Operation Pit Stop also includes microchipping, vaccination, and heartworm testing at no charge - appointments required
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Jan. 16, 2024) - Pit bulls are friendly, loyal, loving dogs saddled with a bad reputation. For a limited time, the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center is helping the owners of pit bulls and other bully breeds by offering spay/neuter and other veterinary services at no cost.
Operation Pit Stop begins Feb. 12 and ends Feb. 23. The Pet Resource Center will provide free spay and neuter services, microchips, vaccines, registration, and heartworm testing for 200 dogs. The owners must be Hillsborough County residents, and the services are only for bully breed dogs 90 pounds or less.
Bully breed is a generic term used to identify a wide variety of dogs that includes pit bulls and other relatively large, muscular dogs that some people use as a status symbol of toughness or intimidation. Bully breeds, though, are generally kindhearted dogs, and many have been described as "nanny dogs" because of their protective nature towards children.
Appointments are mandatory for Operation Pit Stop and can be made by emailing the Pet Resource Center by calling (813) 301-PETS (7387). Residents are urged to make an appointment as soon as possible because the 200 slots are expected to fill up quickly.
The Pet Resource Center is the only open-admissions shelter in Hillsborough County, meaning the shelter accepts all dogs and cats regardless of breed, size, or medical condition. The shelter is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Photos and information of dogs and cats available for adoption can be seen on PRC's online kennel.