On April 26, 1982, a meeting was held to discuss forming a group to volunteer at the new Collier County Animal Shelter. The goals of VSA would be to promote the adoption of shelter animals, spay/neutering of these animals and all of the animal population, and the licensing of all animals. The first official meeting of Volunteer Services for Animals was on June 17, 1982. We then filed for and obtained 501(c)3 status becoming a tax exempt, non-profit organization. In the first year, in addition to volunteering to clean cages, walk and groom dogs and give the animals some TLC, we were able to buy water buckets for the dog runs at the shelter. Donations allowed us to buy grooming supplies to make the animals at the shelter more adoptable. VSA was also able to pay for spay/neutering of 71 pets adopted from Animal Control this same year. In February 1983, we were given a desk in the Animal Control office. “Animal Talk”, VSA’s first newsletter, was published in November 1983. Two years later, as donations and fund raising increased, we were able to pay for spay/neutering of all animals adopted in April-Pets are Wonderful, June-Adopt a Cat and October-Adopt a Dog. In 1988 the first Spay/Neuter Vouchers were issued. In 1989 we held our first Pets Pictures with Santa. The first “Dog Run at Pelican Bay” was held in 1991. Today, VSA continues to help the animals of Collier County through Pet Vaccination Clinics, Spay/Neuter Vouchers, the Feral TNR program, and the distributions of pet food and supplies to those pet owners in need. Additionally, as a no-kill organization, VSA works hard to find forever homes for the unwanted animals in Collier County through rescue, fostering, spay/neuter and adoption. All our pets are in loving, private homes until they are adopted. Our adoption site is located at the Naples PetSmart on Pine Ridge where some of our pets can be seen seven days a week. All pets can be seen on Petfinder.com or by calling 239-290-6274 to set an appointment. Adoptions are held at the Naples PetSmart on Pine Ridge on Saturdays from 12:00 to 3:00 in the adoption center. VSA is a 501 C – 3 charity organization. All financial donations - as well as donations of supplies and services to Volunteer Services for Animals, Inc. - are tax deductible. All VSA programs are funded through donations from pet lovers like you. We are run completely by our staff of dedicated volunteers, and we are not affiliated with any government agency.
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