Homeless pets can find their loving forever homes only through the good graces of trustworthy pet rescue groups and animal shelters.
February is nationally recognized as National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month. According to the Humane Society, the purpose is to encourage people to have their pets sterilized before the spring and summer months when there is a rampant overproduction of puppies and kittens.
In honor of this, we will highlight some animal rescues in Brevard County, Florida’s Space Coast.
Before we start, did you know that dogs and cats are fertile animals that can produce several litters yearly? If the math is calculated to determine the number of puppies and kittens in each litter, one dog can potentially produce 12-20 puppies, and a cat can produce 12-18 kittens in a year.
About twenty-three percent of those puppies and kittens will end up being euthanized. Approximately 49% of those puppies and kittens will find homes. WOW!
Coastal Poodle Rescue
Coastal Poodle Rescue (CPR) is a fostering service that is 100% volunteer-driven. It was established in 2004, and their stats have grown significantly. The number of poodles saved is 1,801 to date. Each poodle is adopted in Florida as they require a home visit before adoption. CPR relies upon donations to continue to care for the poodles they are fostering. Coastal Poodle Rescue also hosts various events to support their foster poodles. Have you ever seen them at their annual Mardi Gras Paws in the Park in Cocoa Riverfront Park? Support these loving poodle pups and the people caring for them!
Helping Overpopulation of Pets End (HOPE)
Helping Overpopulation of Pets End (HOPE) has been helping mainly homeless cats but dogs as well since 2012. HOPE fosters pets and educates the community, has a Trap-Neuter-Release program, and assists low-income residents in caring for their pets. Two thumbs up to this recuse for all that they do! You can support them further by checking out their thrift store, Pawsitve HOPE, at 3116 Lake Washington Rd, in Melbourne. Check out HOPE’s website for other ways to support them in their rally to “create a world where every animal is valued and protected, and where every person has the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of animals.”
SPCA of Brevard
The SPCA is a shelter in Titusville that provides many services for the surrounding area. It is not only a shelter but also has a low-cost clinic, which allows it to offer basic services such as spaying, neutering, and vaccinations at an affordable price. On Saturday, February 16, 2019, the SPCA will be having an open house at its Adoption Center with many vendors and adoptable animals. You can also find its Petmobile location calendar on its website.
Wild Florida Rescue
Wild Florida Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit comprised of volunteers trained to properly handle, stabilize, and transport injured and displaced wildlife. This organization was founded in 2016 by Baleen “Heather” Pepe-Dillon and Matthew Buice. They each have a passion for saving wildlife that inhabits Melbourne, Florida, and the surrounding area. They provide around-the-clock rescues for any wild animal that may be in danger. Their Facebook page highlights the work they do and any events/fundraisers going on. You can support their mission to save Florida’s wildlife by volunteering, donating, or becoming a member. Your annual membership will include rescue and release updates, eligibility to become a WFR volunteer, and a free subscription to our quarterly newsletter.
Be cautious when supporting an animal rescue group.
Not all pet rescues are created equal. When donating to a pet rescue, whether for cats, dogs, horses, or any other animal, make sure you know where your money, supplies, or time is going. I encourage you to support a local shelter or pet rescue, but before sponsoring financially, stop by the shelter and take a look around. In 2019, Space Coast Daily reported a “rescue” that was doing more harm than good.
Let’s not forget the recent arrests made in 2024 for an alleged Merritt Island puppy mill. Local rescue groups worked so very hard to find all the rescued puppies foster and permanent homes. It’s heartbreaking – and sickening – to know that people can be so cruel to helpless animals.
Support our Space Coast homeless pets!
According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.5 million cats and dogs enter US shelters and rescues in one calendar year. Although it is excellent news that this number has seen a decline, we, as pet lovers/parents and caretakers, need to continue this march forward to ensure the decline continues. So, help a shelter out this year! It can be as simple as sharing this article on Facebook about the importance of spaying/neutering, donating to a local rescue group, or as extensive as adopting a new pet.
Don’t forget about a pet care provider for your new furry friend or even the fur babies you already have. Space Coast Pet Services provides several pet services, from cat sitting to pet taxi to dog walking services.
Check our website for a complete list of our services in Viera, Rockledge, and Suntree, and join our pet family. Happy Adopting!
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Hello, we have a dog that is highly energetic and unfortunately is capable of jumping our fences. She is a good family dog but needs a home that she can openly run. How can you help us find her a good home.
Hi Patrick, We recommend contacting one of our local rescues for help with this. We only operate in pet care/pet sitting and not pet rehoming or rescue. Thanks for checking out our article and good luck!