Business Details
13 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Lost Pet Recovery & Animal Medical Assistance
Founded in 2013, Lost Pet Services operates as a trusted safety-net organization dedicated to keeping companion animals safe and healthy. Our mission centers on reuniting lost pets with their families, providing critical veterinary medical funding, and implementing community outreach programs. As a 100% volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we serve Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte counties through initiatives like the PAWs Project, which has distributed over $260,000 in medical assistance since 2018.Our team combines decades of collective experience in animal rescue with a structured approach to lost pet recovery, including detailed action plans and digital resources. We maintain partnerships with local veterinary clinics and shelters to expand our impact, while our educational efforts focus on microchipping and preventive care. Transparency remains central to our operations, with all financial information publicly accessible through the Florida Division of Consumer Services.
Services
Lost Pet Recovery
Veterinary Medical Funding
Adoption Programs
Microchip Resources
Community Outreach
Emergency Pet Aid
Pet Food Pantries
Shelter Mapping
Animal Cruelty Reporting
Public Education
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We have reunited over 29,000 pets with families since 2013
- Our PAWs Project provides verified veterinary medical funding
- We operate the largest local lost pet Facebook group with 60,000+ members
- All services are provided free of charge by experienced volunteers
- We maintain partnerships with 25+ local veterinary clinics and shelters
What people say
Reunited pets
Amazing support
Life-saving aid
Responsive volunteers
Community impact
Services
Lost Pet Recovery
Our lost pet recovery service provides structured action plans, digital resources, and community network support to help locate missing pets. We maintain the region's largest lost pet Facebook group with 60,000+ active members. Our volunteers coordinate search efforts and share verified information to maximize reunion success rates.
Veterinary Medical Funding
The PAWs Project offers financial assistance for veterinary care through grants and partnerships. This program helps pet owners cover costs for routine care, emergency treatments, and critical surgeries. Since 2018, we've distributed over $260,000 to prevent pet surrenders due to financial hardship.
Adoption Programs
Our adoption program carefully vets and places surrendered or unclaimed pets into new homes. We coordinate background checks and home assessments to ensure proper matches. The program works alongside our lost pet services to reduce shelter overcrowding and promote responsible pet ownership.
Community Outreach
Community outreach initiatives focus on pet safety education and preventive care. We provide free microchip clinics, distribute educational materials, and maintain online resources about lost pet prevention. Our radio show reaches thousands monthly with expert advice on animal welfare and recovery strategies.
Emergency Pet Aid
Emergency assistance includes urgent medical funding, temporary shelter referrals, and critical care coordination. Our network connects pet owners with participating veterinary partners for immediate care. This service specifically addresses time-sensitive situations where prompt intervention can save animal lives.
People
Patty Giarrusso
Founder & President
Patty founded Lost Pet Services in 2013 after successfully recovering her own lost dogs. She leads the organization's strategic direction and community outreach efforts. Her personal experience with pet loss drives the organization's compassionate approach to animal recovery.
Terry Creamer
Vice President & Treasurer
Terry manages financial operations and coordinates volunteer efforts. He plays a key role in verifying lost pet reports and facilitating community connections. His organizational skills help maintain the group's operational efficiency and financial transparency.
Jenifer Funk
Board Member
Jenifer contributes to policy development and program oversight. She assists with adoption program coordination and community engagement initiatives. Her board service helps ensure the organization maintains compliance with nonprofit standards.
Jim Giarrusso
Board Member
Jim provides governance support and strategic guidance as a board member. He assists with technology infrastructure and digital resource management. His contributions help maintain the organization's online presence and communication systems.
Questions
How can Lost Pet Services help find my missing pet?
We provide detailed action plans, digital resources, and access to our 60,000+ member Facebook group to maximize recovery chances. Our volunteers help coordinate searches and verify sightings.
What financial assistance options exist for pet medical care?
The PAWs Project offers grants for veterinary care through partnerships with local clinics. Since 2018, we've distributed over $260,000 to help pets receive necessary treatments.
How do I report a found pet?
Use our online reporting system or post directly to the Lost and Found Pets 941 Facebook group. Our volunteers help verify ownership and facilitate safe reunions.
Can anyone volunteer with Lost Pet Services?
Yes, we welcome volunteers to assist with various tasks. Opportunities include social media monitoring, adoption screening, and community outreach events.
What areas do you serve?
Our primary service area includes Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte counties in Florida. We maintain partnerships with local shelters and veterinary clinics across these regions.
How does your adoption program work?
We carefully vet surrendered or unclaimed pets and conduct home assessments for potential adopters. The program ensures proper matches while prioritizing the animals' well-being and safety.
