PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla — If your friend or family member has been wanting a pet for a while, now is the perfect time to surprise them this Christmas while adoptions are free in Pinellas County.
Pinellas County Animal Services is offering free animal adoptions "to help find loving homes for animals" during this holiday season, a news release on the county's website explains.
This adoption promotion comes as the shelter is set to undergo a renovation beginning in mid-December. The project will add air conditioning, improve kennel space for the animals and strengthen the buildings to be able to withstand a Category 4 hurricane.
The project, funded by Penny for Pinellas, is expected to cost $3.5 million.
While the renovations are ongoing, the shelter will reportedly have a reduced capacity to hold animals which is why this free adoption event is happening.
“When the renovations on the kennels start, we’re going to lose over 50% of our dog housing capability, so we need to get as many dogs into loving homes as we can and keep that up through the duration of the construction,” Pinellas County Animal Services Director Doug Brightwell said in a statement.
To reach the 50 percent goal, all adoption fees for animals will be free until next year when the new shelter space opens.
“We’ve made the adoption process really easy,” Brightwell said in a statement. “It’s free adoptions for the duration of the construction project. You’ll get a bag that includes treats, toys and a sample of food to make that transition to your home easier.
"Plus, all our dogs and cats are also microchipped, licensed, fully vaccinated and sterilized so they are ready to go home with you today.”
Anyone interested in adopting can look at available dogs and cats online. The adoption center, located at 12450 Ulmerton Road in Largo, is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
People can also help by fostering an animal at their home.
To learn more about Pinellas County Animal Services' foster and foster-to-adopt programs or to register, call 727-582-2600 and press option 8 to speak to customer service.
But before adopting an animal this holiday season, it's important to have responsible conversations first.
Before you decide to welcome a new pet into the home, you should sit down with all the members of your household who will share responsibility for caring for the animal. Decide what kind of pet would be best.
“We have dogs that can fit all lifestyles. If you come to the shelter, you can take the one you like to a private yard, let them meet the whole family and see how they connect with you before they even leave our doors," Pinellas County Animal Services Director Doug Brightwell told 10 Tampa Bay. "If they are a fit and you are ready to add them to your family, we give you a care package with treats, toys and some food samples to make that transition easier on both you and the animal.”
Pets can be expensive. You need to consider the cost of veterinary care, supplies and food, as well as any medical expenses associated with a young animal or a senior animal.
10 Tampa Bay's previous coverage contributed to this report.
