S.A.F.E. Pet Rescue, which was started in September 2008, recently celebrated its 500th pet adoption in just nine months of operation. S.A.F.E., which stands for Saving Animals from Euthanasia, is a non-profit, all-volunteer group funded by donations who gets dogs and cats from local animal controls when their time has run out and they are facing euthanasia. The animals are treated by veterinarians, given all necessary shots and tests, placed in foster homes and adopted out at weekly adoption events.

S.A.F.E. was started by Robin Kantner-Nordan and Jean Motley, who have a long association with animal welfare. Both women were involved with the Humane Society of Northeast Florida where Kantner-Nordan served as executive director for 15 years. A love of animals and a desire to help save the lives of the many wonderful animals that are euthanized daily in animal controls brought the woman together to form S.A.F.E.

“Shelters can be overwhelmingly sad places to visit but S.A.F.E. brings the animals to the public creating a less stressful environment to find a new pet,” states Kantner-Nordan. “We also provide an atmosphere conducive to providing education to the public regarding spay/neuter, heartworm prevention, micro-chipping, crate training, proper socialization – all aspects of responsible pet ownership.”

A dog trainer is available at most adoption events to assist with adoption concerns.

Kanter-Nordan credits the success of the organization to the wonderful volunteers who generously give their time to help save the hundred of animal lives.

“Our volunteers help in so many ways,” she states. “They foster, help to organize fund raisers, staff adoption events – we couldn’t do it without them.”

The small local group was started with just a handful of dedicated volunteers who held bake sale, lunch fund raisers, yard sales and other grass root events to help fund their mission. With the help and support of local businesses, such as Lighthouse Toyota and Panache Aveda Salons and Spas, things have changed tremendously for the young organization in just a few months. S.A.F.E. now has a van to pick up animals from shelters instead of individual cars, and a new mobile pet adoption unit, complete with state of the art cages and air conditioning, is ready to be put into service.

“We are so indebted to these wonderful businesses,” says Kantner-Nordan. “Their support enables us to expand our adoption efforts and implement new ideas to help save animal lives.”

S.A.F.E. has recently joined forces with First Coast No More Homeless Pets to help curb the problem of pet overpopulation. S.A.F.E. operates a “Neuter-Commuter” transportation van twice a month from St. Augustine to Jacksonville, where low cost spay and neutering plus rabies inoculations are offered to the public. Call Robin at 904-460-0556 or 386-328-8504 for prices and to make an appointment.

“We need your help”, Kanter-Nordan states. “Please consider joining our ever-growing family of volunteers by becoming a foster parent or helping at an adoption event by becoming a dog handler or kitty cuddler. Our adoption days are your opportunity to meet us and some of the animals we have available for adoption. We always have great fun at our adoption events and the satisfaction of helping to find a rescued animal a good home is tremendously rewarding. Every time an animal is adopted, it makes room for us to get another. Most adoption events are held in St. Johns County. Please also help our efforts by making a donation to help save an animal’s life.”

See S.A.F.E.’s list of scheduled events at  www.spayneuterpets.com/safe, or call Robin at 904-460-0556 or 386-328-8504.