Frequently Asked Questions
We give preference to adopters who visit the shelter in person to meet the animals. Adoption applications are thoroughly reviewed, and we prioritize placing each animal in the most suitable home, not necessarily with the first applicant.
After you’ve met the animal and completed the application, our team will review your information, including a check for any relevant history through our system and public records. In some instances, such as when a known concern exists, a home check may be conducted.
For animals that require a fenced yard, we verify the fencing using satellite imagery. If we encounter red flags, we may review public court records from Flagler and surrounding counties.
At Flagler Humane Society, we practice open adoptions, which means we focus on having thoughtful, judgment-free conversations with adopters rather than relying on rigid requirements like home or vet checks. We believe that most people genuinely want to provide a loving home for a pet, and our role is to support and guide them in that process.
We recognize that many animals are surrendered to shelters for reasons outside of the owner’s control—most commonly due to financial hardship or housing challenges, such as pet restrictions, eviction, or homelessness. These are systemic issues, not indicators of a person’s ability to care for a pet.
Rather than turning away adopters based on housing type, income, or other barriers, we work collaboratively to ensure pets are matched with families ready to provide loving, stable homes. When needed, we connect adopters with resources to help them succeed because we believe that supporting people is key to keeping animals safe and loved.
However, vet checks are conducted only when an animal has significant ongoing medical needs.
We have found that families are more committed when they choose to adopt outright. However, we understand that not every match is perfect. That’s why we offer a 30-day Adoption Adjustment Period, which allows you to return the animal within 30 days with a full refund if it’s not the right fit.
We also have animals available specifically for fostering. These include:
- Puppies and kittens under 8 weeks old
- Adults struggling to adjust to shelter life
- Long-term residents who need a break from the kennel environment
Our staff can provide a list of animals available for foster and their specific needs.
We are committed to the well-being of every animal in our care and never allow an animal to suffer needlessly. In rare cases, humane euthanasia is performed when
an animal is:
- Suffering from a medical condition that cannot be treated
- Exhibiting dangerous, unmodifiable aggression that poses a safety risk
Examples of behavior that may be deemed unplaceable include:
- Severe bite history (e.g., multiple deep punctures or sustained attacks)
- Offensive aggression, especially with a history of escaping to attack
- Extreme resource guarding with aggression
- Killing or severely injuring other animals with no response to training
- Unpredictable aggression with no warning signs
- Lack of bite inhibition despite training efforts
Every case is evaluated individually, with the primary goal of ensuring safety and compassion. For our complete euthanasia policy, please visit https://flaglerhumanesociety.org/documents/
We do not have time limits on the length of time an animal can stay with us. Some are adopted within days, while others—especially those with medical or
behavioral needs—may be with us longer.
We strive to provide enrichment and care, but a shelter is not a substitute for a home. Our goal is to find the right home for every animal, regardless of how long it takes.
If you’re a Flagler County resident and need to surrender your pet, please call 386-597-1386 to make an appointment. This helps us ensure that we have the necessary space and staff to properly care for your pet during intake.
We accept animals of all breeds, sizes, ages, and temperaments. While we cannot guarantee adoption placement, we will do our best to find the best outcome for each pet. In emergencies, we can accommodate same-day surrenders.
We kindly request a donation to help offset our costs.
Every animal receives:
- Vaccinations
- Testing (heartworm/FIV/FeLV)
- Flea and heartworm prevention
- Spay/neuter surgery
- Deworming
- Treatment for medical conditions
The fee typically covers only a portion of the intake cost. If you are unable to pay, please contact us—we will work with you to find a solution.
The animals in our care reflect the population of our community. Many dogs labeled as bully breeds are surrendered due to housing and insurance restrictions, particularly in rental situations. This is the leading reason for owner surrenders.
If you find a friendly, containable stray animal in Flagler County, you can bring it to our shelter during business hours, 10 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week.
After hours, call the Flagler County Sheriff’s non-emergency line at 386-313-4911 for assistance.
If you cannot safely transport the animal, please contact your local animal control:
- Palm Coast: 386-986-2520
- Flagler Beach, Bunnell, Hammock, Mondex/Daytona North: 386-246-8612
- Other counties: Contact the animal control agency for that jurisdiction
Note: All stray or seized animals found in Flagler County are brought to our shelter, regardless of which local animal control agency responds.
Once at our facility, the animal will be scanned for a microchip. If contact information is found, we will attempt to reunite them with their family as soon as possible. If not, we hold the animal for 5 days to allow an owner to come forward. After that, the animal may become available for adoption following medical and behavioral evaluation.
If you’re interested in adopting the animal you found, let our team know at intake.
If you have a concern about a neighbor’s pet, such as neglect, excessive barking, or animals running at large, only animal control officers are authorized to respond.
Please contact:
- Palm Coast Animal Control (City of Palm Coast): 386-986-2520
- Flagler Animal Services (Flagler Beach, Bunnell, Hammock, Mondex/Daytona North): 386-246-8612
- Other counties: Contact your local agency
No. We are only authorized to house stray animals from Flagler County. Owners searching for their lost pets will most likely look in their county’s shelter.
Animals found in other counties should be brought to their local animal control agency to increase the chances of a reunion.
We do not handle pet licensing. To license your pet, visit: https://www.palmcoast.gov/animal-control
Or contact Palm Coast Animal Control at 386-986-2520 or visit City Hall, 160 Lake Ave, Palm Coast, FL 32164.
If you can safely transport the animal, please take it to:
- Flagler Animal Hospital (weekdays):
130 Old Kings Rd S, Flagler Beach, FL 32136
Call ahead: 386-439-1606 - SARVEC – St. Augustine Regional Veterinary Emergency Center (after
hours): 1100 S Ponce De Leon Blvd #1, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: 904-797-5770
If you cannot transport the animal, contact:
- Palm Coast Animal Control: 386-986-2520
- Flagler Animal Services: 386-246-8612
If they cannot assist, call Florida Fish and Wildlife at 888-404-3922.
No. While we do offer veterinary services for our shelter animals, we are not an emergency vet clinic. We can refer you to local clinics or ER vets in the area,
which include:
- Animal Emergency Hospital Palm Coast, 111 Flagler Plaza Dr, Palm Coast, FL 32137, (386) 777-7231
- St. Augustine Regional Veterinary Emergency Center, 1100-1 S Ponce De Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084, (904) 797-5770
- Animal Emergency Hospital Volusia, 696 S Yonge St, Suite D, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, (386) 252-0206
We cannot provide medical advice. If your pet has not been seen by our vet team for the issue, we recommend contacting your veterinarian directly.
If you are a current client and your pet was recently seen, we can gather more information and consult our veterinary staff.
To volunteer at Flagler Humane Society:
- Fill out a volunteer application online or in person.
- Complete our Online New Volunteer Orientation, or come to our monthly in-person New Volunteer Orientations, which are on the second Sunday of each month.
- Orientation is required before volunteering.
Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. Those aged 14–17 must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian while volunteering.
In addition, approved volunteer dog walkers can take adoptable dogs out for the day—to the beach, a local park, or even a pet-friendly restaurant. These outings help us learn more about the dogs and often lead to adoptions!
Yes, we do! Our TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program helps manage the free-roaming cat population in Flagler County humanely and effectively.
You can find all the details—such as how to borrow traps, schedule surgery appointments, and get post-op instructions—in the second section of our Spay/Neuter Surgery page here: flaglerhumanesociety.org/spay-neuter-surgery
Yes, we offer low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, vaccines, and microchipping services to the public.
All of the details—prices, how to schedule, and what to expect—are listed here: flaglerhumanesociety.org/spay-neuter-surgery
We also offer a weekly low-cost vaccine clinic at our shelter every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM—no appointment needed.
Learn more here: flaglerhumanesociety.org/wellness-vaccine-clinics
Absolutely—thank you for thinking of us! We welcome donations of pet food, toys, cleaning supplies, and more. Simply drop them off at our shelter, 1 Shelter Drive, Palm Coast, FL 32137, any day from 10 am to 5 pm. You can view our current wish list here: flaglerhumanesociety.org/our-wish-list
We also operate a thrift store, which accepts donations of household items, clothing, books, and other items. Proceeds directly support the animals in our care. Learn more about what you can donate here: flaglerhumanesociety.org/thrift-store
There are many ways to make a difference! You can:
- Donate to help fund food, medical care, and shelter needs
- Volunteer your time walking dogs, cuddling cats, or helping at events
- Spread the word by sharing our adoptable animals on social media
Every little bit helps! To learn more about how you can get involved, visit: flaglerhumanesociety.org/get-involved
You can make a one-time or recurring donation online through our secure donation platform https://flaglerhumanesociety.org/donate.
We accept major credit cards, PayPal, and ACH bank transfers. Donations can also be mailed or made in person at our shelter during business hours. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Thank you for supporting our mission!
Yes, we are registered with Bonterra, which acquired FrontDoor (originally developed by CyberGrants) in 2021. Bonterra has integrated FrontDoor into its nonprofit and corporate social responsibility platform, and we are listed under both CyberGrants and FrontDoor, two of their major subsidiaries.
If your employer uses a Bonterra platform for donation matching or ACH giving, you should be able to select Flagler Humane Society as the recipient. If your company requires additional verification, feel free to contact our Donor Relations Manager at lmyers@flaglerhumanesociety.org.
We’re also registered with many other corporate giving platforms and foundations,
including:
- PayPal Giving Fund
- YourCause
- American Online Giving Foundation, Inc.
- The Benevity Community Impact Fund
- The UK Online Giving Foundation
- Abbott Fund
- Blackbaud
- Target Giving Foundation
- PETCO Love Foundation
- BISSELL Pet Foundation
Also, if you are referring to “front-door ACH donations” in the sense of direct-to- charity public donations, we do support those! Our online donation forms (powered by Harness) accept ACH bank transfers, allowing you to give directly and securely from your bank account.
We are committed to transparency. You can find our annual independent financial reviews, IRS Form 990s, and other financial reports on our “Shelter Statistics” page: https://flaglerhumanesociety.org/financials-statistics/
Shelter statistics, including animal intakes, outcomes, and live release rates, are published and regularly updated on our “Shelter Statistics” page: https://flaglerhumanesociety.org/financials-statistics/