Some of the organizations who participated - Pasco County Animal Services, Citrus County Animal Services, Hernando County Animal Services, Hillsborough Pet Resources Center, Best Friends Animal Society & The Humane Society of the Nature Coast
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ccording to Rachel Stever, Education and Outreach Coordinator for Pasco County Animal Services, “PCAS is a Save 90 Shelter, meaning our goal is to save 90% of all the animals that arrive at our shelter. Our current live release rate is 91%. Our live release for dogs is 96% for the calendar year and 83% for cats. Our shelter does not euthanize for time or space limitations and we are able to remain this way through adoptions and our amazing rescue partners that help support us. Our ultimate goal is to reach a 100% live release rate. PCAS openly posts their monthly statistics on their website.” Mike Shumate, PCAS Animal Services Director, stated, “We just participated in the multi-county Tampa Bay Regional Mega Pet Adoption and it was so successful that we plan to collaborate with surrounding counties and rescue groups again to make this an annual event. 371 homeless pets were adopted during the three day event held May 17th - 19th at the Hernando County Fairgrounds.” Mike explained, “We have joined forces with other organizations to support the national No-Kill Movement, with the objective to eliminate euthanizing homeless animals in all U.S. shelters by 2025.” Mike added, “To that end, PCAS offers many community programs to provide low cost spay and neutering, promote adoptions, and support community pet health, however many Pasco residents may not be aware of all the services that we offer.”
Jasmine with her new parents, Sara & Rush
Bo with his new Mom
Livi with Sean & her new sisters
Did You Know…
Pasco County Animal Services Offers Ongoing Adoption Fee Promotions • Military/First Responders - 50% off adoption fee • Longtime Residents - 50% off adoption fee for pets that have been at the shelter 100+ days • Seniors – Adoption fee waived for 55 years+ Looking to Expand Your Family with a New Fur-ever Friend? • Must be 18 years or older • Must be able to provide a form of photo identification • Must be willing to provide a loving home for a shelter pet • If you aren’t quite ready to adopt – consider fostering Spaying and Neutering Programs One of our biggest goals At PCAS is to promote spaying and neutering in Pasco County. We offer the SNIP Low Income Program for Pasco citizens and also the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release Program (TNVR), for community and feral cats. Barn Cat Program We offer this option for un-socialized cats. We provide resources for the new owners on how to manage the cats and their new ‘pest control’ duties on their property. Low Cost Vaccine and Microchip Clinic Vaccines, heartworm tests, feline FIV/Leukemia tests and microchips are offered at a low cost. Offered every Wednesday from 9am to 11am and no appointment is necessary. A license must be purchased for the resident’s pet when they attend the clinic. Licensing Licensing is required by ordinance for both cats and dogs. Most of our county veterinarians can license a resident’s pet during their annual vet visit but you can also come to the shelter with proof of vaccination to receive the up to date license.
Patsy with her new Mom & Dad
Jackpot with his new family
In addition, Hudson Regional Library and Fiscal Services in New Port Richey are able to issue licenses as well. Licensing is $10 for altered dogs and $5 for altered cats. Additional prices are applicable depending on 1 or 3 year status and alteration status. Animal Control This team covers stray and lost pets, rabies control, cruelty and neglect concerns and cases, hoarding cases and overall enforcement of animal related county ordinances. The team is sometimes able to return pets to their owners, enabling the pets to avoid ever having to come to the shelter. For residents who need to report a complaint, they are able to do so on the Pasco County website and in some cases, can do so anonymously. Facility Renovations PCAS is currently undergoing renovations in our C building. It is the oldest building on the property and they are expecting this project to be completed in the next month or two. The shelter will be gaining more kennel space and will also have a food bank. PCAS offers this along with other information to assist pet owners with getting back on their feet versus needing to re-home or surrender a beloved pet. Donations and Supporters Rachel pointed out, “Friends of Animal Services, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that helps with the enrichment and medical needs for pets at our shelter. They helped with major purchases such as our digital x-ray machine, new shade sails for the yards, heartworm treatments, and specialty surgeries and procedures that help in our lifesaving efforts.” Volunteering Opportunities PCAS is always looking for volunteers and they offer many different ways to get involved. Pasco County Animal Services is located at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes. For more information call (813) 929-1212 or visit www.pascocountyfl.net/408/ Animal-Services. TO ADVERTISE CALL 813-501-4894 | VOLUME II • ISSUE VI | LUTZ MAGAZINE |
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