Pet Resource Center's canine population is at its highest level in years
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Sept. 17, 2026) - Hillsborough County's Pet Resource Center is overflowing with dogs as adoption rates locally have slowed, following a national trend.
The shelter's population hit 320 dogs Thursday morning morning, or 177% capacity, a level not seen in at least five years. The Pet Resource Center is Hillsborough's only open-admissions shelter, meaning it takes in cats and dogs regardless of age, breed, or size. That open-admissions policy means the shelter is often over capacity on dogs and cats, but the shelter is seeing record high numbers in recent weeks.
All adoption fees are currently waived.
Pet adoption numbers soared locally and across the nation several years ago, particularly during the pandemic. Adoptions have since slowed significantly. From June 1 through Aug. 31, residents adopted 146 fewer dogs from the Pet Resource Center than during the same period in 2025.
The shelter is working with pet rescue groups and foster parents to help house the overflow but desperately needs residents to come to the Pet Resource Center, 440 N. Falkenburg Rd., Tampa, FL 33619, to adopt any of the dogs that have ended up in the public shelter through no fault of their own.
By adopting, residents can make an immediate impact and help create space for the many pets that are still arriving. Dogs of all ages, personalities, and energy levels can be found at PRC, and adopting not only gives a deserving pet a second chance but also helps the shelter continue caring for vulnerable pets in need.
Residents not ready to make the commitment to adopt can be of great help by fostering pets. For more information on the foster program, visit HCFL.gov/foster or email FosterPets@HCFL.gov.
The Pet Resource Center is open for adoptions from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Residents can view the hundreds of adoptable dogs and cats online, including medical and behavioral records.