Our Purpose
To create belonging for senior people through lifelong companionship with pets in need.
Our Promise
To match senior people with pets who have lost their humans due to death, disability or deployment and to financially support that relationship for life.
Our Pack
We are a nonprofit organization where senior people and pets are cherished and celebrated.
Our Lifelong Guardianship Program
At The Pet Cottage, we provide homestyle care for pets who lose their humans due to death, disability, or deployment. Through the Lifelong Guardianship Program we promise our pets will always have the home, care, and love they deserve - for life.
This is our signature Forever Promise.
Our promise means that pets come first and we do everything we can to provide the highest quality care for our pets - including veterinary care, medications, behavioral training, and of course, love and care in the comfort of a home with a dedicated guardian.
Sanctuary Residency
Pets live on site at our 2-acre headquarters in Jupiter Farms, Florida and are cared for by our Founder, Wendy Derhak, and volunteer team. Sanctuary pets have special needs and therefore require more supervision and medical care. Our Sanctuary pets spend their days inside our main house or cottage. They have access to couches, beds, toys, and our grassy dog parks. They receive walks and visits from our volunteers. At night, they sleep in crates or in the covers of a human bed. We take pride in the care our pets receive.
Life with a Forever Guardian
Other pets in our care live in the home of a Forever Guardian. The Forever Guardian provides daily exercise, love and attention, and a safe place to call home. The Pet Cottage covers all veterinary expenses, provides wellness checks, and a community of pet lovers to belong to. Because of this partnership, many senior people in our community are able to have a senior pet companion.
The need for lifetime pet care is great!
Humans who can no longer care for their pets, or families who have to relinquish a pet after the loss of a loved one, find peace of mind knowing their beloved pet will continue to be cherished and cared for to the highest degree at The Pet Cottage.
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Many orphaned pets are dogs and cats whose owners suddenly experience hardship, loss, or unexpected life events. These pets must rely on family members, animal control and rescue organizations to find a new home. If unsuccessful, the pets are often euthanized. Sadly, if the pets are seniors or big dog breeds, euthanasia is often the result.
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The Pet Cottage fulfills this need with non judgemental understanding for people and an absolute, lifelong commitment to pets.
Senior Pets for Senior People
We acknowledge the loneliness many senior people feel and the hesitancy they experience when it comes to pet ownership.
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What will happen to my pet if something happens to me?
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What if I am unable to care for my pet long term?
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I want a pet in my life, but need backup support just in case.
This is where our Lifelong Guardianship Program really shines by providing seniors and people with disabilities - who otherwise might not feel comfortable with full pet ownership - with the opportunity to experience the joys of pet companionship.
With the support from The Pet Cottage for veterinary expenses, wellness checkups, and a lifelong commitment to the care of our pets, The Pet Cottage partners with seniors and others to make pet ownership a win-win-win!
Our mission in action
Angus & Porter
"I don’t even know how to express the gratitude to you and The Pet Cottage for all you do for these sweet angels that have lost their humans. I cared for Angus and Porter for 9 months after their Dad Bob went into the hospital and sadly passed many months later. When visiting Bob in the hospital he no longer knew what day of the week it was or that he had been a Sergeant in the Marine Corps and a Vietnam Veteran or had 30 plus years as a lineman for Florida Power & Light. But he never forgot Angus and Porter. When visiting him he would always ask “How are my boys?” and now that Angus has crossed the rainbow bridge they are together again. It gives me great comfort knowing that Angus got to live out his final days with Porter, his protective “Gentle Giant” little brother who I now believe must have sensed the cancer and explains why he was always right at Angus’s side standing over him till the end. Keeping them together is all Bob would have wanted.
"You, the volunteers and guardian angels give so much love and care to each and every forever pack member. I love that I get to see Porter on Facebook in his beautiful air-conditioned cottage with his cozy beds, cooling pads and fenced area to run and pay in. He is a lucky boy and so very loved and spoiled with his daily walks, toys and treats. Thank you from the bottom of my heart… I know Bob is looking down from heaven with a smile!"
~ from Bob's sister
Our Sponsors and Partners
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