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.
- Veterinary financial assistance
- Cat food and other critical supplies
- Behavioral support
- Temporary housing for cats and kittens
- Pet rental deposit assistance
- Transportation
- and more!
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, complete the Safety Net Application.
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.