Visiting Animals Shelters in Tampa, Florida for a Pet

Taking your family out in Tampa can be expensive, but there are plenty of activities a family can enjoy on a budget. If your children have wanted a pet for a long time, you can visit several local animal shelters to find the right dog or cat. One is a well known non-profit organization and one is a county government agency. That means the cost of their initial shots, along with spaying or neutering, will be at a minimum. You don't have to go to a shopping mall pet store or other retail pet shop. There are plenty of homeless animals being taken to these shelters every day. It's just a matter of finding the right match.

Humane Society of Tampa Bay - 3607 North Armenia Avenue Tampa, Florida 33607 (813) 876-7138

It is by far the oldest animal shelter in Hillsborough County. The Humane Society opened its doors in 1912. Ever since 2000, the Spay and Neuter Clinic was created due to overpopulation. In 2004 they initiated the "No Kill for Space" program, which means if an animal is not adopted by a certain time it can remain there until its eventual adoption.

Visiting hours are: Mondays - Closed, Tuesdays & Wednesdays 12 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. and Thursday thru Sundays 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Adoption fees are: Cats and Kittens - $19, Small Dogs under 25 lbs. and Puppies under 6 months - $125, all other Dogs - $75. The adoption fee includes spay/neuter, microchip and up to date vaccinations. Rabies tags for animals over 12 weeks are an additional $20. This is an excellent and cost effective way to adopt a pet.

Hillsborough County Animal Services - 440 N. Falkenburg Road Tampa, Florida 33619 (813) 744-5660

The County's Department of Animal Services features an adoption program. No spaying or neutering is provided at the facility. However, they will offer spay/neuter vouchers for you to take your adopted pet to a veterinarian of choice. You can visit the County Animal Services on Tuesday thru Fridays: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (closed on Sundays and Mondays). Adoption fees are as follows: Cats - $50, Dogs - $85 and Puppies under six months and Dogs under 25lbs. - $125.

There is a non-profit spay/neuter clinic for strays, and those who are on limited budgets, where you can get the sterilization done. Animal Coalition of Tampa (ACT) is an alternative to keeping animals out of shelters. These two shelters are always filled with animals. You can see some of the adoptable animals on their websites to get an idea of what is available before going out there. If you're not able to have a pet due to landlord rules or apartment restrictions, volunteering at these shelters is a nice alternative.

SOURCES:

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Inc. - Where Dreams Come True, Humane Society Tampa.org

Hillsborough County Government Online - Animal Services, Hillsborough County.gov

ACT - Animal Coalition of Tampa, ACT Tampa.org