HSTC Resource Library

Need to surrender or foster your pet? Home To Home is a peer-to-peer platform that connects families who need to rehome their pet and/or those who are seeking temporary foster placement with other families who may be able to help.

Learn more HERE.

1. Make a lot of posters and post them around your neighborhood. Keep it simple: "LOST DOG" or "CAT" should be at the top of your poster, in large, easy-to-read bold letters. Include a brief description or breed type, and the animal’s name. If you have a clear picture of your pet, include that too. Offer a reward, but do not state how much, and include your telephone number in large numbers at the bottom of the poster.
2. Place a "Lost" ad in your local newspaper the very first day your pet is missing. These ads are often free.
3. Get outside and call for your pet by name. The best time is at night and at dawn.  If you are calling from your car, drive slowly, roll down all the windows, stop and turn your vehicle off frequently to listen. 
4. Call all your neighbors personally. Your pet may be frightened and hiding. Ask people to check their barns and sheds, especially at night.
5. Call all of the veterinary clinics in the area, including emergency animal hospitals outside of your local area. Sometimes people pick up a stray and drive it to a distant clinic. You’ll also need to call all of the animal shelters, animal control offices, local police, the state troopers office, local kennels, the highway department, dog training clubs, and grooming shops. Get the word out as best you can.
6. Visit all of the local animal shelters, daily.
7. Don't give up! Be persistent in your search, secure as much help as you can from friends, family, and neighbors. Get the word out right away -- don't wait a few hours to see if your pet will come home.
8. The Humane Society maintains a lost and found registry to help reunite pets with their owners. Anyone who loses their pet is encouraged to visit the shelter on a daily basis. Remember, only you know what your pet(s) looks like.

As faithful companions and treasured family members, pets bring such joy and comfort to our lives.  When a beloved pet dies, it is natural to grieve.  If you have recently lost a pet, you may be experiencing the following common signs and symptoms of grief: 

• Shock -Feeling numb or dazed, absorbed in your own thoughts, disoriented or detached from your surroundings. 
• Sadness and tears are normal and healthy responses to loss.
• Increased or decreased appetite- You may have little appetite or find comfort in food.  Eating is essential for your health, strength and survival.  You must eat several times a day whether you are hungry or not.  If your appetite is poor, look for foods that taste good and are easy to prepare.
• Fatigue, sleeplessness or oversleeping - You may feel tired, listless or apathetic.  You may need extra sleep, and you may have difficulty sleeping. 
• Physical discomfort may include tightness in the throat and chest, sensitivity to noise, shallow breathing, and fatigue.  Take good care of your health and discuss physical symptoms with your doctor.
• Social isolation - You may find it difficult to adjust to the pace and energy of others.  You may avoid social activities.  You may not return phone calls.
• Difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness - You may have trouble concentrating, remembering, organizing and completing necessary tasks.  Accept your limits for now and ask for help when needed.
• Irritable and angry -You may be short tempered and prone to angry outbursts. 
• Guilt and regrets - You may regret not knowing or doing something.  Try to be gentle and reflect on your experience with kindness and understanding.
• Periods of wellbeing - In time, the intensity of your grief will diminish, and you will begin to experience short periods of well-being.  In the beginning, these may be brief.  You may smile or laugh.  You may enjoy a meal, conversation, activity or cherished memory.  Over time, these moments occur more often and last longer.

Helping Children Cope with the Death of a Pet

The death of a pet is often a child’s first introduction to grief.  Like adults, it is normal and natural for children to grieve the loss of a pet, and when they do, children need comfort and stability.  To help a child who is grieving, it is best to let his or her questions be your guide.  Try to be honest about the circumstances of the death as well as your own feelings.  Avoid vague terms that a child may not understand.  If you are not able to answer a question, don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know.”  It is OK to cry and be sad in front of children as long as you maintain an atmosphere of safety.  This teaches them that it is OK for them to cry, laugh and be themselves even when they are sad.  
When helping children, you cannot go wrong with honesty, stability and comfort.  Keep normal routines as much as possible.  Babies and toddlers need physical reassurance such as hugs.  Provide brief and simple explanations to young children.  Older children often benefit from clear and factual information about the loss.  Avoid telling children how they should or should not feel.  Instead, listen and accept their feelings unconditionally.  Don’t be surprised if children are sad one minute and want to play the next.  You may also want to contact teachers, school guidance counselors, or other school staff to inform them about the loss. 

Honoring Your Pet

All living things have a uniqueness that is all their own.  It lives in the heart of those who love them and remains after we leave this world.  Your pet is no exception.  While it is natural that memories of your pet bring grief and sadness, it may help to remember that these feelings are a tribute to your pet’s life and the impact he or she had in this world.  What special attributes did he or she display?  What did he or she like and dislikes?  How did he or she love you?  When you are ready, you may want to honor and remember these special traits by:

• Displaying a picture that depicts a treasured trait
• Holding a memorial or celebration of life
• Posting an online memorial
• Making a donation in your pet’s honor
• Purchasing a Humane Society of the Treasure Coast Pet Memorial Brick

Resource

We partner with Treasure Coast Hospice in Stuart for assistance with pet loss.  Please call 772-403-4530 to find out more about this program. 

Provides veterinary assistance for those who are in financial hardship or victims of domestic abuse. Grants are awarded based on need, qualifications, and urgency. LEARN MORE

Provides connections to free supplies, food, and clinic services in the area to care for pet companions of the homeless. LEARN MORE

Provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need non-urgent, non-basic veterinary care and cannot afford expensive surgeries or medical treatments. LEARN MORE

Provides one-time grants up to $200 to pet owners in financial need. This funding can only be applied to veterinary treatment that is non-routine and non-emergency. LEARN MORE

Provides grants of up to $2,500 for certain serious conditions and emergency services. LEARN MORE

Provides grants of up to $1,500 for owned pets in need of lifesaving emergency or specialty veterinary care. LEARN MORE

Provides grants of up to $500 for veterinary care for illnesses and injury treatment which also includes medication, insulin, Heartworm positive treatment and medical equipment such as wheelchairs. LEARN MORE

Provides grants of $100-$500 for emergency medical care and end-of-life services. LEARN MORE

Provides grants of $100-$200 for animals who need immediate veterinary care. LEARN MORE

Provides grants for non-emergency, non-routine medical care. LEARN MORE

Assists with fundraising for non-emergency cancer treatment for pets. LEARN MORE

Visit the CareCredit website to find a list of hospitals that accept CareCredit. Pet Owners should consult their Vet office to see if they accept CareCredit. LEARN MORE

Visit GoFundMe.com or Waggle.org to set up a crowdfunding page to fundraise for your pet’s medical expenses.

Visit this link to be directed to our low-cost Public Spay/Neuter program.

Nonprofit vet office that provides affordable vet services to the community. CLICK HERE to learn more.

• Fiscal Year 2020
• Fiscal Year 2021