For the last 15 years, thanks to our supporters, staff, and volunteers, St. Francis Pet Care (SFPC) has successfully provided quality veterinary care to the companion animals of people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and very-low income residents in North Central Florida. During this time, the needs of this vulnerable population has grown exponentially. In fact, over the last year, the number of animals served by SFPC grew by 260% to 2,211. In order to meet the increasing demand, SFPC identified a partner organization with similar goals and missions of providing accessible and affordable veterinary care to those that need it most and would help them grow its existing business. Joining forces with Remedy, the veterinary practice of the Atlanta Humane Society, will enable SFPC to continue to serve its current clients throughout North Central Florida and be able to see and treat thousands more vulnerable pets. Have questions? Click here to check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Our Story
St. Francis Pet Care (SFPC) was founded in September 2007 by Gainesville veterinarian Dale Kaplan-Stein, community animal advocate Chris Machen, and Dr. Natalie Isaza, faculty at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. The organization was registered as a non-profit corporation in the state of Florida on January 1, 2010, and was granted federal status as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the spring of 2010.
The St. Francis Pet Care Clinic originally operated in back of the St. Francis House, a Gainesville soup kitchen and homeless shelter. In October, 2011 the Clinic moved to temporary quarters generously provided by the Civic Media Center at 433 S. Main Street. For many years we rented a building at 501 SE 2nd St. in Gainesville, just north of the RTS Downtown Station. After 5 years of planning and fundraising, we were finally able to construct a clinic building of our own at 104 SE 4th Place, in back of the St. Francis House.
Our experienced local veterinarians provide exams, consultations, vaccinations, and treatment for ailments and injury to the pets of more than five hundred local residents.
Support
St. Francis Pet Care is grateful for our many wonderful volunteers and for the generous support of the local community. We can always use more volunteers, veterinary professionals, donations of money and supplies, and general community involvement. See how You Can Help!
Videos
♥ A video produced by Renasant Bank as part of their HeartLand Series, featuring SFPC just before our move to the new building in the spring of 2019.
♥ A video produced by PetSmart Charities, the leading funder of Animal Welfare in North America, highlighting SFPC as one of their charitable partner organizations.
♥ An interview with co-founder Dale Kaplan-Stein, by photographer Rachel Wang.
♥ A profile of SFPC by Andrew Stanfill.
Board of Directors
Cal Morgan, Chair
Dr. Sam Franklin, Vice President
Samir Salem, Treasurer
Deborah Turcott, Secretary
