Dogs also over capacity; fees waived, adopters and fosters desperately needed
Hillsborough County, Fla. (July 2, 2025) - Residents are encouraged to adopt or foster a dog or cat from the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center, which is currently at more than 5 times capacity for cats, and over capacity for dogs as well.
Summer is the peak of kitten season, and this year is no exception. On Tuesday, the Pet Resource Center had 285 cats and kittens, putting the shelter at 508% of its stated capacity of 56 cats. The pet shelter had 247 dogs, or 137% of capacity. The crowded living conditions increase the risk of the spread of infectious diseases and create other stresses for the animals.
During times of severe overcrowding, the shelter works closely with dozens of animal rescue groups and other community partners to help deal with the sheer volume of cats and dogs. What is most needed, though, are residents to provide a permanent home or offer their services as a pet foster parent. Pet shelters function best as a short-term safe haven for animals, but some of the dogs and cats at the Pet Resource Center have been there for 100 days or more. And some pets, particularly kittens, require specialized care and feeding best given in a home setting.
The Pet Resource Center has temporarily waived all adoption fees for cats and dogs. Residents can search an online database of pets at the shelter, then adopt in person at the Pet Resource Center, 440 N. Falkenburg Rd., Tampa, FL 33619. The shelter's hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Residents can also sign up to serve as a foster volunteer. In addition to freeing up space at the shelter, dogs and cats that spend time in foster care are less stressed, more socialized with people., and have better chances at finding permanent homes.
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.