For more than fifty years the Central Brevard Humane Society has made it their mission to find “forever” homes for Brevard’s abandoned animals. The “no kill for space” shelter took in more than 1,800 animals last year. “Once we take in an animal we will keep it until we find it a home,” says Executive Director Theresa Clifton. “If the animal does not live well in the kennel environment we will seek out a foster home or a rescue group to keep it until we do. We do not euthanize healthy adoptable animals. We do not breed discriminate, although we will not take in any breed if we have too many of that breed already in the kennel, as it would be unfair to have so many of one breed competing for homes. We have successfully found homes for old, young and everything in-between. We once had a twelve year old deaf, one-eyed, three legged poodle that found a home.”
Education is the key
Responsible pet ownership, the humane treatment of animals and the need for spaying/neutering to reduce the number of homeless and abandoned pets remains a critical mission of the Humane Society. “As hard as we try to get the message out, we see so many animals in the community that are still not spayed or neutered,” says Clifton. “We are here to help reduce the number of unwanted pets in our community. We believe the answer is in preventing animals from being born versus killing them after they are born…This takes the entire community to make happen and education is a vital part of this equation. There are now three low-cost spay/neuter facilities in Brevard (including ours) where people can take their cats and dogs to be altered so more babies are not born into a community that has no place for them.”
Finding a new friend-Priceless
Adoption prices vary. Most dogs are available for between $50 and $200, while cat adoptions costs range from $27.50-$60, plus County licensing fees. At the time of adoption an additional fee for a rabies shot may also be required. “I’ve seen so many animals that came to our shelter thin, scared and matted turn into healthy animals that leave us with meat on their bones, a wag in their tails and a gleam in their eyes as they hop into a car and head to their new homes, that makes me feel like my life has meaning”
The Central Brevard Humane Society
1020 Cox Road, Cocoa, 32926
(321)-636-3343
Life at the Humane Society can be a regular dog and pony show
Theresa Clifton estimates that the shelter takes in four cats for every dog, but dogs and cats aren’t the only animals that have found themselves at the Humane Society.
The following have been housed there at one time or another:
- Rabbits
- Hamsters
- Gerbils
- Mice
- Rats
- Birds (many varieties)
- Ferrets
- Guinea pigs
- Lizards
- Chinchillas
- Sugar gliders
“Pretty much any kind of pocket pet people buy at pet shops then get bored with”
And in the barn out back:
- Pigs
- Goats
- Chickens
- Horses
- Ducks
- Roosters
“We once had someone leave a baby bobcat in a cat carrier on our front porch. We gave it to the Brevard Zoo and they put it in their education center where it lives to this day.”
The Central Brevard Humane Society sponsors the following programs:
- Blood donor dogs and cats for veterinarians (at no charge)
- Lost and Found program
- Cremation services for the public and veterinarians
- Foster care program for young and older animals
- Community outreach educational classes
- Volunteer programs for community service
- Vet rescue for injured, sick and stray animals
- Hurricane disaster assistance and is home to the Rainbow Bridge Community Chapel
A private, peaceful and dignified place to say your final farewell to a beloved animal companion. Pew seating and soft music provide a comforting environment for you to remember your pet and the times you shared.
Shop and Show Your Support
Bargain hunters and animal lovers are sure to love the hidden treasures that can be found at the four Molly Mutt Thrift Shops operated by the Central Brevard Humane Society.
Molly Mutt I Thrift Shop
2525 N. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island
(321) 459-1525
Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Molly Mutt II Thrift Shop
728 E. New Haven Avenue, Melbourne
(321) 951-3607
Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Molly Mutt III Thrift Shop
876 North U.S. Highway 1, Rockledge
(321) 638-8950
Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Molly Mutt IV Thrift Shop
2890 Palm Bay Road, N.E., Palm Bay
(321) 951-2777
Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.