IN TIMES OF CRISIS, MAKE SURE YOUR PET IS PROTECTED
Whether you’re facing deportation, detention, or a natural disaster, your pet deserves to be protected too. This page is here to help you plan ahead and keep your furry loved one safe.
Resources for Families & Their Pets in Crisis
If you’re in need of immediate assistance — you can fill out our Paws Of Hope Application
OUR MISSION:
Wags to Wishes is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping families keep pets out of shelters through veterinary care assistance, pet food support, community resources, and crisis intervention when possible.
Animal shelters across Florida are currently overwhelmed and operating far beyond capacity. Many loving pet owners facing financial hardship, housing issues, medical emergencies, or behavioral struggles feel they have no choice but to surrender their pets.
Wags to Wishes primarily focuses on veterinary care assistance, pet food support, and providing resources to help families keep pets safely in their homes whenever possible. At this time, Wags to Wishes does not operate a physical shelter or boarding facility and is generally unable to directly take in, house, transport, or personally rehome animals.
If you are struggling, please know you are not alone and there may be resources available to help. Needing help does not make you a bad pet owner.
Please reach out as early as possible whenever you can. Many shelters, rescues, trainers, and veterinary clinics have waitlists and may be unable to assist with same day emergencies.
PET PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST
PET SAFETY & EMERGENCY PLANNING GUIDE
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Ask a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor if they could care for your pet in case of an emergency. Make sure they know your pet’s routine, needs, and temperament.
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Keep this in your wallet, car, or go-bag. Include:
Pet’s name, age, breed, microchip number
Feeding and medication instructions
Vaccination and vet records
Your contact info and at least one backup
Guardian’s contact info
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This is one of the best ways to be reunited if separated during a storm or detention. Confirm your contact info is current in the chip registry.
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Make both paper and digital copies of your pet’s latest vaccines, medications, and vet visits.
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Include:
3–5 days of food and water
Medications
Leash, collar, harness
Waste bags and litter (for cats)
Comfort items (blanket, toy, shirt with your scent)
Carrier or crate
Copy of your Emergency Info Card
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Even a small amount can help with urgent food, transport, or boarding needs.
Download the Pet Safety & Emergency Planning Guide
We created this guide to help families prepare for emergencies, unexpected transitions, and temporary pet care situations. You can download, print, or share these resources with loved ones and caregivers.
PET SURRENDER TIPS
Pet Surrender Diversion Resource Guide
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Gather veterinary records, vaccination history, medications, feeding schedules, and behavioral notes.
Providing accurate information helps protect both pets and future adopters.
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Please be cautious when rehoming pets online or through social media.
Ask for veterinary references and conduct home visits when possible.
Trust your instincts if something feels wrong.
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Senior pets often struggle significantly in shelter environments due to stress and medical conditions.
Discuss quality of life and compassionate care options with your veterinarian when appropriate.
Download the Pet Surrender Diversion Resource Guide
We created this guide to help families prepare for emergencies, unexpected transitions, and temporary pet care situations. You can download, print, or share these resources with loved ones and caregivers.
RESOURCES TO SUPPORT YOU & YOUR PET
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Patty & Jay Baker Mobile Veterinary Clinic
Operated by Humane Society Naples, this mobile unit brings accessible, low-cost veterinary care directly to the community.
Email mvc@pbhsnaples.org to request an appointment with Dr May for all basic veterinary needs. Appointments are limited but this is the most affordable full service option locally.
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Urgent Vet for Lower Cost Emergencies
Urgent Vet is usually more affordable than an ER visit for urgent medical issues. You can also apply to Wags to Wishes for a $250 contribution toward your veterinary bill.
We provide emergency support to pet owners in crisis: Emergency food & supply assistance, Basic veterinary support, Microchip checks and updates.
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SNIP Collier
We go to where the problem is! SNIP Collier is a "boots on the ground" nonprofit 501c3 organization. We work with the community to tell us where the need is, and we react by going to that community and rescuing abandoned and stray animals that are usually sick or injured.
Low cost spay and neuter services for dogs and cats.
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Islandside Animal Hospital in Cape Coral
Islandside Veterinary Care and Surgical Center is a full service animal hospital and welcomes pet patients in need of routine medical, surgical, and dental care. Our veterinarians have years of experience treating serious conditions and offering regular pet wellness care.
A low cost surgical option for more advanced procedures.
ADDITIONAL PET SAFETY RESOURCES
RedRover Relief Program – redrover.org/relief
ASPCA Safety Net Programs – aspca.org/helping-people-pets
Pet Help Finder – pethelpfinder.org
MyPitbullisFamily.org (Housing Locator) – mypitbullisfamily.org
Local Legal Aid Clinics – Ask if they assist with emergency pet guardianship
Facebook & Mutual Aid Groups – Look for groups that support: Temporary pet care, Emergency housing Food & supply donations