GROUNDBREAKING
The Gulf Coast Humane Society has broken ground on a new state-of-the-art veterinary clinic that will provide lifesaving treatment and expand access to care for countless Southwest Florida pets who might otherwise go without.
Located at 2010 Arcadia St. in Fort Myers, the future clinic will serve as a critical resource for wellness services, spay/neuter surgeries, dental care and medical treatment for pet owners as well as shelter pets who require medical care before they can be adopted. The 10,000-square-foot medical center will be equipped with the latest veterinary technology, eight spacious exam rooms, and dedicated areas for veterinary specialists, surgical procedures and more.
As the region’s oldest no-kill shelter and veterinary clinic, the Gulf Coast Humane Society is dedicated to giving every pet a chance at a healthier, happier life. Last year, the organization saw 10,026 owned pets in its community clinic, performing 9,050 spay/neuter surgeries and providing 9,296 additional medical treatments. With Southwest Florida’s rapid population growth and the increasing cost of living, access to affordable, high-quality veterinary care is more critical than ever.
“Our dedicated veterinary team works tirelessly to ensure shelter animals are healthy and ready for adoption while providing pet owners with an affordable option for veterinary care. As the need continues to grow, we know we can do even more,” said Darcy Andrade, executive director of the Gulf Coast Humane Society. “By investing in affordable veterinary programs that empower pet owners with the resources they need, we aim to prevent suffering before it begins, keep pets with their families and reduce the number of homeless animals in our community.”
To meet the rising demand for care, the expansion will double the organization’s capacity to serve pets in need. By bringing advanced veterinary care in-house, Gulf Coast Humane Society can treat pets with complex medical needs without referring them to outside specialists. This ensures continuity of care, reduces stress for pets and improves recovery times for shelter animals.
The clinic will increase the organization’s ability to support rescue partners across the state that lack the resources to provide medical care before placing animals for adoption. Additionally, it will serve as a training hub for future veterinary professionals, equipping the next generation with the skills they need to excel in animal welfare and community veterinary care while attracting top veterinary talent to the region.
The expansion is made possible thanks to the generosity of donors through the Paws for Wellness: Building a Healthier Tomorrow campaign – a compassionate endeavor to expand affordable, high-quality veterinary care services at the Gulf Coast Humane Society. The organization is calling for the community’s support to help reach its goal of raising $12 million to build the new clinic.
“Our goal is to expand access to veterinary care for pets and the people who love them,” said Dr. Alana Canupp, medical director for the Gulf Coast Humane Society. “This new clinic isn’t just about a larger facility or advanced technology – it’s about ensuring every pet, whether in a home or shelter, gets the care they need to live a healthy life.”
Slated for completion in spring 2026, the project is led by Stevens Construction, including Project Manager Jeff Faluade, Superintendent Joey Gill and Project Administrator Morgan Thie. Additional project partners include GMA Architects & Planners and RESPEC.
To learn more about the future veterinary clinic or for ways to support the Paws for Wellness: Building a Healthier Tomorrow campaign, visit GCHSPawsforWellness.org
To learn more about GCHS, visit GulfCoastHumaneSociety.org.
