Cat Depot Named a 2026 Finalist for the Manatee Chamber’s Small Business & Non-Profit of the Year Awards

Cat Depot is honored to be named a 2026 finalist for the Manatee Chamber of Commerce’s 46th Annual Small Business & Non-Profit of the Year Awards!

For 46 years, the Manatee Chamber has recognized organizations that strengthen Manatee County through leadership, innovation, resilience, service, and lasting community impact. Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony on August 28, and we are grateful to be recognized alongside so many outstanding local businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Although Cat Depot is based in Sarasota, our mission extends well beyond county lines. We proudly serve residents and animals throughout Manatee County by addressing pet homelessness, pet overpopulation, barriers to affordable veterinary care, and the growing need for pet retention services. By helping families keep the cats they love while reducing shelter admissions, we strengthen both animal welfare and our community.

Over the past year, 544 cats and kittens admitted to Cat Depot—approximately 40% of our total intake—came from Manatee County through owner surrenders, community rescues, and transfers from Manatee County Animal Welfare. Through specialized medical care, foster placement, rehabilitation, and adoption services, Cat Depot provides a vital safety net for vulnerable cats while creating additional capacity for municipal shelters.

Many of the cats we receive from Manatee County require advanced medical treatment beyond what most shelters can provide. Romeo is one such cat. When he arrived at Cat Depot, he was overweight, suffering from facial wounds and vision problems, and living with multiple complex medical conditions, including FIV. Our veterinary team coordinated specialty care, advanced diagnostics, prescription nutrition, and ongoing treatment to give Romeo every opportunity to heal. Today, he has made a remarkable recovery and is thriving in his loving adoptive home.

Our commitment to Manatee County extends beyond shelter walls. Each month, 75 Manatee County households—nearly one-quarter of all Community Food Bank participants—receive free cat food and support through Cat Depot’s Community Food Bank. By helping families before they reach a crisis point, we prevent unnecessary pet surrenders, keep cats in loving homes, and preserve the bond between people and their pets.

We are incredibly honored to be recognized among this year’s finalists and to stand alongside organizations that are making a meaningful difference throughout our region. This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff, volunteers, fosters, donors, and community partners whose compassion makes our lifesaving work possible every day.

In the Non-Profit category, we are honored to be named a finalist among an outstanding roster of amazing organizations.

2026 Non-Profit Finalists:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast
• Cat Depot
• Harbor58
• Keep Manatee Beautiful
• Manatee Children’s Services
• Manatee Education Foundation
• Manatee River Fair Association
• Palma Sola Botanical Park
• Parenting Matters
• Stillpoint Mission
• United Way Suncoast

Thank you to the Manatee Chamber of Commerce for this incredible recognition, and congratulations to all of this year’s nominees. We look forward to celebrating with our fellow organizations on August 28.