We do not want heartworms to be a barrier to adopting a shelter dog. To help increase adoptions and ease the costs associated with heartworm treatment, Orange County Animal Services, launched a program allowing local businesses to sponsor treatment for heartworm afflicted dogs. At any given time, 10% of dogs on average at OCAS have heartworms, and that is often a deterrent for adopters due to the price tag associated with the disease. As such, many dogs testing positive are sponsored entirely for their treatments.

It is the hope of OCAS that in removing the financial barriers, heartworm positive dogs will be adopted based on their personalities, rather than turned away due to financial hurdles.

In order to become a sponsor, please email HeartwormProgram@ocfl.net. A sponsor pledges $350 per dog, which is the cost of heartworm treatment. Many businesses choose to sponsor one animal per month, but any contributions are welcomed.

As a token of appreciation for their life-saving support, each sponsor’s logo will be displayed on OCAS’s website. They will also receive frequent recognition via social media. Not to mention, infinite gratitude from the shelter staff and animals alike.