A tree-lined driveway welcomes visitors as they arrive at the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch. The 5.6-acre campus provides open spaces for dogs to play along with multiple structures that provide homes for cats, dogs and rabbits. The sense of love and compassion for these rescues is palpable.
The organization's mission is to offer a safe environment and shelter for companion animals including medical care, vaccinations, and micro-chipping by loving and caring individuals, until they can adopt the animals into a suitable new home. The facility collaborates with other shelters and county animal services to connect animals with their forever homes. Last year, The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch facilitated 350 adoptions.
The shelter is non-profit and operates 100% by private donations and is operated by three full-time and two part-time staff along with several volunteers.
Dani Ziegler, Shelter Director, says there are several ways the community can support this organization. Individuals and businesses may purchase items directly from the Wish Lists on Amazon.com and Chewy.com and have items delivered directly to the shelter. This allows the shelter to receive specific items that are needed. Volunteering at the shelter or making financial donations is another option. Foster homes are also needed year-round. During hurricane season the shelter relies on 'Storm Trooper' fosters who can provide care for animals for a shorter period of time as needed. Attending a fundraising event throughout the year is also helpful.
Upcoming events include: Putts4Mutts Golf Tournament on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and Pickle4Pets Pickleball Fundraiser on Monday, November 10, 2025. Details and registration coming soon.
Regular adoption hours are Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 11 am - 4 pm at 26920 Gopher Hill Rd, Myakka City, FL 34251.
For more information, visit: www.hslwr.org or call 941-361-1071 or email info@hslwr.org