Animal Network, Inc.

Our History:

A small but enthusiastic group of dog owners created “Manatee Citizens for off Leash Areas.” We realized that our illegal off leash areas to walk our dogs was being developed by builders and the open areas were disappearing. Whenever we walked them in the park we were harassed and chased out of the parks by non-pet loving walkers and joggers who didn’t want us there. MCOLA needed a place to run their dogs.

We were encouraged by Sarasota’s Paw Park, which was an area set aside by our neighbors to the south, where owners could let their dogs romp and play to exercise and burn off energy. MCOLA, working in concert with the cooperation of Manatee Parks and Recreation and the Manatee County Commission, were able to achieve our goal of a special area for our pets. Eighteen months after our first meeting, our first dog park was dedicated.

Through our petition drive and conversations with animal lovers throughout the county, a new passion was developing among our members. We were beginning to recognize the problems with animal welfare that existed in Manatee County. We began a relationship with our County Animal Services and were mortified with the number of animals being euthanized, that were healthy, adoptable cats and dogs. We decided that this was our next major project. We set out to do what we could to help Manatee County Animal Service’s ailing and misconceived image. With funds from our first “Canine Christmas,” we painted the facility inside and out an inviting blue, to cover the dull, institutional, morbid, gray that it was previously. We assisted in arranging a transfer agreement between Animal Services and the Humane Society of Manatee County in order to transfer some animals to their shelter or to foster homes. We donated food to the Humane Society of Manatee County, Bishop ASPCA and individuals that were doing their own rescues such as feeding feral cats and to wildlife organizations. One of our members started a program with Wal-Mart Supercenter on State Road 70 to pick up and distribute broken bags of pet food to the area animal sanctuaries and individuals so they could continue their outstanding and dedicated work. In initiating and working these programs we became cognizant of the fact that we were forming a Network. In addition these organizations were now starting to work in cooperation with each other, rather than in competition with each other.

We developed a program called SNAP (Spay, Neuter, Adopt and Protect) and Pennies from heaven, which provides emergency funds for hurt or injured rescued animals. In 2002 we paid close to $3500.00 in spay and neuter fees.

Several of our members have become anti-cruelty officers to fill a void left by the death of the lone officer in this county. We have developed a foster home procedure and adoption program in cooperation with PetSmart. We have truly become a network of animal caregivers and this is  why we decided to amend our name to reflect what we have become. Thus the name Animal Network, Inc.