Hillsborough County, Fla. (Aug. 14, 2025) - Hillsborough County is celebrating a major milestone: 150,000 pets saved at the Pet Resource Center since the County committed to improving the live-release rate at the shelter 13 years ago.
In 2012, the euthanasia rate at the shelter, like at most public shelters throughout the country at that time, was painfully high. About 12,000 dogs and cats were euthanized that year, nearly two-thirds of the pets brought to the shelter.
Today, the Pet Resource Center's live-release rate is above 90%, among the highest in the nation. And the number of dogs and cats that are adopted, returned to their home, or taken by animal-rescue groups has been growing faster than ever. It took 10 years to reach 100,000 pets saved, a milestone reached in October 2022. It has taken less than three years for that number to reach 150,000.
The list of dogs and cats saved since 2012 stood at 150,406 at the beginning of this week. Here is where the dogs and cats went:
- 101,133 adoptions
- 27,643 returned home
- 21,630 sent to rescue groups
The figures are even more remarkable because the Pet Resource Center is the only open-admission shelter in Hillsborough County, meaning it accepts all dogs and cats regardless of age, medical condition, or breed.
Among the policy and practical changes responsible for the dramatic improvement in live-release rates and accompanying drop in euthanasia:
- The creation of a pet support team that works to help residents keep their pets rather than turning them over to the shelter. Team members can help resolve issues with pet behavior, provide food and other supplies, and even help arrange medical care.
- Actively working with more than 300 pet rescue groups.
- Establishment of a
- Establishing pet-enrichment programs such as dog play groups.
- Quickly spaying/neutering and evaluating pets so most dogs and cats can go home the same day people decide to adopt them.
- Allowing residents to view virtually all available dogs and cats at the shelter through an
- A commitment to matching people with the right pet, which increases owner satisfaction and reduces return rates.
- Increasing the number and variety of medical issues that can be treated at the shelter. Animals with ailments that almost automatically resulted in euthanasia a decade ago are now routinely treated at the shelter by veterinary staff and ultimately adopted.
Because the Pet Resource Center does not euthanize for space, the shelter is almost always full. Currently, the shelter is at about 120 percent capacity for dogs and 300 percent capacity for cats. Residents interested in adoption, fostering, or volunteering can visit HCFL.gov/pets for more information.