Orange City Nonprofits and Charities

To whom it may concern,<br><br>I am writing to express my serious concerns about the practices of New Horizons Service Dogs, from whom I received my service dog in March 2023. Upon requesting my dog’s veterinary records, I was provided only with her rabies vaccination information, despite her being nearly four years old. This lack of comprehensive medical records is concerning, as it suggests inadequate veterinary care.<br><br>Upon bringing my service dog, Sansa, to my vet, she was diagnosed with a rash on her belly, yeast in both ears, and a lump on her back. A few months ago, Sansa stopped jumping into my car. Assuming it was a training issue, I worked with trainers to resolve it without success. My vet recommended x-rays, but I initially believed New Horizons Service Dogs had already performed them, as they were accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) at the time of placement (3/2023). They lost their accreditation on 3/2023. To my surprise, no x-rays had been done, and my vet diagnosed Sansa with mild bilateral hip dysplasia. Her x-ray results are attached for your review.<br><br>I have since learned that New Horizons Service Dogs routinely breeds dogs with known hereditary diseases, including hip dysplasia and other health conditions. They continue to use these dogs for breeding despite being aware of their health issues. Other clients, puppy raisers, and owners of breeding dogs have reported similar experiences, where dogs were advised against breeding due to hereditary conditions, but New Horizons Service Dogs refuses to release them.<br><br>As of June 12, 2024 the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has suspended New Horizons Service Dogs' license. This suspension prohibits them from operating and collecting donations. They are still open for business so they are in violation. <br><br>I urge you to investigate these unethical practices to protect the health and well-being of the service dogs and ensure transparency in New Horizons Service Dogs' operations. I’m extremely worried for these dogs. My dog Sansa will be okay because she’s finally getting all the treatment she needs to be successful but unfortunately she needs several medication to keep her comfortable. <br><br>My claim is credible because I’m attaching my name and photos of reports. I’m not afraid of anyone knowing my identity even when New Horizons loves to threaten to take dogs away from vulnerable disabled clients, which is awful and shameful! <br><br>-Holly ??????<br>

We worked with Aristocats to foster a kitty. It was an amazing experience! I’d recommend them to anybody.

The Metta Rescue Family is a group of very kind people who do everything they can to help the dogs they take into their care. I learned of Metta when I saw their post on Facebook for a dog named Stella who was at a county shelter. Stella's time was running out and Metta put out a request for a foster so they could save her. I thought about it for a night, saw the post again the next day and put in an application. I never fostered before and I was pretty nervous - I had no idea what to expect. Everyone from Metta was friendly and helpful. I was really impressed with the thoroughness of their home and background check. They put in the effort to ensure the dogs they rescue are going to safe homes. They were available for assistance and advice throughout the entire foster process. Stella had one adoption meet and greet that didn't go very well and, while Metta staff was at the meet with me, they still asked for my honest opinion of the potential adopters. They aren't trying to get dogs adopted as fast as possible. They care about getting the right forever home and they really value the people who volunteer with them. I realized Stella was perfectly happy where she was and I ended up adopting her. Metta is my Amazon Smile recipient and they are number one on my giving Tuesday list. I can't thank them enough for saving my girl, Stella and I look forward to fostering with them again.

Be aware that when your animal gets a rabies vaccine from this company they DO NOT register the certificate with Animal Control agency. This is Florida State LAW! At many public / government meetings, that are recorded, the coordinator, Salli Combs actually states that she does not register this information, Check this out by calling the Volusia County Animal Control 386-740-5241! If your family was to be evacuated to a Animal friendly shelter, your required rabies certificate would not come up on their data base and you might be refused!