Pet Resource Central

We are committed to providing safe, reliable resources of information and programs to help you care for your pet.
We search the area to find programs available to you for Low Cost Spay and Neutering. Low cost Vaccinations, and available free food. 

This Website is part of a Girl Scout Gold Award Project! The highest award a Girl Scout can earn. My name is Victoria. I have been a Girl Scout for 13 years in 2024. It is my last year as a girl. I am a 2nd year Ambassador. I am graduated from High School and will age into an adult in 2025. A Girl Scout Award requires a girl to identify an issue important to her, then she develops and carries out an innovative and sustainable solution with measurable impact. It takes a lot of work and this website is one part of it. I wanted to get this information about low cost programs and low cost care for pets of Low and No income neighbors to the ones that need it. 

Low Cost Spay and Neutering

Resource 1

H.E.L.P. (Help End Local Pet-Overpopulation)

This program is a partnership between Charlotte County and the Animal Welfare League to provide low cost sterilization for pets of Charlotte County citizens will be asked to pay a $20.00 fee per animal for the service.

Eligibility Requirements:

Food Stamps, (TANF), SSI, SSD, Medicaid, CC Homeless Coalition, (DAV), a referral from either the CC Animal Control or CC Human Services

The $20.00 fee includes a rabies vaccination if owner is unable to produce a valid rabies certificate at the time of appointment. To apply: H.E.L.P. Spay and Neuter Program Application

Another Program is Suncoast Humane Society...

Spay & Neuter 

Canine Spay Surgery            0-50 lbs     $135,   51-70 lbs     $155 70-100 lbs     $175        Canine Neuter Surgery                    0-50 lbs     $125,   51-85 lbs     $145 86-100 lbs     $165

Feline Spay Surgery     $100          Feline Neuter Surgery     $85

Another Program Animal Rescue Coalition

(941) 960-1506 Sarasota, Desoto, Charlotte, Manatee Counties 

Requirements:

Food Stamps, SSI, SSDI, WIC, Medicaid, or Free School lunch

Female & Male dogs & Cats          Spay & Neuter Surgery         $35 Sarasota      $25 Charlotte and Desoto    (Manatee County Only is Free)

Includes Rabies, e-collar, nail trim, pain med Please call for verification of price (some pets are + or - $20 depending on situation.) 

Places with programs farther away..,

Volunteer Services for Animals, INC. (239) 290-6274 Naples

The Humane Society of Naples (239) 643-2143 Naples 

SNIP Collier                                          (239) 778-8572 Naples

Collier County Domestic Animal Services (239) 252-7387 Naples   

Our Hope Center                                (239) 543-7387 North Fort Myers   

P.A.W.S. Lee County                           (239) 652-6722 North Fort Myers  

 Gulf Coast Humane Society    (239) 332-1573 Fort Myers

Caloosa Humane Society             (863) 675-7387 LaBelle

All the Critters                                     (863) 983-9145 Clewiston

FERRAL CAT PROGRAMS L

Community Cats of Charlotte     

Community Cat Program                  (239) 947-3447 Bonita Springs

Community Cats                                  (239) 319-8478 Bonita Springs

For the Love of Cats                           (239) 642-8674 Naples

Fortunate Ferrals                                (347) 403-1674

St. Francis Rescue (941) 492-6200

Feline Friends of SWFL for North Sarasota. Myakka, etc... info@felinefriendsswfl.org

Venice Cat Coalition                  (941) 525-4568

Low Cost Vaccination

Resource 2

Suncoast Humane Society

Low Cost Vaccinations Program Costs:

Canine Services:

DA2P+Pv - 1year/3years    $25/$35

Lepto  $25         

Bordetella                         $25         

Rabies -     1year/3years    $25/$45 DA2P + Pv Lepto combo     $40         

Dewormers:

NEMEX (Pyrantel) hook & round worms                         0-25 lbs     $15     26-50 lbs     $17    51-75 lbs   $19     76-100 lbs   $21

PANACUR hook, round and whip worms   

0-25 lbs     $23     26-50 lbs     $28    51-75 lbs   $33     76-100 lbs   $38 

DRONCIT/MARQUIS tapeworm/coccidia               0-25 lbs     $23     26-50 lbs     $28

Heartworm Test          $20    Heartworm Prevention        EVERHEART oral, box of 6    1-25 lbs (Plus)         

$7 ind/$40 box 6-12 lbs         $7 ind/$40 box 12.1-25 lbs $7 ind/$40 box 25.1-50 lbs  $9 ind/$45 box 50.1-100 lbs   $11 ind/$50 box

Feline Services                          Vaccinations                       FVRCP - 1 year/3 years     $25/$35  Rabies - 1 year/3 years    $20/$40 FELV - 1 year  $25   

FELV/FIV Test                  $30 

Dewormers                              NEMEX (Pyrantel) hook & round worms                       $15 MARQUIS Coccidia       $23    DRONCIT Pill or Shot tapeworm  $23     

Flea & Heartworm Prevention Senergy (topical, box of 3)  0-5 lbs    $15 ind/$40 box 5.1-15 lbs  $16 ind/$45 box 15.1-22 lbs  $20 ind/$50 box

These are the prices as of last update! Prices could have changed at the time you read this. To verify prices and/or for Other Brands... Please call Suncoast (941)-474-7884 as this is their info.

Animal Rescue Coalition

Exam $30

Dog Vaccine Packages             Silver Exam, DHPP, Rabies, Heartworm test     $80              Gold add Bordetella    $95   Platinum add Lepto     $115

Cat Vaccine Packages              Silver Exam, FVRCP, Rabies     $65 Gold add FeLV/FIV Test            $85 Platinum add FeLV vaccine if negative     $100

Please call to verify Some situations could require an exam or lab fee.

Dewormers, Flea& Tick Control

Heartgard Plus for dogs $10 Dose Heartworms,  Roundworms and Hookworms

Trifexis for dogs      $20-$25 Dose chewable helps kill fleas, prevent heartworms and intestinal parasites

Nexgard for dogs     $20 Dose Monthly chewable Fleas and Ticks

Provecta for Dogs & Cats  $8 Dose Monthly topical Repels and kills ticks, fleas, and mosquitos

Revolution Plus for Cats  $22 Dose Monthly topical kills fleas, ticks, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms and heartworms.

Every Program and Every Price on this website needs to be verified before seeking treatment as Prices and Programs change frequently There is no guarantee!  

Free Pet Food

Resource 3

Food Pantries offering free pet food when you need it. Ask at your local food pantries. Google pet food pantries or food banks. Even meals on wheels often have food to give their clients. Almost all shelters will give you food for your pet. If it means your pet will get to stay in your home with your family shelters are glad to help you with food.

These are local food pantries for people who often have pet food for the asking. It doesn't have to be embarrassing or hard to do, just ask. we all get there at some point. So they understand. Using 211 will give you a list of your local food pantries it is a nation wide resource for every community your county followed by 211 online or calling 211 from your phone.

This is a list of people food pantries in our area or close to us even if someone has no pets this is a good list of places low and no income people can go for food.

Community Resource Center of Punta Gorda INC. 

Edgewater Church Food Pantry

Bountiful Blessings

Homeless Coalition

Human Services

Community Life Center Church

Disiple Driven Ministries

Ebenezer Pentecostal Church

Englewood Church of Crist

Englewood Bible Church

First Baptist church of PG

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church

First Presbyterian Church of PC

Friendship United Methodist Church

Holy Trinity Luthern Church

Pillgrim Church

Praise Tabernacle Pentecostal Church

Sacred Heart,

Sam Antonio.

St. Charles Borromeo,

St. Maximillian

(St. Vincent de Paul's)

Salvation Army

Seventh Day Adventist

St. Davids Episcopal Church

St. James Episcopal Church

Sonshine Baptist

Trinity Global Methodist Church

Trinity Community Church

Wintergarden Presbyterian

Englewood Meals on Wheels

Jesus Loves You Ministries

Charlotte Meals on Wheels

New Day Christian Church

Senior Friendship Center

Friendship Cafe @ Harbor Heights or @ the Veranda

Project Phoenix Indian Mound Park

Other People Resources

CHAPS HIV/AIDS supplemental help (941) 625-2552

For love of kids once a year help with Baby related items (941) 626-4345

Jesus loves you ministry help getting from a homeless situation up. To many things to list. (941) 979-5232

Places to Surrender your pet

Resource 4

No one wants to Give up or Surrender their pet. Here are some things to ask yourself when considering this as an option.

Can I provide at least 15 minutes of attention to my pet each day?

Is my home a safe environment for my pet?

Am I able to provide food and water for my pet?

If you answered YES to any of those there are options of resources to help you keep your pet with its family. 

If you answered No, it could very well be time to consider rehoming or surrendering your pet. 

Your pet will be most happy to stay with its family. A familiar environment, with people they know and love. Reach out to your local shelters for free food. As well as these listed programs for the care of your pet.

We all look forward to a future where overpopulation is rare and each pet is cared for and has been spayed or neutered, Vaccinated, is safe, happy, loved, with plenty of food and fresh water.

Please keep in mind... You are your pets family. All he or she knows. Whether you have to rehome, surrender to a shelter or your pet needs to be euthanized remember You have to do it with love and grace that means staying with your pet during this time. Let them get to know the new home and people in it. Give them love as the shelter gets the area they will live ready or stay with your pet during the final hours, reassure them with gentle stroking and a soft voice. Take the time off work or away from whatever you are doing. Don't make your pets last minutes with strangers in an unknown place scared and sad. wondering where you are. Don't say "I can't be there" or "I don't want to see it happen". They simply go to sleep in your arms with your caress. They deserve that from all their love they gave you. Anything less is not enough. Its pure being a coward! They deserve better. We all know when we take on the responsibility of a pet it will come to the end. Pets do not have our life span. If you cannot care for your pet completely and give your pets all your love and care you should not get, take, or agree to care for one. You leave your pet alone while you work or go out. Their hours are only minutes in our life. Please take note there is help out there. These are but a few resources. Looking up no and low cost pet clinics in my area online will get you to these programs available in your area or the world.

All pets are made adoptable by receiving care they need before being adopted. At the Suncoast Humane Society they ask for you to gather all your pets veterinary records. It gives everyone a chance to get to know your pet and what he or she needs. A donation is requested. Some shelters require it. However Suncoast does not turn away pets. They request a donation of $25.00 or more. However every penny you can give helps.

To my Dog

I will never move and not take you with me. I will not let you go hungry. I will keep you safe and out of bad weather. I will never put you in a shelter and leave. I will never hurt you or let you be in pain. I will not desert you when you get old. Nor will I leave you if you go blind. When your time comes I will be beside you, with you in my arms. It is the least I can do with all you have given me.

Articles about caring for your pet.

  • 4 Steps for ensuring bath time success.

    1st Select the right shampoo.
    Resist the urge to use your shampoo on your pet. Canine formulas are formulated to meet the unique needs of your pet. There are formulas to control itch, moisture, scale removal, inflammation, coat shine and flea control. If your pet seems sensitive to shampoo in its eyes apply ophthalmic ointment to your pets eyes before bathing.
    2nd Prevent escapes.
    Using a pet tub with a leash hook to hold your pet in place is ideal. Most pet owners do not have this luxury. There are reasonably priced products that are useful for this as alternative.  One such product is a suction cup with a leash hook to stick to your tub. A bathmat in your tub helps with the traction. Both of these products make the experience easier. 
    3rd Massage down to the skin.
    Work the shampoo all the way down through the hair or fur to its skin. This will boost the effectiveness of the ingredients and massage away the loose skin and hair. Last Rinse and Dry completely. The best way is to rinse your pet with a sprayer. The force of the spray puts the water deep so the shampoo rinses out completely to prevent skin irritation later. If you use a restraint be sure to keep it attached and your pet to it until you are done with towel drying.
    Something to remember.
    Using the proper shampoo and effective restraints with following these tips are your key to making bath time less hectic for you and more enjoyable for your pet. That's success!

  • Name Tags are important.

    It is just a little name tag. However a name tag is a most important and affordable product for your pet. When your pet is lost, it can bring him or her home. If your pet gets injured or in trouble, it can save his or her life. Most shelters and Humane Societies will only keep each animal so long before they adopt them out or euthanize them as unadoptable. Their tag is as important as our Drivers License or ID. Be sure to affix it to their collar securely. If your pet has a problem with collars or you can afford to you should consider a microchip. Microchips are less expensive than they used to be. They have been around a few years now. Name tags come in many sizes, shapes, colors etc. They are lightweight and last for years. Its a small thing to do for your pet.

  • Relieving stress for your pet

    As rainy season nears thunderstorms and fireworks can cause major stress to our pets. Because pets are sensitive to their physical and emotional environment. Long absences, lack of sufficient affection, unhealthy food, lack of exercise are things of stress to them. Signs they are stressed can show up as fatigue, extreme licking, panting, and even aggression. Events can produce stress to our pets. Family visits, trips to the vet, traveling on vacations. Our emotions, other pets, and children all cause stress to them. Try to help relieve stress naturally when you can. Lesson the root causes. Try things like stop or go home at lunchtime. Spend extra time with your pet. Feed them a healthy nutritious food when you can. Give them lots of exercise, and clean comfortable bedding with a blanket to crawl under. Maybe even in a quiet corner. The children and other pets can get annoying sometimes. Try holding your pet through the worst of the thunderstorm. Reassure them of their safety. After all of this, if your pet still seems stressed it may be time to talk to your vet about a compression / hug shirt or medication. Your vet will have additional ideas of underlying causes and treatments. 

  • How to tell if you pet has fleas

    When pets groom themselves they ingest any fleas on their coats, making them difficult to detect. The only signs you may see are extreme itching and flea bites on them or you. Place you pet on a light colored paper or place you can comb them with a flea comb. look for flea dirt, feces. Or any fleas that may show on the surface.. Flea dirt is usually shaped like a comma and black in color. When wet and rubbed lightly it will leave a tell tale brownish stain. When you find fleas or suspect and parasite infestation please see a vet and get your pet started on a preventative.

  • Flea Prevention is the best option

    Fleas and Heartworms are two of the biggest worries of pet owners. Fleas are not only difficult to deal with they can lead to major scratching. That leads to bacterial and fungal infections. At your Veterinarians office you may have seen a model of a heart infested with heartworms. Or have been told how damaging both parasites and fleas can be. As pet owners we must come to realize prevention is the best option. There are many products available. Some listed above that through programs make them affordable. Fleas won't be a problem, topicals are easy to apply and effective. Ticks, mites, lice, and mosquitos can be eliminated by pills and topicals. Monitor your pets regularly for signs of fleas. Make an appointment when you can to talk to a vet . Discuss what preventives may be best for your pet and financial ability.

  • Good Clean Habits make Great neighbors

    As a dog owner you have special responsibilities. You want your neighbors to appreciate your dog as much as you. With space at a premium and most of it shared this might take extra effort on your part. Here are a few suggestions we often hear about neighbors pets. Take time to teach your pet to be obedient on a leash. For walks a 4' leash should be fine. Don't forget to take a poop bag. Cleaning up your dogs poop will make neighbor not mind when they poop in the edge of their yard. Grocery bag, sandwich bag even a newspaper bag are all good choices. Put the bag on your hand pick up the poop and then turn the bag over and off your hand keeping the poop inside till you can dispose of it. This keeps your hand clean until you get to a trash can.  In apartment buildings inside house training maybe an option. Most pets are fairly easy to train. Repetitive walks and short amount of time in between them. Many attractant products are available to lure your pet to inside places you want them to go. Another thing to consider is habit barking. It can be a challenge. Some cities have ordinances that end up in fines that add up quickly and the noise can cause tension between neighbors. Bark collars like vibration or citronella are meant to supplement training by startling your pet when it barks. They are meant for corrective devices. Most neighbors appreciate the barking at strangers or wildlife that gets close but, they just can't handle all day and/or all night. Just remember whenever you come to an issue about your dog or any pet situation to look at it from both sides. Your neighbors will appreciate all you do.

  • You have a new Pet?

    Perhaps you have adopted a pet of any kind, age of sex. It is important to get them off to a good start. To help your new pet to grow happy and healthy the first year is so important. Good health and lots of care makes all the difference. Pets need a loving bond. They rely on us for their food, water, warmth, love and security. In return they give us their love, faith, attention and loyalty. Be as prepared as you can before you bring them home. Help them adjust quickly, Here are a few items you should have. Food and water dishes, Litterbox, litter and scoop. A scratching post. Leash, harness or collar and with tag, poop bags, a comfortable bed, grooming tools, safe fun toys. Don't forget the food and water to go in the bowls. Last you are going to need patience, understanding, love and friendship to care for your new best friend.

  • Cat care 101

    Cat parents must be aware of in home dangers. The following tips should give you an understanding of what to look for. The essentials for responsible Cat care. Securely store hazardous materials, sharp objects, insecticides, poisons, moth balls, medications, plastic bags, cleaning supplies, antifreeze/coolant, chocolate, and aspirin. Find out which houseplants you have and which are dangerous to cats. Cats should wear a small collar with a bell and tag that will breakaway when it might need to. Keep toilet lids down. Electric cords secured or taped down. Never leave a hot stove unattended. Secure all window screens. Keep all drawers, trunks, and cabinet doors closed. Don't forget to always check inside the fridge, washer, dryer and oven. Cats love to hide. Every cat needs a litterbox, litter and a scoop, clean it daily. Keep it in a low traffic area. Provide your cat with healthy diet. Fresh water is a must. A clean comfortable bed, safe cat toys and a scratching post. Groom your cat regularly, look for lumps, rashes, and any skin conditions. Keep watch for fleas & ticks. Nails need to be kept clean and trimmed with cat designed nail clippers. Be prepared to provide your cat with yearly wellness check up, vaccines, preventative products. You will be repaid by many years of love attention and loyalty from them.
Superscript

Pet Washes

Come to one of our pet friendly parks or a Dog Wash event where we will attempt to wash your Dog, trim nails and talk about local programs and available resources. Then put your name in a raffle for a Gift Bag. Also there will be water and snacks for the Dogs after their bath.

Wednesday or Sunday


  • June 26, 2024 9AM-12PM Noon
  • Community Resource Center of Punta Gorda INC. 222 Brown Street Punta Gorda FL 33950

  • July 14, 2024 2PM-5PM        Edgewater Dog Park 

July 24, 2024 9AM-12PM Noon       Ann & Chuck Denver Park 


          August 11, 2024 2PM-5PM             Cape Haze Pioneer Trail Park


August 28, 2024 9AM-12PM Noon Oyster Creek Environmental Park


  • September 15, 2024 2PM-5PM   South County Regional Park

  • September 25, 2024 9AM-12PM  Sunset Park at Babcock Ranch 

October 13, 2024 2PM-5PM      Hounds of Henry

       October 23, 2024 9AM-12PM        Larry Taylor Kiwanis Park


  • November 10, 2024 2PM-5PM   Canine Club Dog Park

  • November 27, 2024 9AM-12PM Randy Spence Park

  • December 8, 2024 2PM-5PM
  • Toledo Club Paw Park


  • December 22, 2024 2PM-5PM
  •        Centennial Park 

  • The Dog Washes are over! We got the word out as much as possible! Thank You to all the girls who helped and Pet Owners that came.

  • The winner of the Gift Bag is Katonya Williams of Punta Gorda!                 

Pet Parks in our Area

Charlotte County

Edgewater Dog Park (Off Leash)

22410 Glass LN, Port Charlotte, FL 33980

 Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park (Off Leash)

6791 San Casa Dr., Englewood

Cape Haze Pioneer Trail Park

1688 Gasparilla Rd., Rotunda

Oyster Creek Environmental Park

2333 Placida Rd., Englewood, FL 34224

South County Regional Park

670 Cooper St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Sunset Park Babcock Ranch

Lake Babcock Dr., Punta Gorda, FL 33982

Hounds of Henry

1098 W. Virginia Ave. Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Kiwanis Park

501 Donora St., Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Canine Club

6442 Appomattox Dr. North Port, FL 34287

Ollie's Pond

18235  Avon Ave. Port Charlotte, Fl 33948

Port Charlotte Beach Park

4500 Harbor BLVD, Port Charlotte, FL 33952

Randy Spence Park

4333 Kerrigan Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33953

Toledo Club

3500 Bobcat Village Center Rd, North Port, Fl 34288 

Bayshore Live Oak Park

23157 Bayshore Road, Port Charlotte, FL 33980

Centennial Park

1185 Centennial Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL 33953
Donations always accepted!

Any Amount

  • Your donation will go to purchase Pet Food to give to families that need it to avoid having to surrender their pet. Please send a Check to: Pet Food Donation  Morton Family 737 Mirado LN NW Port Charlotte FL 33948