OUR MISSION
Lost Pet Services, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Florida, dedicated to serving the communities of Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte counties.
Our mission is to keep pets and the people who love them together, and to prevent pets from entering already overcrowded shelters due to a family's financial hardship.
HOW WE HELP
The PAWs Project is a special medical and safety-net assistance program of Lost Pet Services, Inc., offered through two levels of support.
No Place Like Home provides safety‑net resources and financial assistance for routine and non‑emergency veterinary care. This program helps families bridge the gap when unexpected pet needs arise and prevents pets from entering shelters simply because their owners can’t afford basic care.
PAWs Project - Partners for Animal Welfare supports emergency and critical medical cases in collaboration with other local animal welfare noprofit organizations. Funding is based on need and available resources, helping pets in life‑threatening situations get urgent care.
OUR PARTNERS
The PAWs Project is currently collaborating with The Colby Animal Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded by Dr. Wendy Ellis, to support emergency and critical medical cases.
We also partner with emergency hospitals and local veterinary clinics that offer nonprofit discounts and share our commitment to helping pets in need. Their support allows us to stretch every dollar, expand our reach, and provide essential care to more pets in our community.
Meet
Patty Giarrusso
Lost Pet Services, Inc.
PAWs Project
Founder & President
Patty Giarrusso is the President and Founder of Lost Pet Services, Inc., and the heart behind its mission to keep pets safe, healthy, and home with the families who love them.
For more than 16 years, she has provided safety‑net resources, financial aid, education, and community support to help pets stay out of shelters and in the homes where they belong.
She launched Lost and Found Pets 941 in 2013, building it into a trusted community with more than 64,000 followers. In 2017, she founded Lost Pet Services, Inc., which has since provided over $300,000 in financial assistance for pets in need and reunited over 32,000 lost pets with their families.
Patty’s leadership and dedication have earned widespread recognition. Lost Pet Services was named Small Business of the Year – Nonprofit Category by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, and SRQ Magazine honored the organization with Best Nonprofit Organization, Best Nonprofit Leader (Platinum), and Best Animal Nonprofit (Gold). Most recently, Patty received Sarasota Magazine’s 45 Over 45 Award for her impact in the community.
