Hillsborough County Waives Adoption Fees for Shelter Pets Waiting More Than 100 Days

Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center has waived adoption fees this holiday season. The goal? Help animals who've been waiting over 100 days find homes.

Forty-one dogs have spent more than three months at the shelter. Six have been there 10 months or longer. Five dogs have stayed over 200 days, while another six have waited 300 days. Most pets at the center leave within two weeks.

"Behind each of these numbers is a furry face, a unique personality, and a story. Some of these long-timers greet shelter visitors with wagging tails and hopeful eyes every day. Others have learned the shelter routine so well that staff know where to find them curled up as they walk by. Each dog and cat is deserving of a forever home that they haven't yet found," a news release stated, according to WTSP.

Pets who stay the longest often get overlooked, staff members said. They might seem shy. They might need a set routine. But once they arrive at a new home and come out of their shell, they show who they are.

Workers at the center help match adopters with pets. Officials are asking Tampa Bay residents to visit and meet the animals who have been waiting.

The center also launched the Silent Night program. Not ready to adopt? This initiative lets participants foster for a short period during the holidays, getting animals out of the shelter.

People can pick up a ready-to-go dog or cat along with pet food between Dec. 18-23. The pets will be returned between Jan. 2-9.