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About the Farm

Sarasota in Defense of Animals (SDA) Animal Sanctuary operates on a 10-acre animal sanctuary in rural Sarasota County that provides lifetime comfort and care to animals, not only cats & dogs, but rabbits, geese, ducks, pigeons, pot-bellied pigs, horses, goats, & sheep.

What We Do

SDA provides lifelong care to sick, elderly, and unadoptable animals in the state of Florida. We work directly with county animal services in saving the lives of all different types of animals. 

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Who We Are

SDA was originally founded in 1989 by Elise Mattes, she managed to save the lives of thousands of animals on a shoestring budget of $1 per day per animal.

SDA is one of 30 sanctuaries in the U. S. certified by The World Society for Protection of Animals.

We only take in animals that have nowhere else to go and are facing euthanasia (on death row). 

Join the Cause

SDA Animal Sanctuary initiated changes in ordinances & laws on animals at the local, state, & national levels.

100% of contributions go toward animal welfare.

All fund-raising is done in-house. 

All contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

SDA is supported primarily by tax-deductible contributions.

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