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Humane Society of Sarasota County Inc

EIN 59-6014943 · Sarasota, FL

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong90 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

AS THE AREAS PREMIER NO-KILL SHELTER, THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF SARASOTA COUNTY ENGAGES THE HEARTS, HANDS, AND MINDS OF THE COMMUNITY TO HELP ANIMALS.

Income
$6.0 million
Spending
$5.9 million
Spent on programs
89%
Reserves
22.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 64%
Employees
90
Volunteers
375
Highest pay
$145,094, veterinarian

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 62% of charities in its peer group (animals, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 22.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 1% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 19% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    89% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 11 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 73% of charities in its peer group (animals, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    14 of 14 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)
  1. $3.8 million spent. Animal Shelter Founded in 1952, HSSC is Sarasotas oldest animal welfare organization. In 2009, HSSC became a no-kill shelter. With the completion of our shelter expansion and renovation project in 2021, HSSC is now the areas premier no-kill organization. We achieve our mission by providing compassionate care to our shelter pets, finding them permanent homes, and promoting responsible pet ownership in our community. On any given day, HSSC has approximately 200 dogs and cats in care, adding up to more than 2,700 lives saved each year. Every animal receives nutritious food, stimulating exercise and enrichment, and comprehensive medical care at our onsite clinic.
  2. $1.4 million spent. Animal Clinic The Animal Clinic is committed to providing affordable, quality medical care to keep pets healthy and in their homes. As a non-profit provider, we believe all pets deserve access to medical services to prevent future health problems. The Animal Clinic offers core preventative programs to ensure pets remain free from harmful parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworms. We also offer annual core vaccinations to prevent pets from getting sick from exposure to harmful viruses and diseases. We offer affordable spay-neuter services to prevent unplanned litters of cats and dogs (and keep them from ending up at animal shelters). We also perform routine dentistry and provide microchipping services to help recover pets if they ever get lost. The Animal Clinic ceased providing services to the public in October 2024.
  3. $58,441 spent. Community Outreach HSSCs Community Outreach & Engagement program teaches people of all ages to respect the animals that share our world, both in our homes and in our communities. Humane education fosters compassion, responsibility, and kindness for animals and people alike. Fundamentally, the goal of humane education is to make the world a better place for all living creatures. Our community outreach programs include volunteer opportunities for adults and teens, canine training classes, pet therapy certification, and humane education outreach in schools.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since September 1954.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.