Hillsborough Pet Resource Center Launches Foster Program to Ease Overcrowding for the Holidays

Pet shelters and adoption centers all around Tampa Bay have reported many cases of overcrowding. The Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center has launched the Silent Night Holiday Foster Program. This effort provides temporary homes to long-term dogs and cats, helping to relieve overcrowding.

The center deals with many dogs, including older and quieter ones, staying for extended periods. Initially, the shelter was meant for short-term stays.

The foster program allows families to host a pet during the holidays. Pet food is provided, and the animals are returned after the holiday season. This brief break is beneficial for the pets, enhancing their chances of being adopted.

A recent event, Home for the Howl-idays, successfully promoted adoptions. However, more initiatives are necessary to tackle the crowding and stress.

Pets available for fostering are labeled as "Ready to Go" and can be viewed online, with many featured in festive holiday settings. Potential adopters can also visit the shelter.

Hillsborough County's center, being the only open-admission facility, takes in all dogs and cats, regardless of breed, size, or health. This sometimes results in capacity challenges.

FOX 13's Regina Gonzalez covered the center's mission, sharing her insights from discussions at the Pet Resource Center about finding foster homes for these long-term pets.

The Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center is the largest open-admission public shelter in Central Florida. By accepting pets at any time, programs like holiday fostering help manage overcrowding.

Each year, the center cares for around 18,000 homeless animals and supports foster plans to boost adoption rates and the well-being of the animals.

Since 2012, the center has rescued nearly 150,000 dogs and cats, achieving a live-release rate of over 90%. Through initiatives like Silent Night, they underscore foster successes despite capacity issues.

In addition to the holiday program, the center offers ongoing pet fostering, adoptions, surrender services, and volunteer opportunities. Spay and neuter vouchers help tackle overcrowding all year round.

Established in 2016, the facility's foundation raises funds for foster, adoption, and retention programs, aiming to reduce overcrowding and improve outcomes for long-stay pets.

Through the online kennel platform, all shelter pets can be viewed, including short-term holiday fosters. As part of their strategy, the center addresses overcrowding issues without factoring in animal age, size, or condition.