Spay & Neuter Assistance
One of the most effective ways to improve animal welfare begins before an unwanted litter ever arrives.
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Friends provides financial assistance to help Hancock County residents spay or neuter their dogs and cats.
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Spaying and neutering can help pets live healthier lives while reducing unwanted litters and easing overcrowding in animal shelters.
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No-cost spay/neuter vouchers are available to pet owners in Hancock County by emailing us at friends@friendsoftheanimalshelter.org.
Please include name, address, phone, cat/dog & male/female in your request. A voucher will be mailed to you in 2-3 weeks that can be used at several area vets.
The Gumbo Fund — Medical Aid for Shelter Animals
The Friends of the Animal Shelter started the Gumbo Fund in 2002 to provide veterinary care to sick or injured shelter dogs and cats. The shelter is able to provide basic veterinary care, but some animals need a little extra help.
The Gumbo Fund has provided veterinary services ranging from necessary lifesaving surgeries to heartworm treatment for dogs to extensive care for wounded animals at Hancock Shelter.
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Donations to the Gumbo Fund help shelter dogs and cats receive the necessary veterinary care they need to live their best lives. Gifts made in honor of or in memory of a loved one — two-legged or four-legged — may also be designated to the Gumbo Fund. There is no better way to honor a loved one than by saving the life of a shelter pet.
Shelter Support - Pet Food Program
The Friends Group supplies dog and cat food to the Hancock Food Pantry for distribution to families experiencing food insecurity.
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The Pet Food Program allows low income families visiting the Hancock Food Pantry to receive food for their pets.
This allows families experiencing food insecurity to keep their pets and reduce pet admissions to Hancock Animal Shelter.
Your Donations In Action
Source: Annual Report June 1, 2025 - May 31, 2026
$187K
1,970+ Pets Spayed & Neutered
A large number Hancock County animals recieved free spay/neuter surgeries and rabies vaccines
$10K
68 Shelter Animals Got Emergency Vet Care
Through the GUMBO Fund, 68 shelter animals received life-saving emergency veterinarian care.
$2K
Life Saving Food, Treatments & Supplies
Our shelter received puppy and kitten food, flea treatments & other important and necessary supplies
$11K
20 Dogs Received Heartworm Treatment
Helping shelter dogs become healthy & adoptable through“Because of Olive” heartworm treatment
Animal Welfare Resources
Hancock County Animal Shelter​
The animal shelter is a municipal facility operated independently from Friends of the Animal Shelter in Hancock County. Friends is proud to support the shelter and its animals. If you have questions for the shelter, please contact them directly.
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7175 Texas Flat Road
Kiln, Mississippi 39556
Tel: (228) 466-4516
Email: animalshelter@co.hancock.ms.us​
​Hours: M-F 10:00-4:00
Additional Animal Welfare Resources
ASPCA Poison Control Hotline
Tel: 888-426-4435
Hancock County Animal Control
Tel: (228) 255-9191
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Wild At Heart Wildlife Rescue (Mammals)
Tel: (228) 669-7907
Whisper of Hope (Mammals & Reptiles)
Tel: (228) 731-4970
Wildlife Care & Rescue Center Birds of Prey & Waterbirds
Tel: (228) 669-2737
Tel: (228) 216-0632
Gulf Coast Wildlife Rehab (Birds of Prey, Waterbirds, Songbirds & Mammals)
Tel: (228) 238-5505