Pet Resource Center urges residents to consider adopting long-stay shelter pets
This holiday season, the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center is shining a light on the pets who have been waiting far too long for a place to call home. Forty-one dogs have been at the shelter for more than 100 days, five of them have watched more than 200 days pass by, and another six dogs have been waiting over 300 days. These lengths of stay are far longer than the typical two-week period most pets spend in shelter care.
Behind each of these numbers is a furry face, a unique personality, and a story. Some of these longtimers greet shelter visitors with wagging tails and hopeful eyes every day. Others have learned the shelter routine so well that staff know where to find them curled up as they walk by. Each dog and cat is deserving of a forever home that they haven't yet found.
Shelter staff say the pets who stay longest are often overlooked not because of who they are, but because of misconceptions. Some are shy at first, some need a set routine, and others simply get lost in the crowd of new arrivals. But once they're out of the kennel and into the play yard, their personalities shine: silly fetchers, sweet cuddle-bugs, slow-and-steady walkers, and loyal companions.
The holidays are one of the most meaningful times to welcome a pet into your family. As homes fill with warmth and goodwill, many of these long-stay pets are still facing yet another holiday season waiting. Adoption not only changes their life, but it also enriches a household with love, joy, and laughter. Furthermore, studies consistently show that pets reduce stress, improve well-being, and bring families closer together.
Residents are encouraged to visit the shelter, meet the longtime pets, and give them the chance they've been patiently waiting for. Adoption fees are waived this holiday season, and staff are on-hand to help match adopters with a pet that best fits their lifestyle.
For additional festive fun and holiday cheer, attend the Home for the Howl-idays adoption event on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pet Resource Center, 440 N. Falkenburg Rd., Tampa, FL 33619. Attendees can meet adoptable dogs and cats, vote in the Canine Cookie Cabin Contest, capture merry memories at the festive photo booth, and receive an adoption goodie bag gift.
Interested in lending a helping hand but unable to commit to adopting? Consider participating in the Silent Night foster program during which participants foster a pet for a short period of time. The goal is for the shelter to have empty, silent kennels over the holidays. Those willing to take advantage of the opportunity will pick up a ready-to-go dog or cat along with pet food from the shelter between Dec. 18 and Dec. 23. They will provide a home and love, then return the pet between Jan. 2 and Jan. 9.
Consider giving a shelter pet what they've been wishing for all year long: a loving family in a forever home. Visit HCFL.gov/Pets to learn more and view adoptable pets.