HAARTS: Helping Alachua’s Animals Requiring Treatment & Surgery

Begun in 2009, the HAARTS program is designed to enhance the surgical training of UF veterinary students beyond spay and neuter – without the need for unnecessary invasive or terminal procedures.

Animals in need of care are identified at our weekly shelter visits or through local adoption groups. The majority of the surgical and medical treatment required is minor and represent conditions that are commonly seen in private small animal practices every day. The HAARTS program provides money for medical and surgical treatment of these special animals.

Some of the surgeries commonly performed by veterinary students in this program include: cherry eye repair, amputations, cystotomies, enucleations, and mass removals. Once treated, the animals are adopted into permanent, loving homes by one of our community adoption agencies.

The original funding for the HAARTS program was generously provided by the Humane Society of the United States, the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association and the Kislak family foundation.  The program currently relies solely on private donations.

Please help us keep this life-saving program going by making a tax-deductible donation today!