Pictured: Patients are greeted by ARC's friendly receptionists, courtesy of ARC.

Animal Rescue Coalition (ARC) has a dream: to end the killing of adoptable dogs and cats. Since 1999, the local nonprofit has worked toward this dream by providing high-quality, high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter services to pet owners and local partners (shelters, animal service agencies and rescue groups) dramatically reducing euthanasia rates and animal homelessness in our area. Having performed over 75,000 spay and neuter surgeries, many for no cost, ARC collaborates with 30 local rescue partners, providing the surgeries and wellness necessary for the adoption of the animals who are waiting to find their forever homes. In 2021, ARC performed spay/neuter surgeries and vaccines for over 900 feral cats, reducing overpopulation in cat colonies and providing these animals a better quality of life. 

As Executive Director Laura McCann states, “The impact of ARC on the lives of animals is well-known in the Suncoast Region.  What is lesser known is how ARC’s services make a difference in the lives of people in our community.”

Victims of domestic violence, have been able to find shelter because their pets received spay/neuter surgeries and vaccines at no cost through ARC’s Lend-A-Paw program. Active duty military and veterans receive discounted care for their pets who oftentimes are emotional support animals. Low-income residents from Manatee, Sarasota, Desoto and Charlotte Counties receive surgeries and vaccines at ARC through subsidies and ARC donations.

As a nonprofit, ARC relies on the generosity of donors to support their work. In addition to financial donations, ARC welcomes donated supplies (they have a list of supplies on Amazon that are needed on an ongoing basis) and the assistance of volunteers to help with daily tasks in and around the clinic.

The sponsorships and donations raised at ARC’s annual Unconditional Love Gala provide the majority of its fundraising income. This year’s Gala will be held at Michael’s on East on Saturday February 26, 2022. The evening includes dinner, presentations about the impact of ARC's services, live music and an auction. Tickets are on sale on the ARC website (www.arcsrq.org), and sponsorships are available until January 6th. For more information on the Gala, please contact Executive Director Laura McCann at laura@arcsrq.org.

Pictured: Patients are greeted by ARC's friendly receptionists, courtesy of ARC.

To learn more about ARC and the Unconditional Love Gala, click here