Frequently Asked Questions

Humane Society Naples (HSN) is a nonprofit no-kill shelter, adoption center and full-service veterinary clinic founded over 50 years ago by a group of concerned Collier County citizens. As a private organization, HSN receives no government funding or taxpayer support. HSN aims to find a home for all adoptable dogs and cats. We do not euthanize for time or space constraints. Each year we save dogs and cats that need medical treatment or have behavior issues and work to rehabilitate them so they can find a forever home. HSN is supported solely by private donations, grants, bequests and fees for service.

No, Humane Society Naples is an independent nonprofit serving Collier County. The money donated here stays in our area to help local animals in need. Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) does not oversee or fund local animal shelters or humane societies and it is not an umbrella organization for all humane societies. Each humane society is a separate, independent organization.

The two agencies work cooperatively to save the life of every adoptable animal in Collier County but remain independent.

Humane Society Naples is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving orphaned pets and finding loving homes for them. We promote responsible pet ownership and raise awareness about the rights and needs of animals, and stress the importance of spay and neuter for controlling pet overpopulation. HSN only accepts animals that are surrendered by their owner or from other shelters.

Domestic Animal Services (DAS) is the county agency that enforces animal control laws and anti-cruelty ordinances, picks up stray animals, rescues animals in distress and responds to animal-related emergencies. DAS runs a shelter for lost, abandoned, surrendered and rescued animals. DAS takes in not only dogs and cats, but also other domestic and some wild animals. DAS is funded by your local county tax dollars. Read more information about DAS here.

While we focus mostly on dogs and cats, Humane Society Naples also accepts other companion animals that are kept as pets, including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and mice. At this time we do not accept livestock animals, reptiles or birds. If you need assistance with any of those types of animals, please contact DAS.

Many of the animals at Humane Society Naples are brought in by their owners, some are found animals and some come to us from other shelters through our transfer program. Our first mission is to rescue animals in Collier County and the greater Southwest Florida area. Because of our large feline population, almost all of our cats come from Collier County. For dogs we regularly visits shelters in Southwest Florida, to take in animals and help ease the overcrowded conditions that they face. We also bring in dogs from areas of the United States with high euthanasia rates.

Animals in our care are available for adoption at two locations in Naples. See all locations and hours. We also bring available animals to community events. To find out when we’ll be in a neighborhood near you, see our (Paws Around Town calendar).

Humane Society Naples does not use length of stay at the shelter as a standard for euthanasia. Once a healthy or treatable animal becomes available for adoption, he or she will remain available for as long as is necessary to find a home. Euthanasia is only performed when medically or behaviorally necessary.

There is no waiting list. The animals we have available for adoption change daily. Check the adoptables to see what we currently have.

Once an animal is surrendered to Humane Society Naples, he or she undergoes a thorough medical examination before becoming available for adoption. This process can take several days and includes spaying or neutering, vaccinating, microchipping, examination for and treatment of medical conditions, dental procedures, x-rays, blood tests and even surgery when necessary.

Throughout the animal’s stay with us, we continue to monitor the animal medically and behaviorally. As needs arise, the animal may receive additional medical treatment or work with our dog behaviorist through basic or more advanced training needs.

Yes, our veterinary clinic located at the main shelter is full-service and open to the public as well as caring for our shelter pets. Hours are Monday through Saturday 8 am – 5 pm by appointment. For more information, please click here.

All lost and/or found pets must be brought to the county shelter, Domestic Animal Services (DAS). Collier County DAS is located at 7610 Davis Blvd in Naples. More questions? Please call 239-252-7387.

Please contact Collier County Domestic Animal Services at 239-252-7387.

Please contact the Conservancy of Southwest Florida at 239-262-2273 for information on injured wildlife.

Age recommendations are assigned to certain dogs to help protect the safety of both the dog and the family that may adopt it. Dogs do not communicate in the same ways as humans do – they communicate through very subtle body language. While an adult may realize that a dog’s rigid posture may mean “I don’t want to share my toy with you,” a young child may not understand this cue. Additionally, a dog with a high energy level could inadvertently knock over a young child during play.

Our Care Team and Dog Behaviorist have closely examined the personalities of every dog, and any age recommendations assigned are meant as a guideline to help adopters determine which pet will best match the needs of their household.

Read all about how to get involved on our volunteer page.