Services and Contacts
Services
Adopt a Pet
View Pets, Review Adoptions Fees and Learn about the Pet Adoption Process.
Apply for a Responsible Breeder Permit
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners passed an ordinance in 2024 aimed at inspecting and regulating pet stores and breeders. The ordinance includes definitions, establishes standards for the care and treatment of animals and requires licensing and permits for operations. It also outlines the process for inspections, enforcement measures and penalties for any violations.
Attend a Community Pet Health Clinic
MCAW is hosting free pet vaccination, microchip and licensing clinics for residents at various locations around Manatee County.
Become a Volunteer or Animal Foster
Learn how to volunteer or foster at Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW).
Donate or Receive Food from the Pet Food Pantry
Manatee County Animal Welfare offers a year-round Pet Food Pantry Program.
Find Emergency Veterinarians
Find Emergency Veterinarians
Find Important Animal Contacts
Find Important Animal Contacts
Hire A Working Cat
All of us, including community cats, are happier when we have a job…and a purpose. These special community cats are not house pets.
License Your Pet
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.
Look for or Report a Lost Pet
Interactive GIS Map with found pets as well as information and tips about dealing with lost pets.
Surrender Your Pet
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.
View Adoptable Pets
View Adoptable Pets on PetPlace.
- 1 Manatee County Animal Services Ordinance 22-16 (pdf) (864 KB)
- 1 Manatee County Animal Services Ordinance 22-16 (pdf) (864 KB)
- Animal Cruelty Espanol (pdf) (253 KB)
- ARC Spay Neuter Program Espanol (pdf) (264 KB)
- Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (pdf) (286 KB)
- Dangerous Dogs Espanol (pdf) (274 KB)
- Dogs and Cats running loose in Spanish (pdf) (268 KB)
- Manatee County Animal Services - Affidavit of Complaint (pdf) (30 KB)
- Manatee County Animal Services - Fee Resolution 18-053 (pdf) (69 KB)
- Manatee County Animal Services - Fines (pdf) (229 KB)
- mcas volunteer essential capabilities_updated (pdf) (496 KB)
- MCAW At Home Enrichment Recipes (pdf) (560 KB)
- Rabies Vaccination Required Espanol (pdf) (252 KB)
Fosters, volunteers, and adopters can send photos and videos of MCAW pets to [email protected].
Be sure to include the pet's name, age, gender, personality traits, and anything else you'd like us to know.
Your submission might be featured on our official Facebook and Instagram pages, so don't forget to follow us @manateecountyanimalwelfare and see if your furry friend makes their social media debut!
Adoption Process
At Manatee County Animal Welfare, we are committed to helping every animal find a loving, lasting home. Our adoption process is built on the National Best Practices model of Open Adoptions, which encourages thoughtful, respectful, and supportive conversations with potential adopters.
We focus on matchmaking-not perfection-and believe that a warm, judgment-free approach leads to more successful adoptions and happier families.
- Respectful and inclusive conversations with all adopters
- Support before, during, and after the adoption process
- Recognition of the many valid and diverse ways people care for animals
By focusing on relationships and education, we work to remove unnecessary barriers and create more opportunities for animals to thrive in new homes.
While we embrace the principles of Open Adoptions, we also prioritize the long-term well-being of the pets in our care-especially those transitioning from the stress of the shelter environment. In some cases, we may need to take extra steps to ensure a stable placement.
For example, individuals experiencing housing instability may be asked to reapply once their situation is more secure. This precaution is made in the best interest of the animal and is never a judgment of intent or character.
Our screening is designed to help us get to know you better so we can make the best possible match for both you and the animal. These conversations are friendly and supportive, not tests, and cover a few simple areas:
- Basic Information - Your contact information and a valid form of ID
- Housing & Lifestyle - Whether you rent or own, and any pet restrictions
- Household Details - Who lives in your home (people and pets), and any special considerations
- Pet History & Care - Past experience with animals, current pets, and care routines
- Commitment & Understanding - Your expectations, readiness, and long-term plans for your new pet
These questions help us ensure every animal is placed in a safe, loving, and appropriate environment-and give you the opportunity to think through what pet is right for you.
Our screening process is designed to be thoughtful, fair, and minimal. Here's what it includes:
- Internal Records Check - We review past interactions with Animal Welfare to ensure there are no unresolved concerns.
- Address Verification - We confirm that the home is residential and safe. This is not used to judge financial status or lifestyle.
- Clarification Calls - If needed, we may contact you for additional information in a respectful and supportive way.
- Manager Review - If a question arises, our team consults with leadership to make the best decision possible.
In rare cases, an adoption may not be approved if:
- There is a documented history of cruelty, neglect, or unaddressed Animal Control violations
- A pet was previously abandoned or not reclaimed without explanation
- There are serious safety or environmental concerns
- The applicant is currently unhoused
- The pet is clearly not a good fit for the home or lifestyle
If an adoption cannot move forward, we'll do our best to recommend other options or offer support for future success.