Humane Society of Broward County: Your Trusted Partner for Animal Welfare

Introduction

The Humane Society of Broward County (HSBC) is a beacon of hope for animals in Broward County, Florida. Established in 1934, HSBC has dedicated itself to providing compassionate care, advocacy, and education for animals and the people who love them. With over 120,000 animals rescued, rehabilitated, and adopted over the past 89 years, HSBC stands as a testament to the transformative power of compassion.

Our Mission and Values

At the heart of HSBC's mission lies the unwavering belief that animals deserve a life free from suffering and exploitation. Our values guide our every action:

• Compassion: We treat all animals with dignity and respect, recognizing their intrinsic value and capacity for emotion.
• Advocacy: We speak out for animals who cannot speak for themselves, promoting their welfare and protecting their rights.
• Education: We empower our community with knowledge about responsible pet ownership, animal care, and the human-animal bond.

Our Key Services

HSBC offers a comprehensive range of services to support animals and their human companions:

• Animal Rescue and Adoption: We rescue over 13,000 animals annually from shelters, the streets, and owners who can no longer care for them. Our adoption program provides loving homes for these animals, giving them a second chance at happiness.
• Animal Care: Our state-of-the-art shelter provides medical care, vaccination, spaying, and neutering for animals in need. We also offer affordable veterinary services to the community.
• Community Outreach: We educate the public about animal welfare, promote responsible pet ownership, and offer programs to assist low-income families with pet care.

The Scope of Animal Welfare in Broward County

According to the American Pet Products Association, there are approximately 1.1 million cats and 550,000 dogs living in Broward County. While many of these animals are loved and well-cared for, a significant number face challenges such as homelessness, abandonment, and lack of access to veterinary care.

Statistics from the Humane Society of the United States paint a sobering picture:

• Over 600,000 animals enter U.S. animal shelters annually, and approximately 390,000 of them are euthanized.
• In 2021, an estimated 3.1 million cats and 3.5 million dogs were admitted to U.S. animal shelters.

HSBC recognizes that these alarming statistics are unacceptable. We are committed to reducing animal homelessness, preventing euthanasia, and promoting responsible pet ownership in Broward County.

Our Impact on Animal Welfare

Since its inception, HSBC has played a pivotal role in improving the lives of animals in our community. Here are some highlights of our impact:

• Over 120,000 animals rescued, rehabilitated, and adopted.
• Thousands of spays and neuters performed, reducing animal overpopulation.
• Hundreds of injured and sick animals treated.
• Numerous community outreach programs implemented, educating thousands of people.

Stories of Transformation

Buddy's Story:

Buddy, a stray dog found wandering the streets, was severely injured and malnourished. Thanks to the compassionate care of the HSBC veterinary team, Buddy received lifesaving surgery and rehabilitation. Today, Buddy is a happy and healthy member of a loving family.

Lola's Story:

Lola, a kitten abandoned at a busy intersection, was brought to HSBC's shelter. Despite her timid nature, HSBC staff worked patiently with Lola, providing her with socialization and medical care. Lola eventually blossomed into a confident and affectionate cat who found her forever home.

Oliver's Story:

Oliver, a senior dog surrendered by his elderly owner, was heartworm-positive and had mobility issues. HSBC provided Oliver with the necessary medical treatment and a comfortable environment. Through our senior adoption program, Oliver found a loving family who gave him the care and companionship he deserved during his golden years.

What We Learn from These Stories:

These stories demonstrate the transformative power of compassion and the importance of animal welfare organizations like HSBC. They remind us that:

• Every animal deserves a chance to live a happy and healthy life.
• With proper care and support, animals can overcome adversity and become beloved companions.
• By working together, we can create a community where all animals are safe, respected, and loved.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In our efforts to help animals, it's essential to avoid common mistakes that can inadvertently harm them. These include:

• Impulse Adoptions: Adopting a pet is a serious decision that should not be made lightly. Be sure to research the specific breed and consider your lifestyle, finances, and time commitment before bringing an animal into your home.
• Overcrowding: Shelters and rescues have limited space. When adopting multiple animals, make sure your home can accommodate them comfortably and provide adequate care.
• Skipping Veterinary Care: Regular veterinary checkups and vaccinations are crucial for maintaining your pet's health and preventing disease. Never neglect your pet's medical needs.
• Ignoring Behavioral Issues: If your pet exhibits behavioral problems, such as aggression or excessive barking, seek professional help from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. Ignoring these issues can lead to further problems and potential harm to your pet or others.

Why Animal Welfare Matters

Protecting the welfare of animals is not only the right thing to do but also benefits our community in numerous ways:

• Public Health: Animals can transmit diseases to humans. By providing veterinary care and spaying/neutering programs, shelters and rescues help reduce the spread of zoonotic diseases.
• Property Protection: Stray animals can cause property damage and create nuisance issues. Shelters and rescues work to reduce animal overpopulation, which helps mitigate these problems.
• Community Cohesion: Animals bring people together. Community outreach programs organized by animal welfare organizations foster a sense of belonging and encourage community engagement.
• Economic Benefits: The pet industry generates billions of dollars in revenue annually, creating jobs and supporting local businesses.

How You Can Help

There are many ways you can support the Humane Society of Broward County and contribute to our mission of animal welfare:

• Adopt: Give an animal a second chance at happiness by adopting from HSBC.
• Donate: Your financial contribution helps HSBC provide vital services to animals in need.
• Volunteer: Share your time and skills by volunteering at our shelter or with our community outreach programs.
• Spread the Word: Help raise awareness about animal welfare by sharing HSBC's mission and stories on social media and with your friends and family.

Call to Action

The Humane Society of Broward County stands as a beacon of hope for animals in our community. By working together, we can create a world where all animals are treated with compassion, respect, and love.

Join us in our mission to:

• Reduce animal homelessness and euthanasia.
• Promote responsible pet ownership.
• Educate our community about animal welfare.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of animals and create a more compassionate and just community for all.

Contact Us:

Humane Society of Broward County
2070 Griffin Road
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Phone: (954) 989-3977
Website: www.humanebroward.com