VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A Volusia County animal sanctuary that has cared for elderly and disabled animals for more than four decades says it is searching for a new home after the property’s new owner began charging $4,000 a month in rent.
Journey’s End Animal Sanctuary, located in DeLand, said it previously operated on land owned by its founder, Florence Thout, allowing donations to go directly toward caring for the animals.
Sanctuary manager Mara Pacheco said staff believed the sanctuary would remain on the property indefinitely.
“We didn’t think this was going to come. We always thought Journey’s End would be here forever,” Pacheco said.
According to Pacheco, Thout founded the sanctuary to provide lifelong care for elderly and disabled dogs, cats, pigs and sheep that might otherwise struggle to find homes.
“This was Florence’s passion,” Pacheco said. “She had a passion to help those that need the help — to help the ones that need it the most.”
Unlike a traditional animal shelter, Journey’s End describes itself as a sanctuary where animals remain for the rest of their lives while receiving specialized care.
Before her death two years ago, Thout signed what is commonly known as a “Lady Bird deed,” transferring ownership of the property to her friend, Eileen Kiser, upon her death.
Court records claim Kiser had promised Thout the sanctuary would continue operating after her passing. However, sanctuary leaders said they were later informed they would need to begin paying $4,000 in monthly rent.
“We did not see it coming,” Pacheco said. “Financially we were not prepared for this undertaking. But, for the animals, we will continue the mission.”
The sanctuary said recent donations allowed it to pay rent through Dec. 31. Leaders are now trying to raise an estimated $300,000 to relocate the sanctuary and its animals before the end of the year.
When contacted by News 6, Kiser referred questions to her attorney but said her concerns are with the sanctuary’s current leadership. Kiser said a different arrangement could potentially be discussed if the sanctuary’s president were no longer involved.
Journey’s End Animal Sanctuary said it plans to continue caring for its animals while searching for a new location before its current agreement expires at the end of December.