The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services shelter has a lot of dogs and cats waiting for a home, and it’s almost bursting at the seams. Staff are asking the community to step up by adopting, fostering, or volunteering. The shelter currently holds 26 dogs, exceeding the main kennel’s capacity of 19, and they’ve resorted to using overflow runs. Along with the dogs, there are about 35 cats and kittens in their care.

Cost is a big reason why so many animals get surrendered. Animal services workers see it all the time: people struggling to cover food and vet bills just can’t keep their pets.

When the shelter runs out of room, things get tough. Kristen Little, the foster coordinator, explains, “We’re not a no-kill shelter—we’re a municipal county shelter. Our job is to support the community and make space for animals who need us.”

Before the shelter considers euthanasia, staff do everything they can to find other options. They reach out to rescue partners, lean on their foster network, and arrange transfers if possible.

Even though the shelter’s full right now, it’s not in crisis mode like in past years. They’re making space work for incoming pets, thanks to extra rooms and overflow kennels.

If you adopt, you don’t just save one animal; you make room for the next one in need. Adoption fees cover a lot, and they include spay or neuter surgery, a rabies shot, the first year’s county license, and for dogs, a microchip.

Dog and puppy adoption fees are $70; cats and kittens are $60. Every animal sees an Animal Care Technician for a health check before going home.

If you’ve been wanting a pet, this is a good time to visit and make a difference for a homeless animal and for yourself.

Click here for more information about The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services shelter.

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