Bishop Animal Shelter to Host Open House

This event is to celebrate and commemorate the donation of the facility, located at 5718 21st Avenue West, coordinated by members of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Manatee County and Manatee County earlier this year. The unprecedented gift–worth more than $18 million–includes 14.47 acres of property, an almost 25,000 square foot state-of-the-art medical/intake facility, the original adoption center, a house, and other personal property.

"This is a game changer for the County and the pets we serve,“ said Manatee County Animal Welfare Division Chief Sarah Brown. "We are excited about the ability to diagnose and treat more quickly, to provide more immediate care to the animals.“

At present, the facility–formerly known as the Bishop Animal Shelter SPCA of Manatee County–is being used as an intake center, thanks to the extensive veterinary facilities including digital X-ray and full-surgical suite. There is additional sheltering space featuring easy-to-clean kennels, isolation rooms, an interior turf yard, and substantial storage. All stray animals, Lost and Found animals, Bite Quarantines, Injured Strays, and animals involved in any field investigation case are also cared for at this location. Adoptions continue to take place at the County’s Palmetto facility, located at 305 25th Street West in Palmetto.

In addition to a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official opening at 8:30 a.m., Manatee County Animal Welfare staff will be showing off their new home with an open house from 9:30-11:30 a.m. All visitors are welcome and reminded to use the entrance off 21st Avenue.

"To have an elite facility like this–one of the most advanced of any county in the state–is amazing," said Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes. "With it, we can do even more to help animals in our community.“