Humane Society of Sarasota County Launches Initiative to Make Florida a No-Kill State
SARASOTA, FL – February 18, 2025 – The Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC) proudly announces the launch of a pilot program designed to support struggling animal shelters that want to increase their lifesaving goals in 2025.
TAILS (Together Assisting in Lifesaving Services) is a pilot program initiated by HSSC to support animal welfare agencies in targeted counties in Florida in a concerted effort to help other animal shelters increase their lifesaving outcomes.
HSSC's leadership team has decades of experience successfully operating a no-kill shelter, and they are bringing that knowledge to other communities. Our train-the-trainer approach teaches staff in under-resources shelters not just the basics of animal care, but also innovative strategies to address critical challenges, including facility design, medical protocols, limited veterinary access in remote areas, and systemic inefficiencies. By leveraging public-private partnerships and strategic funding, TAILS will ensure a holistic approach to animal welfare, benefiting animals, communities, and local governments statewide.
"Our expertise in no-kill shelter practices, shelter medicine and animal behavioral health will be instrumental in helping others revolutionize how they care for animals in their shelters," said David Morton, Chief Operating Officer of HSSC. "By addressing the emotional well-being of their animals, we're ensuring they have the best chance at thriving in loving homes."
Collaboration to Lead Lifesaving in Florida
Florida ranks as the fourth-worst state in the nation for animal shelter deaths, where for every ten dogs that enter a shelter, only four find forever homes. Tragically, the remainder are euthanized. But HSSC stands as a beacon of hope, having successfully operated as a no-kill shelter for decades.
HSSC's 2025 Strategic Plan emphasizes taking a leading role in advancing a no-kill Florida through its TAILS program.
As a nonprofit partner of shelters across the nation, HSSC is committed to decreasing shelter deaths by sharing resources and innovative strategies on effective no-kill shelter policies. The organization is actively collaborating with numerous counties in Florida to rebuild their shelter systems, improving the chances of adoption and reducing euthanasia rates.
"Florida's statistics are heartbreaking, but they are not unchangeable," said Janet Boyden, Chair of the Board. "By partnering with shelters statewide, we aim to create systemic change and help give thousands of animals the opportunities they deserve, and TAILS aims to propel us to #1 by creating a no-kill state through innovative, sustainable, and collaborative strategies."
A Goal to Save Lives
With a target to save at least 5,000 lives in 2025, HSSC's mission extends beyond Sarasota. By leveraging innovative practices and partnerships, the organization seeks to lead a statewide movement in animal welfare, proving that no-kill shelters can be the standard, not the exception.
"The Humane Society of Sarasota County is not just a shelter; it's a lifeline," said Anna Gonce, CEO of HSSC. "We're proving every day that innovation and compassion can coexist to save lives. Our vision for 2025 is bold, but it's achievable with the support of our community and partners."
HSSC invites the community to join in its lifesaving mission by adopting, fostering, donating, or volunteering. Together, we can rewrite the narrative of animal welfare and ensure every cat and dog finds the loving home they deserve.
For more information or to support HSSC's mission, visit www.hssc.org or call 941.955.4131.
About the Humane Society of Sarasota County
Founded in 1952, the Humane Society of Sarasota County is the area's premier no-kill shelter. HSSC is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that is not affiliated with any other animal organization—local or national—and receives no government funding. Instead, HSSC relies solely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to continue its mission to engage the hearts, hands, and minds of the community to help animals. Programs offered include pet adoptions, volunteer and foster opportunities, pet owner resources, pet therapy, and an affordable public animal clinic. Through innovative programs, partnerships, and advocacy, HSSC is transforming the future of animal welfare in Florida and beyond.