CELEBRATING 365 DAYS OF
Dear Friends,
As I reflect on the incredible work we do at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, I’m filled with gratitude for you, our generous community of supporters. Whether you give, volunteer, adopt, foster, or advocate, you are at the heart of every life we touch.
Because of you, thousands of animals have found safety, healing, and love. But your impact goes far beyond helping homeless pets—you help keep families together.
Your support provides the community with programs like Animeals and the Pet Pantry, which provide food and essential supplies to pet owners facing hardship in Tampa Bay. It allows us to rescue animals from crisis situations, as well as offer affordable, high-quality care at our AAHA-accredited Animal Hospital. The hospital is a lifeline for families struggling with the rising costs of veterinary care while trying to keep their beloved pets. Every day, your compassion helps pets and the people who love them stay together.
As you read through this report, you’ll see the real scope of what you’ve made possible. These stories of hope and resilience belong to you. Together, we continue to make Tampa Bay a better place for animals and their families.
Thank you for standing with us—and with them.
With heartfelt appreciation,
CEO, Humane Society of Tampa Bay
221,159
Pounds of free pet food were given to struggling families
220,286
Volunteer hours were donated to the animals
6,268 Children enjoyed HSTB Humane Education programs
Shelter & Adoptions
Saving Lives is our Superpower
Last year, animal shelters across the country faced extraordinary challenges, and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay was no different. Our shelter saw a significant number of animals needing care, with some staying far longer than usual before finding their forever homes. Despite these difficulties, our commitment never wavered. Thanks to the compassion and generosity of our community, HSTB continued to serve as a vital part of Tampa Bay for animals in need.
At HSTB, we’ve remained focused on innovation and compassion to help animals find the loving families they deserve. This year, we began Doggie Day Out and Doggie Night Out programs (see page 13), giving shelter dogs a break from the kennel and a chance to shine outside the shelter walls. These outings not only offer much-needed enrichment, but they also reveal each dog’s unique personality, helping us make thoughtful, successful matches with potential adopters.
To further promote adoptions, we launched a special initiative for pets who’ve been waiting more than 30 days for a home, offering fee-waived adoptions and sending them off with six months of free Heartgard preventative medication. With pet care costs on the rise, this effort has helped reduce financial barriers and opened the door for more families to say “yes” to adoption.
8,836 pets adopted
590 pets reunited with their families
6,737 stray animals given refuge and care at HSTB’s shelter
3,431 pets taken in from people who could no longer care for them
Jose enjoys an afternoon by the bay on his Doggie Day Out.
After two months at the shelter, Freckles found his perfect match.
Macy
spent 100+ days at HSTB waiting for her forever home before capturing the heart of the right adopter.
Houston is just one of hundreds of Guinea pigs that come to the shelter each year. He quickly found a loving home.
Gwen
was found with a bite wound that went through her leg. She needed immediate medical care and, after healing, quickly found her forever home.
Gilbert
was abandoned and survived by eating cat food left out for feral cats. At HSTB he received proper nutrition and found a wonderful home.
Shelter Medicine
Healing Homeless Pets
This past year, our dedicated veterinary team at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay cared for thousands of pets, delivering expert treatment and making an immeasurable difference in the lives of homeless animals. From basic wellness exams to diagnosing and managing infectious diseases—and even performing intricate, life-saving surgeries rarely offered in shelter settings—our medical staff rose to every challenge.
They handled complex cases with skill and compassion, going above and beyond to ensure that each animal received the advanced care they needed. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, countless pets were given the second chance they so deeply deserved.
Not all pets entering the shelter have complex needs, but they all still receive the basic medical services needed to thrive in the shelter environment and, eventually, a new forever home. In addition to spay/ neuter surgery, animals in HSTB’s care receive:
• Core Vaccinations (Additionally, dogs receive Bordetella and Canine Influenza vaccinations)
• Deworming & parasite screening
• Flea & Heartworm preventative
• Microchipping
• A highly nutritious diet provided by Canidae™
6,367
Spay/neuter surgeries performed on homeless pets entering the shelter.
232
Specialty surgeries performed on homeless pets to improve the quality of their lives and, in some cases, to save their lives.
Twizzler was living on the streets for so long his fur was terribly matted, and his teeth were chipped and broken from scrounging for food and eating things not meant for dogs. After a shave down and teeth pulling, Twizzler found his new family.
Boba was rescued from a community center by an kind HSTB volunteer. The volunteer fostered her while she gained weight and recovered from ringworm before the HSTB medical staff removed her enlarged eye, freeing her from pain. Shortly after surgery, she found her forever home.
Animal Hospital
Veterinary Care for Everyone
The Animal Hospital continues to be a trusted lifeline for pet owners, bridging the gap between expert veterinary care and affordability. With a mission rooted in compassion and accessibility, we proudly provide everything from routine wellness visits to advanced medical procedures, ensuring that every pet has the chance to live a healthy, comfortable life.
HSTB’s AAHA-accredited animal hospital exemplifies our veterinarians’ dedication to providing the gold standard in veterinary care. This standard of care is provided to all families and their pets who visit the hospital.
For families in financial crisis, the Save-A-Pet and Pet Assistance Programs offer assistance for essential veterinary services. In addition, Sophie’s Senior Fund helps cover the costs of special medical needs for senior pets who’ve given a lifetime of love and loyalty.
29,789 wellness patients
11,918 spay/neuter surgeries
12,840 surgery patients
922 specialty surgeries
KiKi was very ill but his family was struggling financially. HSTB’s pet assistance program covered the entire cost of his medical care.
Copo
got a serious leg wound as Hurricane Helene was approaching. While other clinics were closed, HSTB’s medical team was there to care for Copo’s injury and send him home to safety.
Nidia rescued Moto Moto after he was tied to a tree and left to suffer outside in all kinds of weather. He had terrible ear and skin infections, so she brought him to HSTB’s Animal Hospital where the SaveA-Pet program covered his cost of care. He is now happy, healthy, and loving life inside his new home.
Moto Moto
Spay / Neuter
Answering a Critical Community Need
It’s a simple truth—spaying and neutering save lives. Preventing unplanned litters is one of the most effective ways to reduce the overwhelming number of animals entering shelters, and at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, we take that responsibility seriously.
The veterinary team plays a critical role in this effort, performing an incredible 18,285* spay and neuter surgeries last year, averaging about 50 procedures every single day. These preventative measures not only help control pet overpopulation, but they also improve health outcomes and reduce strain on the shelter.
Through the Dolly’s Dream Program, we provide free spay and neuter surgeries to bully breeds, helping to curb overpopulation and improve health outcomes.
11,918
spay/neuter surgeries at the animal hospital
Cancer Protection
Sterilization protects pets from contracting serious diseases of the reproductive system, including fatal forms of cancer.
6,367
spay/neuter surgeries at the shelter
Behavior
Modification
Dogs and cats that have been sterilized are less likely to exhibit unwanted behaviors such as spraying, aggression, and wandering.
*This number includes spay/neuter surgeries performed at both the shelter and the animal hospital.
Pudge was brought to HSTB as a stray, heavily pregnant. It was evident that she had been used for backyard breeding countless times, and this was another litter she was forced to bear. Pudge gave birth to four healthy puppies, and when the time came, she was spayed and adopted, free to live like a carefree dog herself!
Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return
Every Life Counts
HSTB believes that every animal deserves care and compassion. That’s why the TrapNeuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) program is such a vital part of our work.
TNVR is a humane, proven method of managing and reducing the feral cat population.
Feral cats are humanely trapped, brought to our facility for sterilization and vaccination, and then returned to their outdoor homes. This approach not only prevents future litters but also helps improve the overall health and stability of community cat colonies.
In 2024 alone, our team sterilized 4,024* feral cats through this lifesaving program.
That’s thousands of animals spared from the cycle of unchecked reproduction—and countless future litters prevented.
With an estimated 10 million feral cats living in Florida, TNVR is more important than ever. It’s the only long-term, sustainable solution to controlling the outdoor cat population while ensuring these animals are protected and treated with dignity.
200,00
estimated feral and community cats living in the greater Tampa Bay area alone.
Ear Tipping
is the internationally recognized symbol that a cat has been sterilized
87,543
feral cats have received TNVR services at HSTB since the program launched in 2008
Disease Control
Vaccinating feral cats helps to protect the community from the spread of infectious disease
*This number is included in the surgery numbers reported on pages 3, 7, and 8.
Will Work for Love!
Sometimes feral or semi-feral cats can’t be returned to their colonies for various reasons and aren’t socialized enough to live in a home.
HSTB’s highly successful Working Cats Program addresses this issue by allowing these cats to be adopted to families and/or companies with barns, outbuildings, warehouses, breweries, etc. In return, the cats provide pest control and/or keep farm animals company, a win-win for everyone.
Community Support
Keeping Families Together
The rising cost of living continues to put tremendous pressure on families, especially those with pets.
According to Humane World for Animals, nationally, it’s estimated that at least 20 million pets live in households struggling with poverty or severely limited resources. Locally, the challenge hits close to home, with the U.S. Census reporting that 15% of Tampa Bay residents are living below the poverty line.
That’s why the Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s Pet Assistance Programs are more vital than ever. We’re dedicated to providing meaningful support for pet owners facing tough times, helping them care for their beloved companions without having to make heartbreaking decisions. From low-cost veterinary services to free pet food through our community pantry, and even a delivery option for homebound neighbors, our goal is simple: to keep pets healthy, cared for, and right where they belong—with their families.
Animeals
For homebound and elderly citizens who are unable to travel to the shelter, HSTB delivers monthly supplies of pet food.
Pet Pantry
For Tampa Bay citizens struggling to care for their pets, HSTB offers free pet food and supplies at the shelter twice a week.
Core Vaccinations
HSTB’s Animal Hospital offers core vaccinations at a special price for families needing preventative care for their pets.
Veterinary Care
HSTB’s Animal Hospital offers affordable, full-service, veterinary care and spay/neuter services to the public.
Animeals recipients receive monthly supplies of pet food so they can keep and care for their treasured companions.
HSTB’s Pet Pantry is open twice a week at the shelter with free pet food and supplies for families in need.
Animal Rescue
Bringing Hope in Crisis
Every day, the Rescue Department at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay answers the call to help animals in crisis, no matter where they are or what it takes to reach them. From deep within sewer drains to precarious spots high on rooftops, they go where others can’t, ensuring animals in distress are treated with dignity, care, and urgency. Some of the animals they find are clinging to life, severely injured, suffering, and in need of immediate intervention. In the most devastating cases, when pain cannot be relieved and healing is no longer possible, our team makes the compassionate choice to humanely end their suffering. These decisions are never made lightly, and always with the animal’s comfort and dignity at heart.
But there is also so much hope. In 2024, 336 animals were rescued by our team and many went on to receive lifesaving treatment, regained their strength, and eventually found loving homes. Their resilience is a testament to what’s possible when compassion meets action.
Daisy
was found wandering on her own and struggling to walk because her paw had been impaled with a rusty screw. As soon as HSTB’s Rescue Team got Daisy to the shelter, she went into surgery to remove the screw. She made a full recovery and was adopted by the Good Samaritan who had found her and called HSTB.
Donald
Donald was tossed from a vehicle on the Courtney Campbell bridge and abandoned as cars raced by. Because his wings were clipped, the duck could not fly to safety. After being rescued by HSTB, Donald was quickly adopted by a loving family who had a farm and other animals for the amiable duck to befriend.
Delilah
escaped her yard and went on a little journey. However, being old and arthritic, she became too tired to get back home. Several people saw her laying in the road and called HSTB for help. Luckily, her owner was found and they were reunited with lots of happy tears.
Luke & Leia were rescued by HSTB after being thrown from the window of a moving car. Thankfully, they both survived and found loving forever homes.
Volunteering
The Heartbeat of HSTB
Volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission, extending care and compassion to thousands of animals each year. In 2024, dedicated volunteers contributed an astounding 220,286 hours, equivalent to the work of 106 full-time staff members. Their unwavering commitment ensures that every animal receives the attention and love they deserve.
From assisting in medical areas and supporting adoption efforts to providing daily care and socialization, volunteers are integral to every facet of operations. We offer a variety of programs to suit different interests and schedules, including long-term and short-term opportunities, group volunteering, fostering, and specialized roles for teens and families. Each role plays a vital part in the collective effort to provide safe shelter, medical care, and loving homes for animals in need.
including
care and companionship,
220,286 volunteer hours given to the animals.
8,586
active individual and team volunteers
502 businesses and community organizations that sent teams to HSTB for group volunteering and enrichment activities.
365
Number of days every year that volunteers are present at the shelter helping staff care for the animals; rain or shine, holidays, weekends and work days.
HSTB Volunteers assist in a myriad of departments
animal
exam, surgery and animal intake, adoptions, administration, events, Humane Education, and more.
Group Volunteers help by walking dogs, making and passing out enrichment treats, and socializing the shelter animals through lots of love, attention, and snuggles.
Foster Care
Support for the Most Vulnerable
Our foster volunteers are nothing short of heroes. By welcoming a wide range of animals into their homes—from fragile newborn puppies and kittens to pets recovering from illness or injury—they provide critical care in a comforting home setting. Some even open their hearts to more unique cases, including exotic animals that need time and space to heal.
Fostering not only offers these animals the individualized attention they need to thrive, but it also helps us create room in the shelter for the steady stream of new arrivals. With more than 11,000 animals coming through our doors each year, this support is absolutely essential. Our foster families extend the reach of the shelter beyond its walls—and their compassion is a cornerstone of our lifesaving work.
Doggie Outings
Dogs About Town
118,870
foster hours given to underage animals or those who need extra time to heal
animals nurtured and cared for in
Underage puppies and kittens are the pets most often fostered at HSTB. However, our team of incredible foster families have cared for a menagerie of animals including birds, hedgehogs, rabbits, gerbils and more!
We know that true animal welfare goes far beyond food and shelter—it’s about nurturing the whole dog. That’s why HSTB launched the Doggie Day Out and Doggie Night Out programs. These impactful, short-term outings give adoptable dogs a much-needed break from the busy shelter environment, offering them time to relax, explore, and just be themselves. Whether it’s a few hours at a park or a cozy overnight stay, these moments provide mental relief and emotional enrichment that are hard to replicate inside a kennel.
But these outings do more than just ease stress; they help us learn who our dogs really are.
Watching them unwind in real-world settings gives our team critical insight into their behavior and personalities which helps us better match them with the right adopters. Plus, through photos and social media updates, these dogs get to shine, often capturing the hearts of their future families.
HSTB’s foster care program
Humane Education
Nurturing Tomorrow’s Animal Advocates!
HSTB believes that creating a more compassionate world for animals begins with education. That’s why our Humane Education programs continue to grow, offering young people meaningful, hands-on opportunities to connect with animals and learn about kindness, empathy, and responsible pet ownership.
In 2024 alone, 6,268 children between the ages of 2 and 16 participated in our programs. With 13 unique options—from story time for toddlers to summer camps—there’s something for every age and interest. Whether they’re helping with enrichment activities, learning about animal behavior, or supporting shelter pets through creative projects, these children are developing a deeper understanding of animal welfare and the importance of giving back.
6,268 children were active in Humane Education programs at the shelter.
13
Unique options for children between the ages of 2 and 16 and their families.
What’s Next?
Expanding Community Services
The Animal Hospital has long been a cornerstone of compassionate, affordable veterinary care. Since opening in 2012, the hospital has served over 43,000 pet patients annually, offering everything from routine wellness checks to complex surgeries. However, as the Tampa Bay community grows, so does the demand for our services, surpassing the capacity of the current 10,000-square-foot facility.
To meet this need, HSTB is expanding the hospital by adding a second story, effectively doubling the space. This 10,000-square-foot addition will enable us to provide advanced medical care, enhance treatment capabilities, and better serve the pets and families who rely on it. As an AAHA-accredited facility, the hospital is committed to maintaining the highest standards of veterinary excellence.
More than just bricks and mortar, this expansion is a commitment to the well-being of the community’s animals. By increasing capacity, more pets will receive the care they need, regardless of their owners’ financial circumstances.
10,000
sq. ft. will be added to the current hospital structure, doubling the space.
8,000 additional animals will be cared for at the expanded facility.
50,000+
owned animals in need will have access to affordable veterinary care when the expansion is complete.
Statement of Activities
Mission Vision
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is dedicated to ending animal homelessness and providing care and comfort for companion animals in need. Leading the way because every life counts.™
Board of Directors
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Sarah Glaser
President
Wyatt Castellvi
Vice President
Steve Rovner
Treasurer
Kevin Bischoff
Secretary
Scott Arnold
Member at Large
Executive Leadership
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Sherry SilK
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Pam Duval
Chief Financial Officer
Ornella Varchi
Chief Advancement Officer
Dr. Karla Bard
Director of Medical Operations
Gretel Harvey
Director of Hospital Operations
Nash McCutchen
Director of Marketing & Design
Lon Savini
Director of Facilities & Logistics
Danyelle Van Horn
Director of Employee Engagement
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Amy Nelson Agliano
Meredith Balasco
Sierra-Shae Brandt
Ryan Cook
Michael Neff
Phil Nodhturft, III
Jacalin Russo
Scott Savitt
BOARD EMERITUS
Linda Reitz
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Greg Balasco
Simon Canasi
Mayor Jane Castor
Lisa DeBartolo
Nikki DeBartolo
Danita Dickman
Andrea Gonzmart Williams
Commissioner Ken Hagan
Bobby Harris
Jeannine Hascall
Brad Lancaster
Sandy Murman
Scott Price
Kim Rogers
Cherie Schonbrun
Cathy Smith
Cynthia Smoot
Elise Zahn
Georgie, a Quaker parrot, was rescued from a hoarding situation where he endured extreme neglect. He was both fostered and then adopted by the Advancement and Administrative staff on the shelter’s third floor. He is very loved and, needless to say, rules the roost.
HSTB Advancement Department
Ornella Varchi, MBA, CFRE Chief Advancement Officer
813.876.4150
OrnellaV@HumaneSocietyTampa.org or Advancement@HumaneSocietyTampa.org
HumaneSocietyTampa.org
