What is HSMC’s History?
The Humane Society of Manatee County, Inc., was formed in 1970 through the courageous efforts of a small group of dedicated people who took a stand for the humane treatment of animals in Manatee County. Caring people housed the abandoned, sick and injured at their homes and administered around-the-clock care to the sick and newborn.

After years of struggle and never ending fund raising projects, plus the assistance of a couple of "angels", HSMC moved into its current location on Tamiami Trail in November, 1978, exactly ten years after the original conception.

Throughout the past three decades, the shelter has grown to care for more than 230 animals living at the 14th Street shelter, and an additional 650 animals cared for through our foster care program. HSMC adopts close to 100 animals each month, and offers many pet owner support services. 

This shelter still stands as a monument to all the volunteers who have given so generously of their time, love and expertise to the animals, thereby relieving the pain and abuse of untold numbers of animals.