The unwanted animal population is booming and counties face dwindling resources to shelter these animals long term.

This week’s Everyday Hero is helping find pets a permanent home.

“I've always been an animal lover,” said Kris Buchanan.

Three years ago, Buchanan founded T.E.A.R.S. -- Together Every Animal Receives Support. 

In addition to keeping dozens of dogs and cats off death row, cooling fans are the result of fundraising efforts for all Buchanan’s groups that support Seminole County Animal Services.

“We've been lucky in the fact that we've gotten a lot of support from people out in the public just donating to us,” Buchanan said.

Animal Services must take in every animal that comes through their doors. They are not allowed to fundraise and the budget can't keep up with a steady stream of arriving animals.

T.E.A.R.S. pays for vet care, medicine and therapy.

“They call me on the ones that are deemed very, very adoptable,” Buchanan said. “They've got sweet, sweet personalities. They're good natured, you know just an all-around great animal. Those are the ones I get a call on saying can we get some help.”

Rodney was abandoned and about to be euthanized because of a large growth on his leg. After an expensive surgery, the 6-year-old has a new lease on life.

“Basically we put our hands on them, once we've gotten them to our vets and they've had a procedure or even testing or whatever, if we spent money on them, they're not gonna be euthanized,” Buchanan said.

It's not just dogs. T.E.A.R.S. partners with organizations and has set up a cat condo, like one in Altamonte Springs, which has helped find homes for dozens of cats.

“We know that they're just a phone call away when we have an item or an animal that needs help or something that the shelter needs that we're not funded for,” said Diane Gagliano, the program coordinator for Seminole County Animal Services. “We know that if it's really a need that T.E.A.R.S. will be there to help us.”

At its biggest annual fundraiser, which is held in March, $27,000 was raised.

A future goal for T.E.A.R.S. is an on-site spay and neuter clinic.