Adopt Don’t Shop! With all of these pet adoption agencies in Tampa, there's simply no need to spend thousands on a purebred. Adopting your new best friend helps to control the pet poulation, and
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is in the heart of the city on Armenia Ave. in North Hyde Park, and it's a no-kill shelter dedicated to helping animals in need. With their affordable adoption prices and central location they’re a fan favorite! If you’re looking for dogs, cats or smaller furry friends to adopt click here!
Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center
Hillsborough County Pet Rescue Center is the only “open-admission” adoption center in the county, and accepts all breeds and sizes. They have both ready-to-go adoptions (where you can take your pet home that day) and pre-adoptions in case you see a cutie that hasn’t yet completed their “stray hold” time. Prices vary from $35-$125, and adoptable pets go to their center in Brandon.
Humane Society of Pinellas County
The Humane Society of Pinellas is another non-kill shelter in our area, but that doesn’t mean these pets don’t need your help! Stop by today and you are guaranteed to fall head over heels in love with some sad eyes or curly tails. And this new love won’t break your heart!
SPCA Tampa Bay
The SPCA of Tampa Bay is another proud open-admission shelter in Largo. Their vision and mission are to be matchmakers for pairs of best friends! They want to bring compassionate people to animals that need love, and accept all different kinds of pets; dogs, cats, pocket pets, exotic animals and livestock. So if you have a lot of land and a big heart, head there today to meet your new bestie!
Friends of Strays Animal Shelter
"Friends of Strays is a non-profit organization founded in 1978 in St. Petersburg, FL, dedicated to the care and adoption of homeless pets. Our mission is to inspire compassion for all animals, provide shelter and humane care to homeless animals, and promote adoptions and responsible pet guardianship in the community. Through our efforts, there will be a safe and loving home for every adoptable animal and humane treatment for all," said Jami Pressman who works at Friends of Strays.
SPCA Suncoast
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Suncoast is proud to accept dogs who are going to be killed because of their lengthy time in other shelters. They accept dogs of all ages and attitudes but all these pups need a little love to get them out of their nervous shells. Head to the SPCA today to meet a furry friend that might change your life!
SPCA Florida Adoption Center
The SPCA Florida Adoption Center in Lakeland is where I adopted my dog from, and for that I will be forever thankful! They take in dogs and cats that have been abandoned or found to give them a better life, and save over 90% of the animals brought into the shelter each year.
Suncoast Animal League
Suncoast Animal League is a non-profit, no-kill and no-time-limit shelter where they put animal welfare first. It's a small facility so they rely on foster parents to care for the animals until they find their forever home. Because of their limited capacity they do not take strays, and they do not have open admission. However they do give the animals they rescue great lives with foster parents while they wait in the balance. To adopt a pet from the Suncoast Animal League, head to their website.
If you’re looking for a specific type of dog, because maybe you grew up with a beagle and just NEED another one, check out this list of rescue centers by breed. If there is a breed you’re looking for that is not on our list let us know and we will find one and add it!
Remember: adopting a dog means finding a new best friend. Adopt, Don’t Shop... You’ll feel the difference!
Florida English Bulldog Rescue
German Shepherd Rescue of Central Florida
Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida
Great Dane Rescue of Tampa Bay
Labrador Retriever Rescue of Tampa Bay
Siberian Husky Rescue of Florida
For more information on local resources in Tampa Bay check out 813area, your local guide to your favorite city!
All photos from author.
