In an effort to boost adoptions for pets with special needs, the Humane Society of Sarasota County recently announced the launch of a new program with some extra TLC for furry friends without homes. The "Tender Loving Care" (TLC) program offers no-cost medical care for adopted pets, and even includes animals with pre-existing conditions requiring lifelong, routine medical care after adoption. Animals selected for the program will receive medical care at the HSSC Animal Clinic for the pet's lifetime, and the clinic will provide the predetermined medications and care at no additional cost to the owner. “We are excited to announce our newest program because we saw an opportunity to help our animals with long-term medical conditions, who are often overlooked and passed by," says Anna Gonce, executive director of the Humane Society of Sarasota County.

For those who wish to adopt a new family member with the coming new year, but cannot take on the costs that can accompany an animal with pre-existing conditions, this program is the ideal opportunity to give the dogs and cats that need a little extra love a better chance to find homes and give their humans the ability to love and manage them with the available services and resources on hand through the HSSC. Quality veterinary care is essential for pets with long-term medical needs, notes HSSC, including senior pets and pets with underlying conditions that require routine medication and welfare. The Tender Loving Care program aims to offset and negate these associated costs for adopters and alleviate any hesitation to take on an animal that may need some additional care and attention.

The medical director will establish a treatment plan for the animals in the program and the HSSC team will work with potential adoption candidates to provide quality, comprehensive veterinary care for the longevity of their newfound companionship. “The animals in this program - your future family members! - still have so much love to give," says Gonce, "and we are proud to partner with our clinic, our donors, our team and our community to share the gift of a loving pet this holiday season.”

For those interested in supporting the Tender Loving Care program, sponsorships are available. The average lifetime cost of care for a pet in the Tender Loving Care program is $500, and the program relies on support from the community and donors. Visit hssc.org/adoption/ to view available pets, including those in the Tender Loving Care program. 

Photo of Claire, courtesy of the Humane Society of Sarasota County