The Humane Society of Tampa Bay (HSTB) is located in Hillsborough County which unfortunately has the highest euthanasia rate in the State of Florida. Last year they joined ASPCA Mission: Orange, a mutual mission to create a humane community where every adoptable dog and cat is guaranteed a loving home and where all animals are treated with respect and kindness. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay works with area rescue groups to help take as many animals as possible out of Animal Services therefore reducing the euthanasia rate. Since HSTB is a limited admission shelter, they make weekly trips to pick up animals (between 25-40 each week) and place them in their adoption program when space permitted. Thanks to this joint effort, county euthanasia rate was lowered by 10% last year.
Due to their aggressive adoption program and the fact that they get so many great animals from the local Animal Services facility, HSTB found homes for over 3100 dogs and cats last year and had a save rate of 91%. This year they are on track to find homes for over 4000 animals.
HSTB feels that adoptions are only part of the answer to the overpopulation problem. Since opening in 2000, their low cost, spay/neuter clinic has sterilized nearly 45,000 animals in the community. HSTB also conducts a large scale Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) program for feral cats to help curb the feral cat problem. They offer a daily rate of $15.00 for sterilization, inoculations and an ear tipping. Recently, HSTB constructed a Feral Cat Patio which provides caretakers the ability to drop off feral cats early in the morning and be placed back on the patio after the surgery is complete until they are released in the evening. This division alleviates any concerns about mixing the ferals with other dog and cat customers in the clinic.
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay was established in 1912 and is one of the oldest corporations in the State of Florida; their current location began operations in 1929. Over the past 80 years, more than one million animals have passed through their doorway thanks to people in the community who believe in their mission and fund their work through donations, grants, bequests and special events.
This month HSTB will hold their 9th Annual Telethon July 26th at 7pm - Midnight on News Channel 8. This 5-hour telethon is used to promote adoptions and raise operational funds. The Telethon also includes appearances by celebrities and political figures to help educate the public on pet health and behavior issues.
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay
3607 North Armenia Avenue
Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 876-7138
http://www.humanesocietytampa.org