Get Free Dogs, Cats at Animal Services Saturday

Lutz residents who have been waiting for the right time to adopt a dog or a cat might find it doesn’t get better than this Saturday, April 6.

That’s the day Pasco County Animal Services will host a “Spring Cleaning” event designed to reduce the number of cats and dogs housed at the 19640 Dogpatch Lane shelter in Land O' Lakes. From noon to 8 p.m., the shelter will open its doors to give away cats and dogs to new owners at no charge. The critters will even be spayed or neutered at no additional cost. Potential dog adoptees might have to pay a $10 county licensing fee, but that’s it, according to Judy Tate Gregory, spokeswoman for the agency.

The county normally charges $70 for dog adoptions and $40 for cats.

While the event takes place in Pasco County, Gregory said it's fine if Hillsborough animal lovers show up to adopt.

“In an effort to move towards our goal of a SAVE 90% program, we will host this event as an attempt to ‘Empty the Shelter,’” Gregory wrote in a media release.

Pasco County instituted its Save 90 program last year in an effort to reduce the number of animals that were euthanized. Since then, it’s implemented a new business plan to fund animal-saving efforts, but has also faced staunch criticism as the number of animals housed at the shelter has grown and conditions have become cramped. Most recently, John Malley, the agency's director resigned his post.

Despite the ups and downs, the agency is working to increase adoptions and ease overcrowding at the shelter, officials say.

“The ultimate solution is to find permanent homes for all of these animals,” Gregory said.

To help keep the number of pets housed at animal services down while increasing the care provided, the county is also seeking assistance from rescue groups and volunteers.

To find out more about adopting or volunteering, email Gregory at educationofffice@pascocountyfl.net or call 813-929-1212, 352-521-5194, or 727-834-3216.