Shelter
The Humane Society of Manatee County Shelter is located at 2515 14th Street W. in Bradenton and is home to our Second Chance Adoption Center. We are a non-profit 501(c)3 public charity and no-kill facility that has been serving the Manatee County Community for 50 years following our inception in 1970.
The adoption center boasts a diverse population of dogs and cats where on average, dogs spend less than 40 days and cats less than 50 days at our shelter before finding their new adoptive homes. The overwhelming majority of the animals in the adoption program are transferred in from neighboring Manatee County, Sarasota County, and Hillsborough County shelters or are local owner surrenders.
All breeds, (no breed restrictions here) ages and sizes are accepted into our adoption program. Animals with medical challenges are also regularly accepted since the Humane Society of Manatee County Veterinary Clinic is adjacent to the shelter on our campus. Medical and behavioral issues are identified and addressed by shelter staff and veterinary clinic medical team throughout the rehabilitation process, ensuring that adoptable animals are ready for their new homes.
Providing the highest quality of care for shelter animals during their stay at the Second Chance Adoption Center is made possible by a well-trained and dedicated shelter staff and a team of compassionate volunteers. Innovation and change have led to many new programs and the use of our facilities to better serve the animals.
Smallville is an area in the shelter where small dogs are housed separated from larger dogs, which leads to a higher comfort level for our smaller guests. The Relaxation Station Kennel in the shelter was made possible by an Innovation Grant from Maddie’s Fund. Relaxation Station is a segregated stand-alone kennel featuring a larger kennel area, low lighting, music, aromatherapy, and a quiet space for dogs having difficulty transitioning into a shelter atmosphere.
Significant upgrades were made possible by the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation. The outdoor agility and training area was created featuring new fencing, artificial turf, and shade canopies. This same outdoor area was chosen by Architecture for Animals in 2018 for a project that brought together GCBX, AIA, and CSI members working together to create and donate interactive stations to help dogs conquer fears, build confidence and gain human trust, speeding their rehabilitation.
Another program enhancement was recently made possible by a grant from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, which helped fund the purchase of a new vehicle for our Community Outreach Program and as a transport vehicle for off-site adoption and educational events. One of the most popular and most serene rooms in our shelter is Meow Manor, a free-roaming cat room. This room allows for volunteer and staff cat cuddling, as well as a great atmosphere to socialize the cats. Behavioral training programs for both cats and dogs remain a priority.
Our dedicated shelter staff and volunteers are committed to helping you find your perfect match. Adoption counselors will work with you to ensure that your new companion animal is a perfect fit for you, your family, your lifestyle, and your home. By adopting, you’re saving the life of a homeless animal and at the same time opening a spot for another homeless animal to enter our adoption program. Adoption is a selfless act that saves animals’ lives and in return, your new animal companion will thank you with unconditional love.
Every adoption is a cause to celebrate as individuals like you open their hearts and homes to shelter animals. Adoption fees are low-to-moderate in cost, thanks to grants and donations received from caring foundations and donors, and in some instances, the adoption fee has been sponsored (paid for) by members of our community.
If you would like to donate to help support our shelter animals, please visit our online donation page or speak to your adoption counselor about making that donation when you finalize your adoption.