Manatee Community Foundation Awards $50,000 Grant to Support Innovative New Pet Resource Center in Manatee County
Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) has awarded a $50,000 grant to support the creation of a new Pet Resource Center in downtown Bradenton. Housed in a renovated county building near the juvenile detention center, the Pet Resource Center aims to strengthen the bond between people and their pets by addressing the challenges that often lead to pet surrender. Here, pet owners can come for advice, essential care, and extra support during difficult times.
“Instead of focusing only on adoptions, we’re shifting to prevention,” said Sarah Brown, Director of Community and Veteran Services. “Having surveyed the community, we’ve discovered that veterinary costs, behavioral challenges, and access to basic pet care are some of the top reasons people are forced to surrender their animals. This center will help address those needs head-on.”
The grant from MCF will help equip a full-service medical suite, giving families access to veterinary care they might not otherwise be able to afford. The Center will also provide support with pet behavior issues, case management, and access to pet food. As the space will also feature adoptable animals, it will give residents the chance to connect with pets in need and to learn more about what it takes to care for them successfully.
“The goal is simple but powerful: to keep pets in loving homes,” said Brown. “When families are connected to the right resources, the emotional and logistical burden of giving up a pet can often be avoided.”
MCF’s investment makes a physical facility possible, but it also contributes to a broader vision for animal welfare in Manatee County. This aligns with the Foundation’s mission to strengthen the community through philanthropy and meaningful partnerships.
“Helping families care for their pets during difficult times supports overall community stability and well-being,” said Veronica Thames, CEO of MCF. “We are proud to invest in such a forward-thinking project that meets pet owners where they are while easing the burden on local shelters.”
With doors set to open soon, The Center is poised to become a model for how local governments and philanthropic partners can collaborate to improve outcomes for both animals and the people who care for them.
For more information about the Pet Resource Center, contact Sarah Brown atsarah.brown@mymanatee.org or 941-779-3278.
For information on ways to invest in our community, visit www.manateecf.org.
