In just a few weeks since the fire on September 15th, the community stepped up to show their love for the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. In the wake of the fire, more than 13,000 individuals, businesses and groups made monetary donations totaling nearly $1 million. Donations of pet food, treats, towels and more have filled one storage space and are piled up on six pallets at a second space.
“We are so deeply grateful,” the Pet Alliance posted about the $1 million that has been donated since the fire to support them. “As we move forward, these donations will help us in our ongoing operations and assist Pet Alliance in building a new shelter.”
The donations will help with long-term temporary shelter space, long-term temporary office space, and a new permanent animal shelter. Pet Alliance is working closely with a realtor to locate a space in Orange County to serve as a hub for our shelter and programs in Orlando. They are looking for roughly 5,000 square feet of space that will allow intake services, foster/volunteer support and cat sheltering. Dogs will continue to be kenneled overnight at the Sanford shelter. The space needs to be both zoned for animal kennels and have approval from the landlord/owner for housing animals onsite. The Pet Alliance welcomes any leads from the community on potential space.
The temporary office space will allow business office staff to operate out of a central location and provide administrative oversight and support to operations. Two years ago, Pet Alliance began planning a capital campaign to build a new Orlando facility. In March 2021, the purchase of a piece of property on John Young Parkway was finalized and the campaign began in earnest. The total goal of the campaign is $14-million, and $2 million has been committed. The building alone is estimated to cost $10-million in supplies and labor.
Pet Alliance is as committed as ever to providing the highest quality sheltering and care for homeless dogs and cats in Central Florida.
