This New Year’s Eve, the world lost a true gem when the iconic Betty White passed away at age 99. While she was famous for many things, most notably her role on The Golden Girls, she also had an off-air passion – animals. Throughout her life, Betty was a true animal lover and she spent years tirelessly working to raise money for nonprofit organizations that support animal welfare. She was even a trustee for the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association for nearly 40 years.

As people around the globe mourn her death, many fans are committing to make donations to local animal rescues and shelters either right now or on January 17th, which would have been her 100th birthday. For those in the Bradenton area, there are many excellent options! If everyone donated just $5, it would have a major impact on the welfare of the forgotten and unwanted animals in our community.

Here’s a quick round-up of Bradenton animal shelters and rescue groups that could really use your support. 

Friends of Manatee County Animal Services (FOMCAS) is a nonprofit organization that works hand in hand with Manatee County Animal Services. This all-volunteer fundraising charitable 501(c)(3) works hard to enrich the lives of the shelter animals by raising funds to provide medical care, heartworm treatment, and warm beds for the shelter dogs. They also provide transfer services, food for feral cats, and other needed resources. 

Want to support this awesome cause? Make a monetary donation, sign up to volunteer, or support them through Amazon Smile.

The Humane Society of Manatee County has been providing care to our community’s animals for 50 years. This 501(c)(3) not-for-profit animal welfare organization operates a no-kill shelter and a veterinary clinic / high volume spay and neuter clinic at 2415 14th Street W. in downtown Bradenton. 

Every year, more than 800 dogs and cats receive compassionate care and find new homes through the adoption center. It’s easy to donate online or you can shop their Amazon Wish List and send needed items directly to the shelter.

Have you ever wondered what you would do if your beloved pet got lost? The tireless and dedicated volunteers at Bradenton’s Lost Pet Services help pet owners in their darkest moments! This 501(c)(3) nonprofit is dedicated to reuniting lost pets and providing medical care for those that are sick or injured. 

Since the organization started its Facebook group in 2013, they have reunited over 20,000 pets with their families. They’ve also contributed over $100,000 for medical costs since 2018. To support this incredible organization, consider making a monetary donation, setting yourself up to give while you shop, or signing up to volunteer. 

Forget Me Not, Inc. focuses its efforts on saving large dogs in Bradenton from death row. This all-volunteer 501(c)(3) works to save the lives of hard-to-place pets (e.g., bully breeds, seniors, special needs, injured, and pregnant mothers) that are impounded in Bradenton and Sarasota kill shelters and at risk for euthanasia. 

Forget Me Not is 100% no-kill. They rescue pets that have run out of time in the shelter because of overpopulation and a shortage of kennel space, or that just have a hard time being adopted. They’re always looking for volunteers or you can help by making a monetary donation.

Since 2008, Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue has been dedicated to helping neglected, abandoned, and mistreated dogs and cats in need of loving homes. This 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue organization provides a safe place for these animals to live while they wait for their forever homes. 

Your monetary donation will help provide shelter, medical assistance, balanced meals, and so much more for the animals in their care. If you prefer to donate directly, you can also shop their Amazon Wish List. 

Bradenton’s Animal Network is dedicated to keeping pets out of the county shelter. They also fund and participate in low-cost/no-cost clinics that offer spay and neuter surgeries and microchipping. In addition, the organization has a vibrant education program that encourages responsible pet ownership and offers vouchers for veterinarian services. To support this organization, consider making a donation online or contacting them to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Gulf Shore Animal League is a completely volunteer-run 501(C)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to expanding the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs for feral cats in Manatee County so that the dream of becoming a No-Kill community may be realized.  

They’re always looking for foster homes for their kittens and it’s easier than you may think! If you don’t have room in your home for a kitten, you can support them by making a monetary donation or contact them to learn about other ways you can help. 

All Kitty Korner is another 501(c)(3) corporation. They run a feral cat trap-neuter-return program and have a variety of rescued cats and kittens available for adoption. The public is welcome to come in and meet their furry friends, and if you would like, you can also make a tax-deductible online donation.

Dogs and cats aren’t the only animals that need rescuing! Birds of Paradise is dedicated to providing quality care to formerly abused and neglected parrots and other exotic birds – offering them a stable environment and the dignity and love they deserve.

You can help by this 501(c)(3) non-profit organization by volunteering, adopting a parrot, making in-kind donations, or sending items from their wish list. You can also make an online donation, knowing that 100% of donated money is used for food, shelter, and medical care for their birds.

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