Pet Adoption FAQs

All adoptions must be done in person at Pet Resource Center during regular operating hours, Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. All adoptions are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

After checking in at the PRC front desk, any staff member or volunteer will be able to assist you in meeting with any pet.

The meet and greet is an important part in the adoption process and allows you to spend time with the pet to see if you are a good fit together.

All potential adopters must be 18 years or older and will need to provide a valid photo ID at the time of adoption.

No. All adoptions must be done in person at Pet Resource Center during regular operating hours, Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM.

All adoptions are first-come, first-serve basis.

• All "ready-to-go" pets are $20, unless otherwise noted
  • Animals which have completed their "Stray Hold" time and have been spayed/neutered and fully vaccinated are considered "ready-to-go." Any animal in a "ready-to-go" status can go home with you today.
• Pre-adoption costs range from $35 to $125. Pre-adoption prices do not include the $20 rabies license fee.
• Occasionally, there may be special adoption pricing during the year or when the shelter is reaching peak capacity

Yes, you may adopt two dogs at once. However, for safety reasons, the dogs must be transported in separate vehicles or securely crated during the ride home.

"Ready-to-go" (RTG) means that the pet has been vaccinated, microchipped, spayed or neutered, and registered with Hillsborough County. Any RTG pet can be taken home the same day as adoption. The RTG pet adoption fee is $20.

Pre-adopt means a pet is not ready to go home just yet. The pet is either still on a stray hold, which is a requirement to allow a possible owner enough time to come in and reclaim his or her pet, or needs to go through PRC Vet Services prior to being adopted.

While a pet is being held, the pet can be "pre-adopted" by someone else. In the event that no owner comes forward, the adoption then is completed. Note: Due to the special needs of small puppies and the fact that most puppies arrive at the shelter with no history, all dogs under the age of 6 months are only available for adoption on a "Ready-to-Go" status and cannot be pre-adopted.

The pet may be currently receiving medical care or is part of an investigation. Once the pet is cleared by the veterinary staff or by animal control, the status will change to "Pre-Adoptable" or "Available".

If a dog is heartworm-positive, it means that it contracted heartworms, which are spread by mosquitoes. The heartworms grow and end up in the dog's heart and lungs.

Most heartworm-positive dogs can be easily treated and go on to live long, happy lives.

Dogs eligible for treatment at the shelter will receive treatment at no cost. Those needing outside care may be eligible for financial help through charitable agencies.

To learn more about a specific heartworm-positive dog at the shelter or more financial assistance information, call PRC at (813) 301-PETS (7387).

TNVR stands for trap, neuter, vaccinate, and return. TNVR cats typically have a tipped ear and live outside on their own, sometimes in cat colonies. For additional information, visit the Community Cat Program page. A TNVR cat/kitten that is up for adoption at PRC is one that is especially friendly and would do well being adopted into a loving home. 

To reclaim your pet, proof of ownership must be provided and may be established by providing proof of a microchip registered to the owner or a pet license tag with current rabies certificate. If neither of those items are available, PRC will consider recent veterinary records (not older than one year) or other written proof of ownership considered reliable along with a sworn or affirmed statement of ownership and photo identification of the person claiming ownership.

• If your pet is intact, you’ll have the option to allow the shelter to spay or neuter your pet at no cost. This service also includes core vaccinations, a rabies certificate, a rabies vaccine, and a microchip.
• If you choose to reclaim your pet without spay/neuter, associated fees will apply at the time of release.

PRC tries its best to provide as much information about the pets in its care as possible. Without an owner to provide details about the pet, PRC may not have the pet's full background. However, PRC staff shares as much information as possible about the pet's habits, disposition, health, etc. while the pet is at the shelter to build a better pet profile.

If you have questions about a certain pet, call (813) 301-PETS (7387).

"Stray Wait" means that a pet has come in but with no signs of ownership (tag, collar or microchip). The pet must be held for three days due to state law.

A "Stray Wait—Hold Notify" means that there was a tag, microchip or other identification and PRC is in the process of contacting the owner. The owner has seven days to claim their pet.

Both "Stray Wait" and "Stray Wait—Hold Notify" pets can be pre-adopted. Visit the online kennel to see detailed notes under each pet.  

The shelter tries to find out as much as it can about pets and why they are surrendered. If you click on the pet's picture and scroll down to the information section, you can see the information provided by the owner. Visit the online kennel to see detailed notes under each pet. 

The Pet Resource Center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM.

The Pet Resource Center is located at 440 N. Falkenburg Rd., Tampa, FL 33619. 

PRC has several kennels throughout its facility. View a map of the facility.

    Visit the Donate to the Pet Resource Center page to learn about donating.  

According to Best Friends Animal Society, being a "no-kill" shelter means maintaining a live-release rate of 90% or higher. PRC does not euthanize for space and maintains a live-release rate well over the 90% mark.  

Proof of ownership can include a notarized transfer of ownership agreement, or both parties may come to the shelter together to complete the transfer. Please also bring any available pet records and a photo ID.