Article by Amanda Rosa | Photo by Matias J. Ocner
The shelter is one of the largest no-kill animal shelters in South Florida and is now celebrating its 30th anniversary. “It gives you a renewed sense of hope and humanity, that there are still places in the world where people just care for each other and for any living being,” Hansen said. “A very common comment that I get on the street is, ‘I don’t know how you can do that. I could never go to an animal shelter. It’s just so sad.’ And I say, ‘It’s not a sad place. Come visit. I promise you, you’re going to leave happy.’” Since 1996, Abandoned Pet Rescue has gotten over 10,000 cats and dogs adopted. The shelter takes in about 350 animals each year, providing each one with medical attention, including spaying/neutering, vaccines, a microchip, testing for common illnesses, dewormer and flea and heartworm prevention. For an animal in basic health, that process costs about $485, which Abandoned Pet Rescue covers. It costs $65,000 a month to operate the shelter. The need is “never ending,” said executive director Kara Starzyk.