Animals & Kids, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit pairing extraordinary horses with children who need confidence, connection, and a pathway to healing, right here in Southwest Florida.
Animals & Kids, Inc. is a 501(c)3 dedicated to building meaningful connections between horses and the people who need them most. Our horses are trained to help individuals rediscover strength, confidence, and peace.
By creating meaningful connections between horse and human, we cultivate healing, dignity, and a better future for everyone involved. Our programs serve children from all walks of life, from youth in crisis to families seeking enrichment and growth.
From trauma-informed sessions to art classes and summer camps, every program is designed to build confidence, develop life skills, and create lasting connections between kids and horses.
Leadership, life skills, and confidence-building programs using horses as partners in growth.
Art, music, and creative expression programs that pair horse time with imagination.
Hands-on horse science for curious young minds, from anatomy to genetics.
Bringing the power of horses directly into the community, at schools, shelters, and special events.
Trauma-informed sessions for youth in crisis, families, and individuals seeking emotional support.
Immersive summer camps combining riding, education, crafts, and community service.
The ripple effect we create in our community begins with the extraordinary bond between horse and human. These magnificent, sentient creatures (sometimes sassy and grumpy) are a genuine gift that deserve kindness, love, and respect.
“Equine-assisted learning doesn’t require words; it only requires one’s presence. Walking alongside them… grooming them… sometimes just standing in their shadow eliminates the need for overthinking.”
Weighing between 900 and 1,200 lbs, horses read subtle body cues, recognizing tension, detecting emotional strain, and respond in ways that create profound breakthroughs for children.
Every dollar you give directly supports our horses and life-changing youth programs in Southwest Florida. Animals & Kids, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, so your donation is tax-deductible.
Equine-assisted learning uses time with horses to help children develop emotional regulation and confidence and work through hard experiences. It doesn’t depend on talking things through; it requires only the child’s presence. Horses respond to non-verbal cues and create natural opportunities for growth.
We offer 12+ programs including the Graceful Growth Equine Youth Initiative, Jr. Equine Vet Explorers (Levels 1–4), Equine-Assisted Learning groups, EAGALA sessions, Family Enrichment, Work-to-Ride, Paint & Ride, Gus & Stormy’s Storytime, Summer Camps, and mobile outreach, all in Fort Myers, FL. See all programs.
Use our contact form or email us at [email protected]. We welcome direct family enrollment and referrals from schools, social workers, shelters, and case managers. We’re located at 4901 Neal Road, Fort Myers, FL 33905.
Yes. Animals & Kids, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. We are committed to full transparency with donors and grant funders.
You can give online through our secure Zeffy form, one time or as a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly gift. You can also shop our Amazon wishlists, become a corporate sponsor, or support us through a grant. Every dollar directly funds our horses and youth programs in Southwest Florida.
Our horses are the heart of everything we do. Each one is matched to the work that suits their personality, from first rides to ground-based sessions. Meet the herd or contact us to learn more.
We welcome families, schools, social service organizations, grant funders, and prospective volunteers. Reach out to schedule a visit, ask about programs, or discuss partnership opportunities.
Tell us how we can help and we’ll get back to you.
