelter dedicated to caring for and protecting animals in Marion County. They have been serving homeless and neglected animals for over 55 years. Since January 2025, a total of 350 surgeries have been performed and all funds have been exhausted.
Sheltering Hands, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Ocala, comprised mainly of dedicated volunteers. Their mission is to improve the lives of cats through humane care, low-cost spay/neuter surgery, comprehensive cat adoption programs, education, and support services for the community. A total of 545 surgeries have been performed and all funds have been exhausted as of October 31, 2025. Each also cat received vaccines and a dose of flea control along with the surgery.
VOCAL’s mission is to solve the homeless pet problem through prevention, community outreach, adoption and collaboration. VOCAL’s Community Clinic and Resource Center stands ready to provide practical support to “good Samaritans” who find stray animals and take them into their home and off the street. Spay and neuter services were provided to 436 cats and dogs of low-income families. These pets also received rabies and distemper vaccines and microchips.
Due to the success with this partnership, staff is recommending to replenish the grant funding for each organization to continue these programs.
BUDGET/IMPACT:
None
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
For informational purposes.
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