Caring for pets is a big responsibility but the reward is even sweeter, especially when you are giving them the home they deserve.
When a community cares for the well-being of its animals, you truly begin to discover the heart of a city. The SPCA Florida, located in Lakeland, is dedicated to improving the lives of pets and people in the community. Every year, SPCA Florida provides care and compassion to several thousand homeless pets, bringing hope to cats and dogs without homes.
The SPCA, or Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, exists to eliminate suffering and help engage the community in the well-being of animals. In 2021 alone, they saved the lives of over 3,200 animals. Through the SPCA, you have the opportunity to save the life of a homeless animal by choosing to volunteer in one of two ways, adopt or foster an animal in your home.
Fostering 101
Every year, SPCA Florida’s Foster Caregiver Program provides temporary homes to more than 800 animals that are too young, currently being treated for illness or injury, and need socialization with other people or animals.
When you choose to foster an animal in your home, you are giving a pet a temporary home where they can feel both loved and safe. Fostering a pet allows the pet to receive love, care, and one-on-one attention before it can be adopted into a permanent home.
Ill or injured pets will recuperate better in a calm and nurturing foster home instead of the already overburdened shelter environment. Often, especially during Kitten Season, there are too many homeless pets and insufficient shelter space. Without fosters, many homeless animals would have to be humanely euthanized. Becoming a foster caregiver for SPCA Florida is just as rewarding to the caregiver as the shelter. Pets are given the opportunity to flourish in an environment other than the shelter allowing the SPCA to provide even more homes for animals that need to be adopted.
The SPCA Florida provides all training, supplies, and medical care. You are given the opportunity to visit with the animals and learn more about their specific needs. If they need medicine, you are trained on how to administer and store it. All you need to supply is transportation, love, and care.
Of course, inviting a pet into your home and then saying goodbye can be challenging. Still, if you love pets but cannot commit to an animal of your own, fostering can be an ideal, rewarding opportunity for you.
To foster an animal with the SPCA, you need to be at least 18 years of age and able to provide a safe and loving temporary home for your animal.
Adoption Center
If you’re looking for an animal to adopt into your home permanently, then the SPCA is also ready and available to help you find the perfect companion that is best suited for your home.
To adopt a pet through the SPCA, you can schedule a visit to the adoption center, where you’ll get the opportunity to meet and say hello to each of the animals and get a taste of their personalities. Counselors at the SPCA are available to answer any questions you may have during the process. You must be at least 18 years of age with a valid photo ID to fill out an adoption application.
For over 40 years the SPCA Florida has improved the lives of countless animals since opening its doors in Lakeland. Their McClurg Animal Medical Center heals and helps 50,000 patients annually. These community programs are essential to becoming a society that better cares and loves its animals. When you’re ready, you too can be a part by adopting an animal, fostering an animal, volunteering, or simply educating and encouraging others on the many services of the SPCA.
spcaflorida.org
863-646-7722
5850 Brannen Rd S, Lakeland FL 33813