We've made a loving promise to . . .​
We are the only animal shelter in Indian River County that promises to accept all animals, regardless of age, health, behavior, or adoptability. We also promise to provide a full range of services to keep animals "out of the Shelter" and in loving homes.


If you are interested in joining our team or learning more about what "sheltering" entails (click here) and plan to join us on Saturday, April 28th at the
HSVB JOB FAIR!
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Our Community Partners...

They Support us!

...and we encourage you to support them.
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wE'RE seeking homes for our biggest friends.

Big dogs need homes, too, and we're launching a campaign to find homes for 30 of our "biggest" friends — dogs weighing 40 pounds or more. For this select group of dogs, we've dropped the adoption fee to just $30 while still including all age-appropriate vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, de-worming and a microchip. Do yourself a big favor by adopting a big dog now!
NOT READY TO ADOPT BUT STILL WANT TO HELP? HERE ARE 5 BIG IDEAS FOR YOU...
Idea #1

• Donate online to benefit the big dog enrichment program.
Idea #2

• Purchase and donate heavy-duty toys like Kongs, tug ropes and rawhides to help keep our big dogs active and happy.
Idea #3

• Drop off your gently used blankets, sheets and towels at the Shelter (6230 77th Street in Vero Beach).
Idea #4

• Call 772.388.3331 x110 to recommend dog-friendly restaurants, shops or businesses where we can showcase our big dogs.
Idea #5

• Make a difference in the life of a dog by volunteering. Learn more. Plan to attend one of our monthly volunteer orientations.

Shelter unites Hurricane Maria refugees with their displaced animals.

You could feel the warmth and love in the Humane Society's lobby as dogs from Puerto Rico were reunited with their families in Vero Beach. After being displaced by Hurricane Maria, many families made their way to Florida but were forced to temporarily leave their pets behind...
READ MORE ABOUT THESE REUNIONS...

These thirty cherished dogs arrived at the Vero Beach Regional Airport and were greeted by the Humane Society's staff and volunteers. The dogs are transported to the shelter, which is serving as a way station. Throughout the day, families arrived at the shelter, eager to smother their pups with hugs and kisses. We said our farewells to most of the dogs as they set off for their new homes in cities including Orlando, Bartow, Winter Haven, Clearwater and Jacksonville.

This rescue was a collaborative effort between HSVB, St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center, El Faro de los Animales, JPB Foundation, Puerto Rico Animal Unite, David Brownstein and Sunjet Aviation. Working together, we all helped keep pets and people together.


You can help us continue our vital mission by making a donation.

Don't Miss out: Free Educational PROGRAMS at shelter

HELPING PETS WITH ALLERGIES
FEATURED SPEAKER:
    Dr. Jeffrey Slade
    Wed., April 18, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Humane Society Education Room
READ MORE...

Does your pet have an itch he just can't seem to scratch? Sebastian Animal Hospital's Dr. Jeffrey Slade will be at The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County on Wednesday, April 18 from Noon-1:00 p.m. addressing the common causes of allergies that afflict dogs and cats, what may trigger an allergic reaction, common medications used to help pets with allergies as well as some of the newest treatments that can help improve your pet's condition and keep him or her comfortable.

This talk is free to attend, however donations of money, pet treats and supplies (as well as blankets sheets and towels to help shelter animals) are always welcome. Space is limited. For this reason, guests are asked to RSVP by calling (772) 571-6418.The Humane Society is located at 6230 77th Street in Vero Beach.
THE EQUINE EVENT
FEATURED SPEAKER:
    Dr. Nicole Rambo
  Presented with sponsorship
    support from Fellsmere Feed
    Sat., April 21, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Humane Society Education Room
READ MORE...

Learn how to feed your horse a nutritious diet on a budget. Plus, get special tips for feeding hard keepers and senior horses directly from Kalmbach Feed's equine nutritionist, Dr. Nicole Rambo. This program is made possible by Fellsmere Feed.

While you're here, learn about IRC Sheriff's gate code registration for livestock owners and get the latest information on Disaster Preparedness for Equines from the Shelter's staff specialists.

Snacks and drinks provided. This is a free program but guests are asked to RSVP (772) 571-6408.

CANINE MASSAGE WORKSHOP
FEATURED SPEAKER:
    Stacy Litzky
    Sat., April 28, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Humane Society Education Room
READ MORE...

Does your dog have a bit of gray around the muzzle? There's no doubt senior pets need extra TLC as they enter their golden years. Canine massage therapist Stacy Litzky will be demonstrating massage techniques to keep your animals comfortable and happy.

This is a free program, but guests are asked to RSVP by calling (772) 571-3331 X 110. This is a human-only class, so guests are asked to leave all pets at home.

Latest Humane Times now online!

The Spring Edition of Humane Times, the magazine of our Shelter, is now available online as an accessible PDF file. It's a great way to learn what's happening at the Humane Society. Check it out!

See Current Edition...
Browse the Archives...

We Believe in Guardian Angels and Tooth Fairies.

In fact, Guardian Angels and Tooth Fairies play important roles in making certain every animal is adotpable — and that every animal gets adopted.

Learn more.

​SUPPORT SPAY/NEUTER THROUGHOUT FLORIDA.

We are so thankful to have received a grant from Florida Animal Friend! This great assistance will allow us to provide hundreds of additional animals with low cost spay and neuter services. Help us further this cause! Purchase a Florida Animal Friend Spay and Neuter license plate TODAY, so that other organizations across the sate of Florida can make a difference too!

Learn about this special license plate.

What does it mean? 
an "Open Door, Open Heart" Animal Shelter?
We are Indian River County’s only open admission animal shelter. That’s an important distinction. It clearly sets us apart from every other Shelter in the area. But, do our friends and supporters really understand...

Read More »

Help Us Spread The Word.

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People are often surprised when they learn how our "Open Door, Open Heart" shelter fills such an important role in compassionate animal care for our community. FYI, here's a two-page "fact sheet" which you can share with others.
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Sheri and Buffy

Buffy came to the Shelter with paralyzed back legs, a victim of abuse. She came home with me to complete her recovery — and brighten my every day.

Judy & Mason Blue

To most people, he was a blind cat awaiting adoption. I took a chance and learned a lesson about animals with disabilities — and love.

Horace and Whitey

When Agnes died, I thought there'd never be another woman in my life, until I met Whitey at the Shelter.

Kathleen & Otto

When the economy collapsed, I lost my job and my house. Our Shelter helped with vet care and dog food so I didn't have to lose my best friend, Otto.

LESLIE & sPIRIT

Pulled from a dumpster and saved by a series of surgeries, Spirit now helps me provide therapeutic support for the elderly.

Mike and Nala

Nala made headlines because her neglect was so severe, but our Shelter saw her potential and brought her back to health. She's an incredible dog!

Rachel and Tigger

I like that the Shelter spays and neuters every animal that leaves their doors. It's the only responsible thing to do.

Michelle & Jeff with Gracie

15 dogs were taken from an abusive "puppy mill." Months later, only one remained unadopted. Yes, she's a "special needs" dog, but, to us, she's simply special

Missing out? 
sign up!
Animals do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.
Ready to make a difference?

There are more ways to donate to HSVB&IRC.  Learn More.
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Click image to download
a copy of our current
Annual Report.
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PetSmart Charities, Inc. is a nonprofit animal welfare organization with a mission to find lifelong, loving homes for all pets by supporting programs and thought leadership that bring people and pets together.
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The Hill's Food, Shelter & Love® program donates food to shelters across the country, providing the proper nutrition that helps pets find their way to loving homes.
Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County

Visiting the Dog Park?

Help keep your dog safe. If you see any of the following behaviors, you need to intervene, interrupt, and pull your dog out.
1: Rolling

When one dog makes physical contact with another and knocks into him, causing him to tumble, somersault or roll over.
2: Tucked Tail

When the dog’s tail is so low the base is pressed tight to the anus. The tip of the tail is often under the stomach.
3: Pinning

When one or more dogs has another dog on its side or back for more than 5 seconds.
4: Hiding or Hovering

When the dog spends more than 5 seconds underneath something or hovering near a human. Dog’s tail will be low or tucked.
5: Group Chase

When more than one dog is chasing another dog. This can quickly become out of control.
Download and print a copy of these behavior tips to carry with you. CLICK HERE...
Dog Park safety tips presented with permission from Sue Sternberg.

SHOP THE THRIFTS / SCORE SOME DEALS / HELP OUR ANIMALS

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KICK-OFF THE HOLIDAYS
WITH GREAT DISCOUNTS ON HOLIDAY ITEMS AND  EVERYTHING IN THE STORE!

Friday, November  24   &   Saturday, November  25
Shop 9 am to 6 pm
Two Locations—Visit them both!
 
 

Everything you buy helps the animals in the Shelter on holidays and every day!!
 


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SORRY, WINE WOMEN & SHOES 2017 IS SOLD OUT.
Save the date for next year – November 8, 2018
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