Animal Welfare

Provides efficient, responsive services that enhance the quality of life, meet common needs, and promote a safe and healthy community.

The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare is comprised of two Divisions, Animal Welfare and Enforcement, and the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center, dedicated to providing exceptional care, customer services and protection for the citizens and the animals in our community. The Department of Animal Welfare strives to help owners keep their pets through humane education and assistance programs.

Animal Welfare Officers work hard proactively to resolve problems in the field and reunite stray animals with their owners instead of bringing them to the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center. Public safety is also a priority for Animal Welfare and Enforcement which is addressed through education, mediation, and enforcement of state and local laws when necessary.

During Fiscal Year 2025-26, the Animal Welfare Department will continue to improve the quality of life for citizens of Escambia County and their pets by providing responsive, effective, and progressive animal welfare services and programs, and offering community education and outreach for humane animal care and welfare.

The Department of Animal Welfare will continue to work towards obtaining a new facility that will improve its ability to improve adoptions, provide care for the animals, and expand programs for the public.

• Received an additional grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to provide additional training and equipment to the Animal Search and Rescue Team for disaster response.

• Expanded social media presence to promote all aspects of animal welfare, including but not limited to, animals in our care, education, events, programs, and volunteer/foster opportunities.

• Utilized donation funding from WolfGang and Hip Huggers to remodel our adoption play yard with new playground equipment.
• Became a Hill’s Food, Shelter, and Love program partner, allowing the Department of Animal Welfare to feed Science Diet pet food at a greatly reduced cost. This partnership will save the County thousands of dollars annually while providing the animals with a consistent, high-quality diet.
• Participated in multiple onsite and offsite adoption events throughout the year to help pets find their forever families and raise awareness for the animals at the shelter.
• Completed a feasibility study for a new facility for the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center.

Strategic Partnerships

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

• Disaster Response partner
• Grant provider

Rosalie & Friends

• Fosters for special needs animals
• Heartworm Sponsorships
• Awareness Events

Pensacola Humane Society

• Adoption Partner

Hill’s Science Diet

• Pet food provider

Pensacola State College Veterinary Technician Certification Program

• Student Clinicals
• Class Instruction
• Annual food & supply drive

Krewe of Hip Huggers 

• Hosts events for awareness and fund raising

PetSmart Charities

• Adoption Partner

Best Friends Animal Society

• Grant Provider
• Staff training partner

Greater Good Charities

• Grant Provider

Wolfgang, LLC

• Pawdi Gras Event host
• Hosts events for awareness and fund raising
• Year-long support for animal care needs

Cumulus Media Inc.

• Media support partner
• Event partner

We made no significant changes for FY 2025-2026.

For additional information please see our interactive reports here

Division of Animal Welfare & Kennel Sponsorship

Animal Welfare and Enforcement