“These dogs are under-socialized, which means they aren’t used to much human contact,” said Dr. Megan Arevalo, shelter veterinarian. “What we’ve been doing over the past week is just one step in a multi-step process. The next step after spaying and neutering all the dogs is to begin behavioral modification with as many as possible so we can get them adopted out into their furever home.”
Due to the shelter being over capacity, the dogs will remain with the homeowner and as kennels open up, the dogs will be transitioned to the shelter. Thanks to the tireless work of shelter staff and partners, over 40 dogs have been spayed/neutered and updated on their shots. The shelter would like to thank the following for their involvement in making this a successful operation:
Jacksonville Human Society Fido Fixers – provided mobile vet bus and vet assistance
Pasco Animal Services
Best Friends Animal Society
Guardians of Rescue
The Bunny Hutch
A HOPE
Santa Rosa County Emergency Management
Lifeguard Ambulance Service – standby in case of an emergency
The shelter is now asking the community to help by making a monetary donation to their Partners for Pets fund at www.santarosa.fl.gov/399/Donate-to-the-Shelter to recoup medical costs already spent and to help with future medical costs related to this case and others that the shelter assists with.
“It takes a village to help animals in our community,” said Randy Lambert, shelter director. “Our work never stops and we are fortunate to live in a community that cares for animals such as these that need a little extra help.”
Other ways the community can help
- Donate items from the shelter’s Amazon Wish List.
- Continue adopting directly from the animal shelter.
- Consider fostering an animal from the shelter to open up a kennel for another needy animal.
For more information on programs offered by the animal shelter or to make an appointment to adopt, visit www.santarosa.fl.gov/387/Animal-Services.