Safety Net Programs
Resources for Cat Owners Needing Assistance
Cat Depot’s Safety Net Program is designed to support cat owners in crisis and prevent unnecessary cat relinquishment due to financial or situational hardship. Our mission is to keep cats with the families who love them by offering compassionate, comprehensive support.
Safety Net Services Offered
Cat Depot offers a variety of safety net programs for cat owners in the community with limited resources or who have fallen on hard times. These programs support healthy relationships between cats and people to prevent relinquishment when possible.
- Discounted veterinary care (VetCare Assistance Fund)
- Free cat food and supplies
- Behavioral support
- Short-term foster care
- Pet rental deposit assistance
- Transportation.
About the Veterinary Care Assistance Fund
The Veterinary Care Assistance Fund is designed to help keep more cats and kittens in the homes where they are loved. By reducing financial barriers to essential veterinary services, the program ensures that cat owners facing economic hardship can still access high-quality medical care for their cats. Subsidizing wellness, sick, and emergency services, the program promotes healthier cats, reduces unnecessary surrender, and strengthens the human–animal bond.
Qualifying for Assistance
Cat Depot’s Safety Net Programs are available to qualified residents of Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Cat Depot requires Photo identification and proof of income, verified with one or more of the following items:
- State or federally funded welfare program
- SNAP – Florida Food Assistance Program (formerly food stamps)
- Social Security – PLUS proof of annual income, ie. tax return
- SSI Disability
- Medicaid Gold Card
- Proof of unemployment
- Proof of earned and unearned income for each household member (such as last four weeks of check stubs, child support, notices from Social Security or Veteran’s Administration
To begin the process to qualify for assistance, submit the application below.
While Cat Depot is committed to offering support whenever possible, please be aware that availability of some services may depend upon our current resources and may be offered on a case-by-case basis.