“Our mission is to help save the lives of countless unwanted cats and dogs by supporting organizations that offer free or low-cost spay and neuter services across the state of Florida.”
In 2004, Florida State Senator Nan Rich sponsored a bill for a specialty animal license plate to raise funds to help provide education on the benefits of spaying and neutering pets, as well as financial assistance to not-for-profit Florida spay and neuter programs across the state. Soon after, the Florida Animal Control Association, the Florida Veterinary Medical Association and the Humane Society of the United States banded together and formed Florida Animal Friend. Since our incorporation in October 2005, Florida Animal Friend’s goal has been to help end pet overpopulation.
The main source of funding for Florida Animal Friend is the sale of our specialty license plate, as well as private and charitable donations (you can make a donation anytime!). Each year, our grant committee, along with our Board of Directors, reviews grant applications from nonprofit and municipal agencies across Florida that have free or low-cost spay and neuter programs in place. Florida Animal Friend then provides up to $25,000 per organization, based on particular proposal criteria that demonstrate efficiency and impact. To learn more about applying for a grant, visit our Grant FAQ.
Over the years, Florida Animal Friend has awarded more than $8,800,000 to incredible organizations with effective Florida spay and neuter programs. An increase in the number of these surgeries greatly reduces pet overpopulation and ultimately saves the lives of countless homeless cats and dogs, who would otherwise be put to sleep, each year. For this reason, Florida Animal Friend grants are awarded to organizations that demonstrate an ability to increase sterilization procedures above the existing baseline for their area, recognizing that there are geographical disparities regarding access to resources and cost of service.
