PLANT CITY, Fla. — Hundreds of dogs from animal shelters across central Florida will be brought to Tampa Bay for a massive adoption event, waiving all fees to find these animals a much-needed forever home.
It comes as shelters across the country have become increasingly overcrowded with pets, an issue that's been exacerbated by the rising cost of living for Americans.
Nine different counties are coming together for the "Mega-Adoption" event, including Pasco, Polk, Pinellas, Hillsborough and Manatee counties, according to a news release. Organizers said by bringing all of these animal shelters together, potential dog parents will have a diverse selection of adoption-ready pups.
All dogs will be vaccinated, spayed or neutered and microchipped. Organizers will also waive all fees associated with adoption.
The event will take place at the Florida Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds in Plant City off Interstate 4. More specifically, the adoptions will be at the Grimes Family Agricultural Center on the property.
People looking to adopt can visit the event starting on Friday, May 17. It will also be open on Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19. The event will open at 10 a.m. each day and close at 5 p.m.
Here are all the details:
WHEN: May 17-19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Grimes Family Agricultural Center, 2508 West Oak Avenue, Plant City 33556
The number of animals being brought to shelters went down during the COVID-19 pandemic and started to climb again in 2021. Since then, the number of adoptions hasn't kept up with the influx of pets. According to Shelter Animals County, a national database compiling shelter statistics, the shelter population in America grew by nearly a quarter-million animals in 2023.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.