Foster
More temporary homes create breathing room for shelters.
Florida Companion Animal Lifesaving Initiative
Florida is 5 points away from a lifesaving milestone.
85%
Florida's current save rate
5 points to go
90%
Lifesaving benchmark
Just 5 points to go
Florida shelters already save about 85% of healthy and treatable pets. Encourage Governor DeSantis to consider a voluntary statewide proclamation that helps communities close the last five points to 90%.
Join fellow Floridians in positively encouraging this lifesaving effort.
A positive ask
Building on Florida's commitment to animal welfare
Florida has already taken meaningful steps to protect companion animals through strong anti-cruelty laws, humane shelter standards, protections for pets during emergencies, and other important animal-welfare measures.
We believe a statewide companion animal lifesaving proclamation would be a natural next step in that record of leadership.
Through this petition, Florida residents can respectfully encourage Governor DeSantis to consider recognizing a voluntary statewide goal of helping communities work toward saving at least 90% of the healthy and treatable companion animals entering their shelters.
"Let's encourage Florida to keep leading."
We're close
Florida is closer than ever.
Florida is approximately five percentage points away from the widely recognized 90% lifesaving benchmark. Reaching that threshold would mean thousands more healthy and treatable companion animals leaving shelters alive.
85%
Current approximate Florida shelter save rate
90%
The lifesaving benchmark
0%Approximately five points to go90%
What are we asking for?
A simple, voluntary step forward
No State Mandate
The proclamation establishes an aspirational statewide goal without imposing requirements on local governments.
No Required State Appropriation
The proclamation itself requires no new state funding or taxpayer-funded program.
No Required County or Municipal Action
Local governments retain discretion over whether and how to pursue the 90% benchmark.
Preserves Local Control
Communities determine which strategies and partnerships best meet their individual needs.
Supports Private & Nonprofit Partnerships
Shelters, rescues, foster networks, veterinarians, volunteers, and private organizations can work collaboratively.
A Clear, Measurable Goal
The 90% save-rate benchmark provides communities with a clear objective while recognizing that humane euthanasia remains necessary in appropriate circumstances.
Community power
Lifesaving happens locally.
The proclamation recognizes what animal advocates already know: lasting progress happens when local shelters, rescue organizations, foster families, veterinarians, volunteers, nonprofits, and community leaders work together.
Florida does not need a new statewide bureaucracy to encourage lifesaving. It needs communities empowered to continue doing what works.
Adopt
Connecting pets with permanent families saves lives.
Partner
Public-private and nonprofit partnerships expand local capacity.
Volunteer
Everyday Floridians are already helping animals in their communities.
Momentum
Florida would not be alone.
Similar animal-lifesaving proclamations and initiatives have already been embraced in states and communities across the country. Florida communities have also independently pursued higher lifesaving benchmarks.
- 23 States
- have issued similar declarations or proclamations.
- 13 Florida Counties
- have pursued or committed to related lifesaving standards or policies.
- 90%
- is the widely recognized benchmark for a no-kill community.
The petition
Add your name for Florida's pets
Join Florida residents in respectfully encouraging Governor Ron DeSantis to consider a statewide proclamation supporting community-driven efforts to reach a 90% companion animal save rate.
Petition language
To Governor Ron DeSantis:
As a Florida resident, I respectfully encourage you to consider the Florida Companion Animal Lifesaving and Community Partnership Proclamation.
Florida has already demonstrated meaningful leadership in protecting companion animals. This voluntary proclamation would build upon that record by recognizing and encouraging local shelters, rescues, volunteers, veterinarians, nonprofits, and community partners working toward a 90% save-rate benchmark.
Thank you for your continued leadership on behalf of Florida's animals and for considering this positive, community-driven next step.
A stronger Florida for people and pets.
Every animal saved represents a family made whole, a volunteer's work rewarded, and a community choosing compassion.
Florida has made progress.
Let's encourage the next step.