Roughly 10% of the dogs coming into our shelter have heartworms. The costs of heartworm treatment can be scary to adopters and is often a deterrent to adopting a heartworm positive dog. We do not want heartworms to be a barrier to adopting a shelter dog. To help increase adoptions and ease the costs associated with heartworm treatment, Orange County Animal Services launched a program allowing local businesses to sponsor treatment for heartworm afflicted dogs. It is the hope of OCAS that in removing the financial barriers, heartworm positive dogs will be adopted based on their personalities, rather than passed over due to financial hurdles.

If you are interested in becoming a heartworm sponsor, email HeartwormProgram@ocfl.net. All heartworm sponsorships are $350 and may be applied to specific dogs, if desired. Sponsor a dog with heartworm disease and save a life.