Pets

Vet services are expensive, I get it. Here are some local resources and some ideas if you do not live in the area:

• Humane Society of Tampa Bay -   (813) 870-3304

• FoHCAS -   (813) 922-8364  [Assist with cost of heartworm treatment to dogs/cats adopted from Pet Resource Center.]

• If you do not live in Hillsborough County, call a local rescue organization or your local Humane Society to see if they can recommend a low-cost animal clinic.

Even your pet(s) can have insurance. VPI was the first insurance provider I heard about, but now, many insurance agencies offer pet insurance. Check with your auto insurance carrier to see if they have pet insurance.

Rescues are always looking for fosters, adopters, and donators. Below are some local rescues:

• St Francis Society Animal Rescue
• C.A.R.E. Animal Shelter (Critter Adoption & Rescue Effort) - Ruskin
• Suncoast Animal League
• Canine Comfort Zone Inc
• The Critter Place [Weeki Wachee]
• Passion 4 Pits Rescue
• Rugaz Rescue Inc
• Paw Print Hearts
• Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue [Pinellas]

They all are active on Facebook.

Microchips are inexpensive and usually offered in a package when your animal is spayed or neutered. Please register your microchip and update the information if you move or change phone numbers.

If your pet gets out: 

1. Post or pass out signs with a picture around your neighborhood. 

2. Go to your local animal shelter and walk the kennels. 

     Pet Resource Center (PRC)

     440 Falkenburg Rd

     Tampa, FL 33619

     (813) 744-5660

3. Go to the Humane Society.

     3607 N Armenia Ave

     Tampa, FL 33607

  Note: People think the Humane Society is safer because they are "no-kill", but they do transfer animals to PRC.

4. Check Facebook groups for your area, and the app/website, NextDoor, if your area uses it.

If you find a pet, you can post signs and post in multiple Facebook groups and NextDoor.

I suggest holding the animal for as long as possible rather than turning it in because our shelters are so overpopulated. For each animal that is dropped off, one must die in its place...