This year, Suncoast Humane Society of Englewood marked its 54th year with the opening of a new $17.5 million, 11-acre campus. Designed to give dogs, cats, and smaller animals like rabbits and guinea pigs their best chance at adoption, the campus represents a giant leap forward for animal welfare in the region.
“Our animals are so thankful that during their time with us, they can eventually let their true personalities shine,” said Christine Varcoe, Director of Development and Communications. The organization is equally thankful for the donors, volunteers, fosters, and adopters who make its work possible, she added.
That gratitude is connected to the vision brought by CEO Maureen O’Nell, who joined the nonprofit five years ago. Her goal was to create the optimal living situations for both felines and canines while tending to their emotional, social, and medical needs. “Everything is about enrichment for the animals,” Varcoe explained.
Instead of rows of small cages, animals now live in spaces designed with their well-being in mind. The dog shelter features soundproofing, private outdoor areas for each kennel, large play yards, and even a swimming pool for exercise and socialization. Cats and kittens roam freely in “cat pods,” complete with private retreats and “catios”—enclosed lanais that overlook a butterfly garden.
The new campus also boasts a modern, high-quality, low-cost clinic focused on preventative medicine. “Every animal that comes to us goes through the clinic for preventative care and to help reduce the spread of disease,” Varcoe said. "We even have our own X-ray machine, plus maternity wards, recovery rooms, and a serene end-of-life area.”
The clinic is also open to the community, providing affordable services such as spaying and neutering—a vital step in preventing pet overpopulation and reducing the number of animals that might otherwise end up homeless or in shelters. Additional services include nail trims, heartworm tests, and flea and tick prevention.
Though the campus is open and thriving, the work isn’t finished. Hurricanes, delays, and rising costs pushed the project beyond its original $14 million budget to $17.5 million. Suncoast has secured most of the needed support but continues its “Building the Future” campaign to close the gap. (See sidebar for how you can help).
Beyond Englewood, the nonprofit’s reach spans 24 Florida counties and several states, as well as Puerto Rico. “Sadly, in many of those places, if the shelter is full, they euthanize for space,” Varcoe said. “There’s nothing wrong with those animals—they just need a chance. That’s what we give them.”
Education is also central to Suncoast’s mission. Programs for children include seasonal camps and school holiday activities, where kids learn empathy and responsible pet care by meeting shelter animals, interacting with visiting creatures like parrots, goats, and bearded dragons and the campus’ three permanent residents—capybaras. Adults can take part in creative offerings like as puppy yoga or attend lectures on pet health topics like heartworm prevention.
For Varcoe, the rewards of her work go far beyond the impressive facilities or campaign milestones. “What’s amazing is seeing animals transform—coming in scared, then leaving confident and ready to join a loving home,” she said. “I’m so thankful to be part of that.”
You Can Help!
Donations to Suncoast Humane Society support essential operating costs and provide animals with proper nutrition, vaccines, medication, and enrichment. Volunteers stretch resources further by reducing staffing needs, while fosters and adopters give pets safe homes and second chances. Together, this community makes lifesaving work possible.
For details on donating, adopting, fostering, or volunteering, visit humane.org.