No, never leave your pet unattended in a parked car for any period of time. On a warm day, the temperature in a car can reach 120 degrees F in a matter of minutes - even with the windows partially open. Your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation when trapped in high temperatures. If your pet has become overheated, you must lower his/her body temperature immediately. Apply ice packs or cold towels to your pet's head, neck, and chest only. Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over his/her body to gradually lower the body temperature. Be alert to the signs of heat stress; heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue. Take your pet to a veterinarian right away - it could save your pet's life. If you see an animal in a car exhibiting any signs of heat stress, call MCAW or local law enforcement immediately.

Yes, all pet stores and breeders in Manatee County must obtain a license from Manatee County Animal Welfare to operate. The license must be renewed annually, but there is no fee for the license. 

Your pets must be licensed in Manatee County. Your pet (dog, cat or ferret) requires a yearly rabies vaccination and County license and failure to obtain this registration could result in fines as high as $1,000. Purchasing a license is not just the law, it is like taking out an insurance policy – if your pet ever gets lost, it can help ensure they’ll find their way home.

Please email Manatee County Animal Welfare at the following contacts: For adoption inquiries or the status of a specific pet, email adoptions@mymanatee.org For foster inquiries and rescue partners, email lauren.tryon@mymanatee.org For media inquiries or interview requests, email hans.wohlgefahrt@mymanatee.org For general inquiries, email animal.services@mymanatee.org

Exercising common sense around coyotes is the best protection against encounters. Pet owners should keep their pets on a leash, especially when in wooded areas. Humans should never feed wild animals. Coyotes in particular look for easy sources of food and will become comfortable in urban settings if they are provided with food. Coyotes may provide an ecological benefit by controlling populations of small predators, such as raccoons, that raid nests and eat eggs. They also prey on crop-eating wildlife. Some biologists believe that coyotes fill the role of red wolves, which have been eradicated from Florida.

Foster parents are volunteers that provide temporary care for animals who aren't quite ready for adoption due to age, health or behavior. By opening your home, you are freeing up space for other animals and providing individualized attention that certain animals require. It is a crucial aspect of Manatee County Animal Welfare -directly impacting our life saving mission. The necessary supplies are provided by MCAW, so all you need is time and love to give! If you have room in your home and heart and are interested in becoming a foster, please email foster@mymanatee.org to get started. For additional information about the program, please contact 941-742-5933 ext. 8314. Our biggest foster needs right now: large breed dogs kittens animals in need of socialization animals currently being treated for illness or injury You will be required to provide: appropriate housing for each pet transportation socialization/training love

Volunteers are essential to MCAW's lifesaving mission. Some of the volunteer activities you can help with include: dog walking, socializing dogs & cats, enrichment activities, fostering, photography, and special events. Junior volunteers are welcome to join us, but must be at least 14 years old (see details below under Volunteer Requirements). Volunteer opportunities are constantly changing as we grow and develop new programs; but what doesn't change is your impact. In order for you to get the most out of your experience at MCAW, there are a few requirements we ask volunteers to meet: • Submit an online application, which includes signing a volunteer agreement and a Release and Waiver of Liability form. • Complete an online general volunteer orientation session. • Attend an in-person interview and tour of facility and pick up your volunteer wristband. • Sign up and volunteer for three Support Task activities at either facility prior to participating in the various MCAW volunteer opportunities. • Be able to work independently and meet the volunteer requirements – including the essential capabilities of our volunteers. • Attend additional training sessions as required by MCAW. • Volunteer at least monthly. • Treat all animals with kindness and concern for their welfare. • Represent yourself and MCAW in a professional manner and treat clients, staff, and other volunteers with respect. • Junior volunteers (minimum age 14 years old for cats and 16 years old for dogs) can volunteer after completing all registration requirements and the orientation tour. Junior volunteers can foster once an application has been completed by a parent or guardian. New volunteers can apply at https://app.betterimpact.com/Application?OrganizationGuid=9c5a7129-cf7d-4b03-99dc-f3b087690c73&ApplicationFormNumber=1

Be prepared to assess the situation. Use whatever you have on hand to take care of yourself and ensure your pet’s safety during an emergency. Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the emergency, the first important decision is whether you stay put or get away. You should understand and plan for both possibilities. Use common sense and the information you are learning here to determine if there is immediate danger. In any emergency, local authorities may or may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet for instructions. If you’re specifically told to evacuate, shelter-in-place or seek medical treatment, do so immediately. Create a plan to get away. Plan how you will assemble your pets and anticipate where you will go. If you must evacuate, take your pets with you, if practical. If you go to a public shelter, keep in mind your animals may not be allowed inside. Secure appropriate lodging in advance depending on the number and type of animals in your care. Consider family or friends willing to take in you and your pets in an emergency. Other options may include: a hotel or motel that takes pets or a boarding facility, such as a kennel or veterinary hospital that is near an evacuation facility or your family’s meeting place. Find out before an emergency happens if any of these facilities in your area might be viable options for you and your pets. Develop a buddy system. Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Talk with your pet care buddy about your evacuation plans and show them where you keep your pet’s emergency supply kit. Also, designate specific locations; one in your immediate neighborhood and another farther away, where you will meet in an emergency. Talk to your pet’s veterinarian about emergency planning. Discuss the types of things that you should include in your pet’s emergency first aid kit. Get the names of vets or veterinary hospitals in other cities where you might need to seek temporary shelter. You should also consider talking with your veterinarian about permanent identification such as microchipping and enrolling your pet in a recovery database. If your pet is microchipped, keeping your emergency contact information up to date and listed with a reliable recovery database is essential to your being reunited with your pet. Gather contact information for emergency animal treatment. Make a list of contact information and addresses of area animal control agencies including the Humane Society or SPCA and emergency veterinary hospitals. Keep one copy of these phone numbers with you and one in your pet’s emergency supply kit. Obtain “Pets Inside” stickers and place them on your doors or windows, including information on the number and types of pets in your home to alert firefighters and rescue workers. Consider putting a phone number on the sticker where you could be reached in an emergency. And, if time permits, remember to write the words “Evacuated with Pets” across the stickers, should you flee with your pets. Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an emergency supply kit for yourself, your family and your pets, is the same regardless of the type of emergency. However, it’s important to stay informed about what might happen and know what types of emergencies are likely to affect your region as well as emergency plans that have been established by your state and local government. For more information about how to prepare, visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY. Be prepared to adapt this information to your personal circumstances and make every effort to follow instructions received from authorities on the scene. With these simple preparations, you can be ready for the unexpected. Those who take the time to prepare themselves and their pets will likely encounter less difficulty, stress and worry. Take the time now to get yourself and your pet ready.

If you are like millions of animal owners nationwide, your pet is an important member of your household. The likelihood that you and your animals will survive an emergency such as a fire or flood, tornado or terrorist attack depends largely on emergency planning done today. Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an animal emergency supply kit and developing a pet care buddy system, are the same for any emergency. Whether you decide to stay put in an emergency or evacuate to a safer location, you will need to make plans in advance for your pets. Keep in mind that what’s best for you is typically what’s best for your animals. If you must evacuate, take your pets with you, if possible. However, if you are going to a public shelter, it is important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside. Plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your pets. Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can’t care for your animals yourself. Develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends and relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at least seven days.

Please consider every available alternative to surrendering your pet to a shelter before you schedule an appointment for surrender. We make no guarantees about adoption placement. WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN SURRENDERING It is likely we will not be able to take your pet immediately. If we have space available in our shelter, we will schedule a time for you to come in. If there are no openings, you will be placed on our waiting list and will receive a call for an appointment when a space becomes available. Exceptions will be made in certain circumstances. For questions please call 941-742-5933 WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU All veterinary records Your pet's medications Special food or treats that your pet needs Your pet's bed, toys, leash and other belongings from home Your pet's crate or carrier Your surrender fee in the form of cash, Visa/MasterCard/Discover/American Express No checks please SURRENDER FEES $40 for cat, dog, or litter of puppies/kittens For everyone's safety, all dogs must be leashed and all cats must be in a carrier or box. WHEN YOU ARRIVE Your cat will be tested for feline leukemia, or your dog over 6 months of age will be tested for heartworms. A staff member will evaluate the temperament of your animal. We make no guarantees about adoption placement of any animal.

Manatee County Animal Welfare utilizes a nationally-recognized standard to track our statistics. The animal save rate is calculated by: (intake minus euthanasia outcomes) divided by intake. This number tells us the percentage of the animals admitted that were not euthanized. Using this formula, a shelter may have a high save rate and be admitting many animals, adopting out few, euthanizing few and sheltering many. Animals admitted to a shelter, and housed for years without a live outcome, are “saved” according to this formula. Shelters have multiple options regarding how to measure and publicly report on the work of their organizations. In some cases, there is much to be learned by examining statistics using a variety of methods. For more information regarding data gathering and analysis, please visit the following websites: ASPCA Live Release Rate: http://www.aspcapro.org/ Maddie’s Fund: http://www.maddiesfund.org/

Pet stores and breeders will be inspected at least twice annually. Additional inspections may be conducted based on complaints or at the discretion of Manatee County Animal Welfare. Inspections will assess compliance with all standards set forth in the ordinance, and inspectors have the authority to enter and inspect any area where animals are housed or cared for. 

While volunteering and fostering involves specialized training, especially for animal-handling, there are many ways that you can still help MCAW. Donations are needed on a year-round basis. Items such as training treats, cat toys, canned kitten food, bleach, laundry detergent and dish soap are always welcome. When the weather becomes cooler, we will post on social media when we require blankets and towels. Some neighborhoods and classrooms have started their own donation drives for supplies for the shelter; this is a wonderful way to engage your community to help our shelter. View our Amazon Wish List created by Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare. Promotion of the shelter is always needed. Come by the shelter and pick up our materials and help distribute them to businesses and other locations. This helps spread the word about our programs and services. Use your social media platforms to help promote MCAW, including our adoptable animals and current promotions. Assemble dog enrichment treats at home. One of the most important activities that we provide to our pets are daily enrichment activities. These treats help keep our pets happy and healthy while spending time inside their kennels. After making the treats, please remember to seal them in a container or baggie, marked with the date of assembly, then freeze. You can drop-off the frozen, assembled, enrichment treats to the Palmetto Adoption Center. We will distribute them for the dogs to enjoy! If you need help with any of the above options, or have ideas on how you would like to help MCAW, please contact us at 941-742-5933.

You can view all lost/found pets that are currently at Manatee Animal Welfare by visiting the following links. For dogs: https://24petconnect.com/MNTCStray?at=DOG For cats: https://24petconnect.com/MNTCStray?at=CAT

Manatee County Animal Welfare has 3 locations: PALMETTO ADOPTION CENTER 305 25th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 Phone: (941) 742-5933 Hours: Monday - Saturday, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Services: dog and working (outdoor) cat adoptions, annual pet licensing CAT TOWN ADOPTION CENTER 216 6th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 Phone: (941) 742-5824 Hours: Monday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Services: cat adoptions, annual pet licensing BISHOP ANIMAL SHELTER 5718 21st Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 Phone: (941) 742-5933 Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Services: lost and found pets, limited pet adoptions, annual pet licensing

Veterinary Emergency Center: 941-896-9420 3915 Cortez Rd. in Bradenton www.bradentonveter.com Bradenton Vet Emergency: 941-209-5358 2910 Manatee Ave. W in Bradenton www.bradentonervet.com Animal ER of University Park: 941-363-1964 8237 Cooper Creek Blvd. in University Park www.animalerofuniversitypark.com Vet Care Express- Animal Ambulance and Transport: 941-592-5131 www.vetcareexpress.com

Any dog can bite... even the cuddliest, fuzziest, sweetest pup can bite if provoked. Most people are bitten by their own dog or one they know. Some owners actually promote aggression in their dogs or allow aggression to go unchecked.Although media reports and rumors often give the impression that certain breeds of dog are more likely to bite, there is little scientific evidence to support those claims.From nips to bites to actual attacks, dog bites are a serious problem. Dog bite victims requiring medical attention in the United States number approximately 800,000 annually. Countless more bite injuries go untreated. On average, about a dozen people die each year from dog bite injuries. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to address this problem. The number of recorded dog bite injuries is significantly higher in children than adults. The elderly and home service providers such as mail carriers and meter readers are also high on the list of frequent dog bite victims.Remember to never leave a baby or child alone with a dog. What's a dog owner to do? Carefully select your pet. Puppies should not be obtained on impulse. Before and after selection, your veterinarian is your best source for information about behavior, health and suitability.Make sure your pet is socialized as a young puppy so it feels at ease around people and other animals. Gradually expose your puppy to a variety of situations under controlled circumstances; continue that exposure on a regular basis as your dog gets older. Don't put your dog in a position where it feels threatened or teased.Wait until your child is older. Because so many dog bite injuries happen to young children, it is suggested that parents wait to get a dog until children are older than 4 years of age.Train your dog. The basic commands "sit," "stay," "no," and "come" can be incorporated into fun activities that build a bond of obedience and trust between pets and people. Avoid highly excitable games like wrestling or tug-of-war. Use a leash in public to ensure you are able to control your dog.Keep your dog healthy. Have your dog vaccinated against rabies and preventable infectious diseases. Parasite control and other health care are important because how your dog feels directly affects how it behaves.Spay or neuter your pet. The available science suggests neutered dogs may be less likely to bite.Be a responsible pet owner. License your dog with your community as required. Obey leash laws. If you have a fenced yard, make sure the gates are secure. Dogs are social animals; spending time with your pet is important. Dogs that are frequently left alone have a greater chance of developing behavioral problems. Walk and exercise your dog regularly to keep it healthy and provide mental stimulation.Be alert. Know your dog. Be alert to signs of illness. Also watch for signs your dog is uncomfortable or behaving aggressively. How can my family and I avoid being bitten? Be cautious around strange dogs and treat your own pet with respect. Because children are the most common victims of dog bites, parents and caregivers should never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog. Teach children – including toddlers – to be careful around pets. Dogs naturally love to chase and catch things. Don't give them a reason to be come excited or aggressive. Never disturb a dog that's caring for puppies, sleeping or eating. Never reach through or over a fence to pet a dog. Dogs can be protective of their territory, and may interpret your action as a threat.If a dog approaches to sniff you, stay still. In most cases, the dog will go away when it determines you are not a threat. Dogs are wonderful companions. By acting responsibly, owners not only reduce dog bite injuries, but also enhance the relationship they have with their dog. If a dog bites you, first seek medical treatment for your wound, if needed. Next, contact MCAW at 941-742-5933 and tell them everything you can about the dog: the owner's name, if you know it; the color and size of the dog; where you encountered the dog; and if, where, and when you've seen it before. These details may help animal-control officers locate the dog. In addition, consider asking your physician if post-exposure rabies prophylaxis may be necessary.

www.petfinder.com www.petango.com www.adoptapet.com www.petharbor.com www.floridapetpages.com www.bradentondog.com

Purchasing an anniual pet license from Manatee County Animal Welfare costs $20 per pet. To purchase a pet license tag, update your license information, or look up a tag of a lost pet, please visit any MCAW location. You can also go to PetData.com or call 855-332-4646. To purchase any pet license, you must provide proof of a current rabies vaccination. Vaccines can be administered at your local veterinarian.

Fines for failure to obtain a license or rabies vaccination for your pet are as follows: Failure to obtain rabies vaccination: 1st offense - $200 2nd offense - $250 3rd offense - $500 Failure to obtain license tag: 1st offense - $200 2nd offense - $350 3rd offense - $500 REQUIREMENTS Rabies Vaccination and Manatee County License Certificate and License Tag are Required. Rabies vaccinations are required by Florida State Statute and by Manatee County Ordinance. The rabies vaccination is the best defense in order to control rabies. Your veterinarian will provide you with a License Certificate and Manatee County License Tag. The Manatee County License Tag is the only recognized tag in Manatee County and is required by Manatee County Ordinance. The Ordinance also requires your pet wear the Manatee County License Tag. The following definitions are related to this section of the ordinance to assist with understanding specific meanings: LICENSE CERTIFICATE shall mean a document evidencing registration and vaccination for rabies of a dog, cat, or ferret residing in the County which contains at a minimum the information required by Section 828.30, Florida Statutes (2005). TAG shall mean a current County issued or approved animal license tag.

The standard pet adoption fees are: Dogs/Puppies: $50 Cats: $25 Kittens: $50 The Seniors for Seniors Program pairs adopters aged 55 or older with a 7 year-old or older pet for a reduced $10 adoption fee. Military, Veterans and First Responders will have adoption fees waived with ID. Adoption fees are waived for animals residing at the shelter for longer than 60 days. Every Tuesday is Half Price Tuesday, where all adoption fees are 50% off. Manatee County residents are required to license their new pet for an additional $20, regardless of the price of adoption.

The adoption fees that we collect help us provide food, shelter, important medical care and inoculations for the animals. Each adoption fee includes the following for your new pet (retail value is approximately $400): Cost of spaying and neutering Initial vaccines Microchip implant (all animals) FeLV/FIV Combo Test (cats only) Heartworm Test (dogs only) Parvovirus testing on puppies (if needed) Rabies vaccine Flea and Tick Prevention Monthly Parasite Prevention The adoption fee does not include the cost to license your new pet (required for Mantee County residents). You can buy the license at the shelter when you adopt.

Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival, particularly food and water. Consider two kits. In one, put everything you and your pets will need to stay where you are. The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you and your pets have to get away. Plus, be sure to review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and medicines, are fresh. Food. Keep at least seven days of food in an airtight, waterproof container. Water. Store at least seven days of water specifically for your pets in addition to water you need for yourself and your family. Medicines and medical records. Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container. First aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs. Most kits should include cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors, antibiotic ointment, flea and tick prevention, latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Include a pet first aid reference book. Collar with ID tag, harness or leash. Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag in your pet’s emergency supply kit. In addition, place copies of your pet’s registration information, adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag or waterproof container and also add them to your kit. You should also consider talking with your veterinarian about permanent identification such as microchipping, and enrolling your pet in a recovery database. Crate or other pet carrier. If you need to evacuate in an emergency situation, take your pets and animals with you provided that it is practical to do so. In many cases, your ability to do so will be aided by having a sturdy, safe, comfortable crate or carrier ready for transporting your pet. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down. Sanitation. Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs. You can bleach as a disinfectant (dilute nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to purify water. Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented or color safe bleaches, or those with added cleaners. A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet. Include detailed information about species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics. Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.

If a license is suspended or revoked, the Division may enforce the penalty through Florida Statute 162.30, which allows for civil actions to enforce county ordinances. The county may also seek additional penalties or damages as provided under the Manatee County Land Development Code. 

If a Stop Work Order is issued, all work related to the violation must immediately cease. The order will be given in writing to the property owner, agent, or person doing the work, outlining the conditions for resuming the work. Continuing work after the order is issued is considered an irreparable violation and may result in legal penalties. However, the Stop Work Order can be appealed. 

The FWC can issue a Gun and Light at Night or Steel Trap permit for dealing with coyotes on private property and provide information on nuisance wildlife trappers. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-488-4676 www.myfwc.com Farris Bryant Building 620 S. Meridian St. Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600

Rabies is an acute and deadly viral infection of the central nervous system. It is one of the most terrifying diseases known to man. Although rabies in humans is rare in the United States, as many as 18,000 Americans get rabies shots each year because they have been in contact with animals that may be rabid (rabies-infected). In 1998 according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only one person died of rabies in this country.Rabies is caused by a virus that is in the saliva of infected animals, and it is usually transmitted by bites from infected animals. All warm-blooded animals can get rabies, and some may serve as natural reservoirs of the virus.Rabies is found in all of the United States, except Hawaii, and in many other countries around the world, including Canada and Mexico. The disease may be absent from large areas for many years, and then reappear suddenly or gradually by invasion from bordering countries or by the introduction of an infected animal. Rabies can affect wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, and bats, as well as household pets such as dogs and cats. Vaccination of pets and livestock is the most effective control measure to prevent the disease in these animals and subsequent human exposure. In fact, in the United States, such programs have largely eliminated canine (dog) rabies. In 1998, wild animals accounted for 93 percent of the 7,962 reported animal rabies cases in the United States and Puerto Rico. Rabies in raccoons accounted for 44 percent of cases, skunk rabies for 28.5 percent, bat rabies for 12.5 percent, and fox rabies for 5.5 percent of the cases. Only rarely is rabies found in rabbits, squirrels, rats, and opossums.Health officials are particularly concerned about rabies in raccoons because raccoons are often in close contact with household pets, especially dogs and cats. Increasingly, bats are being shown to be important transmitters of rabies to humans. Most people get rabies from being bitten by a rabid animal. Rarely, if a person has broken skin, like a scratch, which comes in contact with animal saliva full of rabies virus, that person may get infected. But rabies also can be spread in the air, as has occurred in caves where infected bats live.

The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is about the size of a small dog, and is most notable for its black mask and bushy ringed tail. Raccoons are common throughout the state and occur everywhere there are trees, the cavities of which they often use. Raccoons are omnivorous feeding on fruits, plant material, eggs, crustaceans, small animals, and garbage. Raccoons usually become active in the late afternoon and throughout the night.Problem raccoons are usually the result of chronic feeding by humans. Wild raccoons accustomed to being fed will generally lose their natural fear of humans and seek to move closer to their food source--your house. Once raccoons take up residence in your attic or outbuildings they can become very destructive and difficult to remove. Prevention is the key to dealing with raccoon problems. Do not feed raccoons. It is illegal to place or offer food or garbage in a way that it attracts raccoons and creates a public nuisance. (Rule 68A-4.001 (3)). Do what you can to eliminate their artificial food sources. Bring in pet food at night and secure trash cans by either fastening the lid tightly or enclosing them in lockable bins. Make sure bird feeders are not accessible to raccoons (i.e., squirrel-proofed). Raccoons should not be handled by inexperienced individuals because of the risk of rabies infection. It is lawful for landowners to humanely destroy or live-trap nuisance raccoons without a permit from the FWC, but if the raccoon is trapped, it must either be released on the same piece of property where it was captured, or it must be humanely destroyed. It is unlawful to relocate nuisance-wildlife in Florida. Relocating wildlife is seldom biologically sound, and the animal often does not survive. You can receive technical assistance for raccoon problems by contacting your nearest FWC regional office. Please contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 850-488-4676 or by visiting their website at www.myfwc.com They are located at: Farris Bryant Building 620 S. Meridian St. Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600

Witness affidavits are an important part of the Animal Welfare Officer’s investigation. The officer rarely is able to witness the violation and must rely upon your statement in order to conduct a complete investigation. The witness affidavit is a sworn statement from the person who actually saw the event or violation. In order for the officer to conduct a thorough investigation, a witness is necessary to give a statement as to the events leading up to and including the violation. You can download an affidavit of complaint on our website or request one by calling MCAW at 941-742-5933. It is important to note a few things when filling out the affidavit: You must actually witness the event or violation. Focus on the facts of the event or violation. Hearsay is not admissible. If it is not related to the event, it is not necessary to write it in the affidavit. It is your responsibility to fill out the affidavit completely and accurately. Two affidavits from two people living at different residences is ideal. If you are unable to get a neighbor to fill out an affidavit, your affidavit and a photograph of the event will be alright. The affidavit must be notarized. We have notary public available at our office if necessary.

Resolution R-18-053 is a structure provided for all fees associated through Manatee County Animal Welfare: Impound fees differentiate non-sterilized dogs and cats from sterilized dogs and cats with the goal of educating the pet owner about spaying and neutering to help reduce pet overpopulation. Owners of impounded dogs and cats have the option to adopt their own animal in lieu of paying redemption fees. This plan is intended to increase owner animal returns and to ensure the dog or cat is sterilized, thus further reducing pet overpopulation. An adoption fee includes a health check, spay or neuter (sterilization), vaccinations including rabies, microchip with registration and an adoption kit. If you surrender your own dog or cat, a fee is charged. We encourage you to rehome your pet to a friend, relative or other person and use our shelter as a last resort. Required license fees are also noted. Download a copy of the Fee Resolution in .pdf format on our website.

Canine Parvovirus is impossible to avoid. It's everywhere. You could bring it home without even knowing it. The delivery person could bring it to your house. Your children, the neighbor borrowing a cup of sugar, anyone! The best chance your dog or puppy has of fighting parvo is through immunization. Remember, the best protection is to VACCINATE, and to seek immediate veterinary care if the dog or puppy is sick. Preventing infection can be achieved by decreasing the risk of exposure to the virus and by a sound vaccination program. Likely contaminated environments can be disinfected with chlorine bleach, diluted one ounce in one quart of water. Because the virus is present in most outdoor areas, eliminating exposure can be almost impossible, but puppies can be kept fairly restricted until their vaccination series is complete. All puppies are temporarily protected by maternal antibodies they acquire through nursing. The purpose of a vaccination is to stimulate the body into producing its own, longer-lasting, antibodies. The normal incubation period in the animal is from seven (7) to fourteen (14) days after initial exposure. Active excretion of the virus in the feces can begin the third day after exposure, often before clinical signs appear, and may last for one to two weeks after the onset of the disease. Rottweilers and Dobermans, for some reason, appear to be more susceptible than other breeds. Treatment for parvo is complicated, involved, and subsequently expensive. Standard treatment includes several days of intravenous fluids, injectable anti-vomiting drugs, antibiotics, and intense supportive care in an isolation ward of a veterinary hospital. Dogs that have survived parvo can get it again. In the case of some puppies, a puppy testing negative for parvo one day could succumb to the virus within a matter of days. It strikes fast and without mercy. Without treatment, the victims of parvo often die of dehydration. Veterinarians can only treat the symptoms and try to keep the dog or puppy alive by preventing dehydration and loss of proteins. Because parvo is a virus and not a bacteria, it is unaffected by antibiotics, but many veterinarians use antibiotics in conjunction with the fluids to treat any secondary infections that could result from the damage the parvo virus does. Dogs and puppies can contract parvo even if they never leave their yards. Parvo virus, despite what you may hear, is NOT an airborne virus. Parvo is a deadly virus. Do not underestimate it. If your dog or puppy shows any of the symptoms, do not hesitate to seek veterinary care. Parvo virus or "parvo" is a virus that attacks the lining of the digestive system. It causes dogs and puppies to not be able to absorb nutrients or liquids. Puppies are especially prone to it because they have an immature immune system. When dogs and puppies contract parvo, they often have diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy. Usually they stop eating and develop a foul-smelling, liquid stool that may or may not contain blood. The classic signs of the parvo virus include loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, dehydration, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and, if not treated, eventually death.

Applicants must provide proof of compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. The application must also include a detailed description of the facility, including housing, feeding, and medical care arrangements. Additionally, the facility will be inspected by the Division of Animal Services and must meet the Standards of Care outlined in the Ordinance before a license is issued. 

While the deadline to obtain the permit has not yet been determined, Manatee County Animal Welfare staff is working patiently and diligently with both breeders and pet stores to help them meet compliance requirements voluntarily. 

These are dogs that have been declared dangerous by Manatee County Animal Welfare. The owners of these dogs are required to register their dog pursuant to Florida State Statute, Chapter 767. Manatee County Dangerous Dog Requirements include being listed on the county website. According to Florida State Statute 767 Dangerous Dog Definition, a "Dangerous Dog" means any dog that, according to the records of the appropriate authority: Has aggressively bitten, attacked, or endangered or has inflicted severe injury on a human being on public or private property; Has more than once severely injured or killed a domestic animal while off the owner's property; Has been used primarily or in part for the purpose of dog fighting or is a dog trained for dog fighting; or Has, when unprovoked, chased or approached a person upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack, provided that such actions are attested to in a sworn statement by one or more persons and dutifully investigated by the appropriate authority. "Unprovoked" means that the victim, who has been conducting himself or herself peacefully and lawfully, has been bitten or chased in a menacing fashion or attacked by a dog. "Severe Injury" means any physical injury that results in broken bones, multiple bites, or disfiguring lacerations requiring sutures or reconstructive surgery.

The Free Ride Home Program by MCAW is designed so that if your licensed or microchipped pets are picked up by one of our Officers, they will bring them home to you instead of putting them through the stress and expense of impound at the Shelter.

The main phone number for MCAW is 941-742-5933.

Here is the process for adopting a pet: Step 1: Prepare for your new pet Just like any of life's big events, the first step involved with adopting a pet is to properly prepare for your new furry friend. One way to begin this step is to make a list of everything and everyone that your new pet will come in contact with, be affected by and/or have an effect on. We suggest you: Contact your landlord or homeowners association regarding any pet policy or restrictions. Prepare your home by setting up its bed, food & water bowls, etc... ahead of time. Bring in all family members and/or roommates that will come in contact with your new pet. If adopting a dog, bring in any current resident dogs for an initial meet and greet. (Visiting pets must be up-to-date with their vaccinations.) Be prepared to spend at least one hour with a counselor to process the adoption. Step 2: Finding your new pet All of our adoptable pets can be seen online by clicking on the type of pet you would like to adopt. When you are ready make your way down to one of our locations and come inside our adoption center. The next step is to begin looking for your perfect match. An adoption counselor will help guide you through our facility and introduce you to our available pets. Step 3: Get to know each other Once you find a pet that you are considering to adopt, you will be asked to complete a brief adopter profile. Your counselor will meet with you to discuss your adopter profile, the pet’s history and background (if known), tell you a little about its personality and then give you a chance to spend time with the animal. Step 4: Making it official Once you are confident that you have found the right pet, the counselor will assist you by processing the adoption paperwork and updating the pet's microchip registration records. You will receive a packet of important documents containing a welcome sheet, training tips, records of the pet's history and vaccinations, coupons, and other helpful paperwork. Once you get home, remember to set an appointment with a veterinarian for your pet’s next round of vaccinations (as needed) and a general wellness exam. If you have any questions, issues or concerns about your pet once you get home, please don’t hesitate to email us. Our Adoption Support Team is here to help. Email us at adoptions@mymanatee.org.

Occasionally a community cat cannot be returned to their colony. When this is the case, MCAW will sometimes designate these cats as “working cats.” Since they’re not ideal pets, we put them to work in local businesses doing what they do best. A working cat deters vermin, such as rodents. They are commonly employed where pest control is needed: in working farms, factories, warehouses, stores, churchyards, and private property. Cats that qualify for the Working Cat Program are: social, but too feisty interacting with people and thrive by having “work” to do; shy or fearful of people and prefer the company of other cats and animals; cats whose litterbox habits make them unsuitable to live indoors (and for whom medical issues have been ruled out). We do not adopt out cats as Working Cats if they are suitable to be household companions. Working Cats are a safe alternative to toxic pesticides; plus, they’re less expensive and more effective. We require that working cats be placed in teams of two. MCAW will assist with the selection of the cats. Contact us at adoptions@mymanatee.org. if you are interested in the Working Cat Program. You are also welcome to come by the Palmetto Adoption Center during hours of operation. We will review the following guidelines with the adopter: process for integrating the community cat to the property; feeding and providing water to the cats; providing vet care when necessary. Working Cats are housed in a suitable crate or kennel for 2-3 weeks before being released onto the property where they will live. This ensures that the cats understand that the property is where they should stay and where reliable food can be found. Working Cats do not have an adoption fee. Microchips are registered to the adopter or to the name of the business associated with the adoption. If you have any questions or concerns about the Working Cat Program, please don’t hesitate to call us. Our Adoption Support Team is here to help. You can reach us at (941) 742-5933.

Trap, neuter, and return (TNR) is a humane method of managing feral and free roaming cat populations by trapping the cats, neutering or spaying them, and then returning them to their original location. This approach helps control the population and improves the cats' health and well-being. Resources in Manatee County: Gulf Shore Animal League: 941-747-2284 Humane Society of Manatee County: 941-747-8808 www.humanemanatee.org Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch: 941-361-1071 www.hslwr.org Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue: 941-302-0933 www.honoranimalrescue.org Resources in Sarasota County: Animal Rescue Coalition: 941-957-1955 ext. 4 www.animalrescuecoalition.org Cat Depot: 941-366-2404 www.catdepot.org Sarasota County Animal Services: 941-861-9500 www.sarasotasheriff.org Humane Society of Sarasota County: 941-955-4131 www.hssc.org

Violations of the ordinance can be addressed through warnings, fines, and/or the suspension or revocation of licenses. Fines for violations are set at $500.00, and licenses may be suspended or revoked for serious or repeated violations. 

Spay and Neuter Hotline 941-749-3067 ARC - Animal Rescue Coalition 941-957-1955 Income guidelines apply: public assistance, Medicaid, food stamps, AFDC, Free School Lunch Program, SSI (Supplemental Social Security Income) and other similar programs. This program covers the cost of spay/neuter surgery only. If your pet does not have a current rabies vaccination or Manatee County license certificate/tag, either, or both can be obtained at the time the sterilization surgery is performed. Gulf Shore Animal League (for feral and community cat spay/neuter) 941-747-2284 Gulf Shore Animal League is modeled after successful programs in Europe and in the U.S. cities of New Orleans, San Diego, Miami Beach, Washington, D.C. and Orange County, Florida. The trap-neuter-return program uses a humane method of animal control because it breaks the cycle of kittens born feral and unwanted and the problem of over population of a particular colony. Through this method, the population of the colony is stabilized, the cats in the colony are healthier, young kittens that can be socialized are adopted into suitable homes, and the volunteer caretakers enjoy a colony where the cats live peacefully and safely within their territory. Typical problems generally associated with a colony of feral cats such as yowling females and spraying toms are eliminated, and the incidence of malnutrition and disease are almost non-existent. Join forces with us today to help protect all the cats in our community. Humane Society of Manatee County 941-747-8808 ext. 302 The Humane Society of Manatee County offers low cost and free spay/neutering for dogs and cats of Manatee County residents. Visit www.humanemanatee.org for more information.

Wildlife Rescue: 941-778-6324 Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission: 1-888-404-3922

If a dog bites you, first seek medical treatment for your wound, if needed. Next, contact MCAW at 941-742-5933 and tell them everything you can about the dog: the owner's name, if you know it; the color and size of the dog; where you encountered the dog; and if, where, and when you've seen it before. These details may help animal-control officers locate the dog. In addition, consider asking your physician if post-exposure rabies prophylaxis may be necessary.

If you have a lost pet that is not your own, please take the following steps: 1. Call Manatee County Animal Welfare to file a found pet report at (941) 742-5933. They will talk you through the next steps and if you should bring the found pet to the Bishop Animal Shelter. 2. Contact area shelters to file a report with them: Humane Society of Manatee County at (941) 747-8808 ext. 314 Honor Animal Rescue at (941) 306-5863 3. Contact Lost Pet Services, Inc. at (941) 900-8303. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit is dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their families in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Visit their website at https://www.lostfoundpets941.com/ 4. Upload a photo of the found pet to Petco Love Lost at https://lost.petcolove.org/

If you have lost your pet, it's important to act quickly! The first 24 hours can make all the difference in finding your pet. Please take the following steps: 1. Call Manatee County Animal Welfare to file a lost report at (941) 742-5933. 2. Contact area shelters to file a report with them: Humane Society of Manatee County at (941) 747-8808 ext. 314 Honor Animal Rescue at (941) 306-5863 4. Contact Lost Pet Services, Inc. at (941) 900-8303. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit is dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their families in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Visit their website at Lost and Found Pets 941 5. Go to https://lost.petcolove.org/ to upload a picture of your pet at Petco Love Lost, a nationwide database which utilizes facial recognition to reunite lost pets with their owners.

If you don't see your pet, keep looking! Pets end up in shelters sometimes weeks after they are lost so never stop looking. Keep in mind what some might call a "lab mix" you may call a "shepherd mix", so it is always best to visit shelters regularly and not just go on descriptions or website photos alone. Lost pets may hide in fear: Search all possible hiding places outside. Look under sheds, decks, houses, etc. For shy dogs and cats, set a humane trap near the point of escape. Most animals are found close to home: Talk to your neighbors and ask permission to search around their home. Put out food and water in hopes the dog or cat will return home for food. Call area shelters to make a report and/or to see if your pet has been impounded. Continue to call and visit them regularly. Place posters within a 2-mile radius from where the animal was lost and at busy intersections. Posters should be large and bright colors; be brief and create a visual image. Try: Lost, a photo and your number. Use social media: Post photos on Facebook, Instagram, NextDoor, Craigslist, Pinterest, etc., along with information about where your pet was last seen. Ask around: Contact and leave a description with your mail carrier, newspaper carrier, garbage truck drivers, local landscapers.

Here are some tips if you've found a lost pet that is not your own: Call area animal shelters and report that you found a lost pet. Give a thorough description and you will be contacted if someone calls reporting a lost pet with the same description. Check with nearby residents. Knock on doors of homes near where you found the animal to ask if they know who the animal belongs to. Have the animal scanned for a microchip at any nearby veterinary office, Humane Society or Animal Welfare which may lead to the owner's information. Put up flyers in your neighborhood and surrounding areas to let the person looking know that you found their lost pet. Use social media. Post photos of the animal on Facebook, Craigslist, Nextdoor, etc., along with information about where you found it. Take the pet to a local shelter and turn it in as a stray if you find that no one has responded to these efforts after a few days. Ask for evidence of ownership if someone contacts you claiming to be the owner of the animal. Ask for a picture or have them identify specific information that only an owner would know. This could be an unusual feature, spay/neuter tattoo, or something that isn't visible in the picture.

As coyote numbers increase in South Florida, their influence on Florida's indigenous prey species, competing predators, livestock and food crops may become a concern. However, populations of coyotes in North and Central Florida have likely reached their natural limit with little evidence of widespread major ecological impact. Coyote impact on some native wildlife has already been seen in North Florida, where predation on endangered sea turtle eggs is a considerable problem.

You can download a copy of Manatee County's Animal Ordinance 22-16 at https://www.mymanatee.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_7588306/File/Departments/Public%20Safety/Animal%20Services/Manatee%20County%20Animal%20Ordinance/1%20Manatee%20County%20Animal%20Services%20Ordinance%2022-16.pdf

You can download a copy of Fine Resolution 22-097 pertaining to Manatee County's Animal Ordinance 22-16 at: https://www.mymanatee.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_7588306/File/Departments/Public%20Safety/Animal%20Services/Manatee%20County%20Animal%20Ordinance/Fine%20Amounts/Fine%20Resolution%2022_097.pdf