1. C.A.R.E (Critter Adoption and Rescue Effort, Inc.) 
Mission Statement: To reduce the number of homeless and abandoned animals through adoption, sterilization and education.
Website Link: www.careshelter.org
Evaluated on August 29th, 2015
Established in 2000
CARE is a small no-kill animal shelter located on 3 acres down a quiet road in Ruskin Florida. It is unique in that it has its own surgical suite to perform all spays and neuters on site and an isolated building for newly arrived cats to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. It also boasts spacious open rooms with screened in lanais for its cats and separate small dog and large dog housing areas. CARE is an all volunteer shelter with only one paid full time employee. Please visit them between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturday to see firsthand what a difference this organization is making in the Hillsborough county community.
2. Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary, Inc. 
Mission Statement: Elmira’s provides continuing care and enrichment for exotic and wild animals in need of a forever home.
Website Link: www.elmiraswildlife.org
Evaluated on June 24th, 2015
Established in 2005
The volunteers at Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary know what it means to work hard. They care for a menagerie of bears, tigers, cougars, bobcats, wolves, exotic birds, and even coatimundis to name a few. These animals typically come to them from private homes or other sanctuaries that have had to shut down and Elmira’s provides a refuge for them for the remainder of their lives. Every day they are up early, cleaning enclosures, chopping meat, vegetables, and fruits, and providing novel toys for the animal’s enrichment. Elmira’s is located on seven acres in rural Wimauma and offers tours as part of their fundraising activities and to help increase the community’s awareness of these amazing animal’s needs. They love visitors! Visit their website for more information on how you can help.
3. Lost Angels Animal Rescue, Inc. 
Mission Statement: To rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs into the most loving and safe homes possible.
Website Link: www.lostangelsanimalrescue.org
Evaluated on August 19th, 2015
Established in 2003
This is a rescue organization that works through foster networks to save dogs who are in need of physical and emotional rehabilitation. They specialize in rescuing older dogs with chronic health conditions. This group prides themselves on staying debt free and continuously fundraising in order to provide all the care these dogs need. They go to great lengths to ensure the dogs are properly cared for. They fully vaccinate, microchip, spay or neuter, deworm, and provide monthly heartworm and flea prevention for all their fostered animals. These dogs receive whatever is necessary to improve their health, whether that is a dental cleaning or advanced diagnostics at a veterinary specialty facility. Since they do not have a shelter facility, most adoptions occur through Petco adoption events. Visit their website for more information.
4. Southeastern Guide Dogs 
Mission Statement: To create and nurture a partnership between a visually impaired individual and a guide dog, facilitating life’s journey with mobility, independence and dignity.
Website Link: www.GuideDogs.org
Evaluated on October 17th, 2014
Established in 1982
Southeastern Guide Dogs, founded in 1982, employs the latest in canine development and behavior research to create partnerships between visually impaired individuals and highly trained guide dogs. From their 33 acre campus in Palmetto, FL, more than 100 dogs each year are placed into careers benefitting people with visual impairments and veterans. Services are provided free of charge and Southeastern Guide dogs receives no government funding.