By Tamas Mondovics
In the wake of a major renovation and effort to repair its customer relation issues, as well as to increase awareness of its benefits, the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center is boasting much success.
But while many are taking advantage of the center by providing loving care to pets needing new homes through adoption, the center is also dealing with a seasonal influx of pets, which are straining capacity.
To ease the pressure, shelter officials are asking for the community’s help.
Officials said that the shelter’s population of dogs and cats historically rises in the spring, and the number of dogs and puppies, cats and kittens housed at the Pet Resource Center located at 440 N. Falkenburg Rd has been steadily rising since early April.
By the end of May, the dog kennels were at 98 percent of capacity, officials said.
Spring is also “kitten season,’’ and this time of year the shelter takes in dozens of cats and kittens each week.
The Pet Resource Center is Hillsborough County’s only open admission facility in Hillsborough County, meaning it accepts dogs and cats regardless of breed, size, age, or medical condition.
According to Pet Resource Center Director Scott Trebatoski, the monthly adoption event commonly known as ’First Saturday Celebration’ has become a much welcomed addition and has helped with capacity.
“We are now seeing a following as residents come out and are enjoying a day of fun and celebration with us,” Trebatoski said.
Unfortunately this time of year is when the need to adopt and support the center is at its highest point.The shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
Pet foster parents are always needed to help free up valuable kennel space as well as giving special care and attention to particularly vulnerable animals. For information about the pet foster parent program, call 744-5660.
All ready-to-go pets are $20, which includes spaying/neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, and registration.
For more information about the Pet Resource Center, please visit www.HillsboroughCounty.org/Pets.
We are located at 440 N. Falkenburg Rd. in Tampa.
