Florida Animal Friend, as a nonprofit organization, its main goal is to provide grant funding for life saving spay and neuter assistance programs that are needed at animal shelters, pet rescue organizations, and low cost spay neuter clinics across the state. The work they do helps keep pet populations under control and contributes to the health and wellbeing of our pets and stray animals. But they couldn’t do it without the support of Floridians and animal lovers everywhere. So why is the work they do important, and how can you support Florida Animal Friend? Read on to find out.
Why Are Spay and Neuter Programs Important?
Spay and neuter programs help keep pet populations to a manageable level. They also keep pets healthy, as pets that are not fixed can have unexpected litters of kittens or puppies. When this happens, many of them tend to end up either in animal shelters for unknown periods of time or in the homes of caregivers who are ill-equipped to care for such young animals.
Florida Animal Friend provides grant funding to animal shelters, and rescue organizations, and low cost spay/neuter clinics so that they can offer low, or no-cost spay and neuter programs to pet owners who cannot afford the cost of surgery. [JR1] [RH2] This greatly benefits communities who want to reduce homeless stray and community cat populations within their at-risk neighborhoods.
How Does the Grant Program Work?
Each year, Florida Animal Friend opens its grant application process to nonprofit and municipal animal shelters, and rescue organizations and low cost spay/neuter clinics in Florida to apply for grant funding that can be used to begin or continue spay and neuter programs in their area. A closely monitored point-based process is used to select grant recipients, and up to $25,000 can be awarded to an organization for this use — and only this use. Once funding runs out, recipients who were not selected to receive funding can apply again next year.
Support Florida Animal Friend’s Mission
Florida Animal Friend’s 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. The nonprofit primarily depends on support from those who purchase a Florida Animal Friend specialty license plate for their vehicle, but it also accepts monetary donations from those who wish to donate additional funds or those who may be unable to purchase a Florida license plate.
How Can You Purchase a Plate?
There are several ways to purchase, replace or renew your Florida Animal Friend specialty license plate. The specialty license plate costs just $25 more than a standard Florida plate, and every cent of the additional $25 goes toward spay and neuter grant funding and nothing else.
Online
You can request the Florida specialty plate online through the Indian River Tax Collector’s office portal. If you already have the specialty plate, you can request renewals or replacements through the same portal.
By Mail
To purchase or renew the Florida specialty plate by mail, call your local tax collector’s office and submit any materials via mail.
Replace By Mail
If you would like to replace your current license plate with a Florida Animal Friend specialty license plate now rather than wait until it’s time to renew before your birthday or set renewal date, give your local tax collector’s office a call. They’ll walk you through what’s needed so you can upgrade your plate whenever you like.
In Person
Would you rather renew, replace or purchase a Florida Animal Friend specialty plate in person? Just visit your local tag office and make your request. It’s that easy!
Show Your Support
Once you receive your new Florida Animal Friend license plate, you’ll be able to show your support everywhere you go. Those who recognize the license plate will know you proudly support the great work that Florida Animal Friend is doing to protect Florida’s pets and keep them healthy. And for those who ask you about it, you’ll be able to talk about it with pride. Do your part to support Florida’s spay and neuter programs by requesting a Florida Animal Friend license plate today.
Make a Donation
The Florida Animal Friend specialty license plate is only available in Florida. If you’re out of state but want to support the mission, or if you don’t have a vehicle, making a donation is easy. You can also make a donation if you would like to donate additional funds.
With the Florida Animal Friend license plate, it’s easy to show your support for Florida’s pets. Purchase a plate today!