Want to Adopt Rex the Rescued Stray?

Find out more about him by contacting animal services.

This just in from Marti Ryan, spokeswoman for county animal services: Rex is standing by, ready to be your personal confidante and companion. This handsome and friendly year-old Chesapeake Retriever mix was stray and rescued by Temple Terrace police officers, and he'll be offered at a special low price during October's Adopt-a-Dog Month.  All dogs 30 pounds or more are just $30, including spay/neuter surgery, micro-chipping, vaccination, and county license tag. Rex is animal ID#1485926.  For more information, contact Hillsborough County Animal Services, 440 N. Falkenburg Road, at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices.

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Pet Owners Encouraged to Prepare Now for Isaac

Animal services officials say get ready as soon as possible.

Early next week, Tampa Bay could be slammed with a hurricane. This comes only weeks after Tropical Storm Debby caused flooding and structural damage in June. With that in mind, animal experts in Hillsborough County say now is the time to make preparations for pets before Isaac arrives. Carol Childs, founder of the National Humane Society at 4039 Gunn Highway in Carrollwood, often cares for animals after natural disasters. She said having a plan in place before a tropical storm or hurricane hits is crucial. "Pet owners need to know where shelters are," she said. "I'd rather have a plan and not need it than need it and not have a plan. A common mistake pet owners make is putting animals in wire cages, Childs said. "They are better off in the…

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Adorable Adoptables

Moo-Moo Needs a New Friend

Moo-Moo is a kitten looking for a new home.

Moo-Moo is an affectionate, cow-colored 9-week old male kitten. He thinks milk is okay but much prefers human attention. Sweet Moo-Moo is just one of many waiting for someone to help celebrate national Adopt-a-Cat Month at Hillsborough County Animal Services, featuring the "Feline 15" special all during June! Adopt any cat for just $15 including spay/neuter surgery, rabies vaccination, micro-chip, health-check and County registration with tag. Moo-Moo is Animal ID# 1443453. Adopt Tuesday - Sunday at Hillsborough County Animal Services,  440 N. Falkenburg Rd. For more information, call (813) 744-5660 or visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices.

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Adorable Adoptables

Who Doesn't Like a Brunette with Green Eyes?

Hilda is a little tiger cat looking for a new home.

How about these spiffy stripes? Hilda is a 2-year-old brown and gray tiger cat brought to the shelter as a stray. She's attractive, affectionate, healthy and offered at a special adoption fee. Hilda will come to you fully spayed, vaccinated, microchipped and pet registered with the county for just $20. Hilda is animal ID# 1435596. Adopt Tuesday - Sunday at Hillsborough County Animal Services,  440 N. Falkenburg Rd. For more information, call (813) 744-5660 or visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices.

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Family Dogs Bite, Too

Dogs bite out of fear, discomfort from pain or hunger, or to protect themselves and their territory.

From Hillsborough County Government Online: Of the more than 2,100 dog bite reports received annually by Hillsborough County Animal Services, most involve the "family dog." Statistically, most bites occur to young children, the elderly, and service professionals (such as letter-carriers). Dogs bite out of fear, discomfort from pain or hunger, or to protect themselves and their territory.   To bring attention to dog bites, each May, 'National Dog Bite Prevention Week' is sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Society (AVMA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the United States Postal Services (USPS).  Dogs typically warn of impending danger through their body language, but adults and children often fail to recognize the signs. Any…

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Adorable Adoptables

Want to Be Lucky's Charm?

Lucky is a 4-year-old extra-large all black Labrador mix looking for a new home.

He looks like a "scooby" with the given name "Lucky." This 4-year old extra-large all black Labrador mix has one ear up, one down, a curly tail, and an amazing story of survival. Lucky was in the backyard of his Tampa home when a someone allegedly set the house ablaze. Lucky is neutered, housebroken, social, and perfectly healthy (no heartworms or other issues). Take him home fully vaccinated, micro-chipped, and registered for the cost of the county tag (just $20). Please be Lucky's charm. He is animal ID# 1343900. Adopt Tuesday - Sunday at the shelter,  440 N. Falkenburg Rd. For more information, call (813) 744-5660 or visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices.

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Do You Like Brown or Blue Eyes the Most?

Either way, Jo-Jo will bring you the best of both worlds.

Babies go quickly, but few ask to adopt their mama. This 3-year-old brown Catahoula Leopard Hound mix delivered her pups almost as soon as she arrived at the shelter. Now, Jo-Jo is getting her groove back at a transition-foster home. Give this a devoted mom her new beginning and let Jo-Jo bring you the best of both worlds:  one brown eye, one blue! She'll go home spayed/vaccinated/registered/microchipped and more from Hillsborough County Animal Services, 440 N. Falkenburg Road. Donate to her care or adopt her Tuesday - Sunday. Jo-Jo is animal ID# 1410484. For more information, call (813) 744-5660 or visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices.

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'No-Fleas Market and Sale' Set for Saturday

The volunteers at Hillsborough County Animal Services will host their 'No-Fleas Market and Sale' to benefit medically needy shelter pets.

Bargain hunters and animal lovers united. Just in time for Mother’s Day, the volunteers at Hillsborough County Animal Services will host their “No-Fleas Market and Sale” from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 12, outside the shelter at 440 N. Falkenburg Rd. Shop fabulous finds for both pets and their people, even Mom. The event will feature clothing, jewelry, arts, and even gardening tools. Volunteers will hold a cookout/barbecue, too. The proceeds will benefit medically needy shelter pets. Donations of pet food and clean towels and bedding are always appreciated. Hundreds of lovable hearts await. Adopt your new best friend and furry family member from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at a discounted fee (photo ID required). For more information, call (…

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Adorable Adoptables

'Monte de Mayo' Is Almost too Pretty to Be a Boy

Monte is a year and half-old stray looking for a new home.

"Monte de Mayo" is almost too pretty to be a boy! Monte is a year and half-old stray that loves to play like a puppy and get hugs. Part long-haired Chihuahua, Monte has tested positive for heartworms and needs a responsible owner this time around. He's offered at a special price in consideration of his minor medical need. Donate to his care or adopt him Tuesday - Sunday at Hillsborough County Animal Services, 440 N. Falkenburg Road. He'll come fully neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and licensed with county tags. Monte is animal ID# 1431338. For more information, call (813) 744-5660 or visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices.

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County to Name New Animal Services Director, Study No-Kill Alternative

County Commissioner Ken Hagan said the county's current 65 percent euthanasia rate is unacceptable.

There's changes on the horizon for Hillsborough County Animal Services as a new director comes on board and the county studies ways to reduce the number of animals euthanized at the shelter at 440 N. Falkenburg Rd., Tampa.  At the Hillsborough County Commission meeting May 2, County Administrator Mike Merrill said the county will release the name of the new director of the shelter. For the past several years, Animal Services has been overseen by interim directors, most recently Jack Carlisle. Merrill told commissioners that the chosen candidate was selected after a comprehensive review of candidates including members of the veterinary community and members of the Hillsborough County Animal Advisory Committee. "There were a lot of …

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