Month: June 2023

If you’re considering pet adoption in Tampa, there’s no better time than now! Adopting a pet for the first time is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also come with apprehension and uncertainty. As a leading resource for Hillsborough County pet adoption, The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is here to provide the support you need once you find your forever companion.

As a first-time pet adopter, it’s important to create a welcoming and safe environment for your new pet. Here are some helpful steps to take before bringing your pet home to ensure a smooth transition.

Choosing the Right Supplies

Before bringing your pet home, make a list of essential supplies they’ll need. Gather items like food and water bowls, comfortable bedding, leashes, and collars in advance to make the transition smoother, all found at the HSTB retail store.

Specific pets may require additional items like litter boxes for cats or cages for pocket pets. Investing in a high-powered vacuum like a pet hair-specific BISSELL may also be helpful, as this vacuum is designed for pet hair to keep your furniture and floors clean.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay has a convenient on-site store with basic supplies for your new pet, as well as unique merchandise to celebrate adoption!

Pet-Proofing Your Home

Pets are naturally curious, so it’s important to ensure your home is safe for them to explore. Remove any plants that are toxic to pets and secure unsafe items like loose cables, cleaning supplies, and chemicals. Some common plants that are unsafe for animals include azaleas, sago palms, cyclamens, lilies, and tulips.

You may also consider using gates or barriers initially to restrict access to certain areas until your pet becomes acclimated.

Creating a Dedicated Space For Your New Pet

After adopting a pet, they may feel overwhelmed or nervous during the adjustment period, especially if they have a history of trauma or are unfamiliar with people and other pets. 

Designate a space in your home specifically for them to promote a sense of belonging, safety, and familiarity. Include bedding, blankets, and toys in this area, and minimize strong smells and bright lights at night. Adding a dim night light can help them feel more comfortable in their new environment.

Prepare for Adoption With HSTB

As a leading shelter for pet adoption in Tampa, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay is dedicated to providing support throughout the adoption process and beyond. Our team of animal lovers has the expertise and tools to help you and your new pet adjust to a beautiful life together.

For more tips on adopting a pet, check out our helpful training resources.

If you have any questions or want more information about Hillsborough County pet adoption, call us at (813) 876-7138,view our adoptable pets, or come visit us in person.

At The Humane Society of Tampa Bay, our team of passionate animal lovers is committed to changing the lives of both pets and people. With the help of generous donors and community volunteers, HSTB is proud to provide shelter and life-saving medical care, as well as facilitate adoptions for dogs, cats, and pocket pets in need of a home. 

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, HSTB operates independently of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and ASPCA, meaning community volunteers and donations are critical to continuing our mission of ending animal homelessness. No matter how much you are able to give, choosing to donate to The Humane Society of Tampa Bay directly impacts the lives of thousands of at-risk animals.

If you are an animal lover searching for how to make a difference, consider joining us today in our fight to provide care and comfort for companion animals in need. The loving animals at our shelter thank you!

Animal Intake Rates are Increasing

Now, more than ever, the impact of community donations is felt by every shelter animal and member of the HSTB team. So, why is donating to an animal shelter near Pasco County, Pinellas County, or Hillsborough County so crucial today? 

Animal shelters nationwide are grappling with a troubling five percent increase in animal intake. This increase leads to overcapacity issues, and Tampa is no exception. 

With overcrowding in shelters and declining adoption rates, donations allow operations to continue, and ensure that animals remain well taken care of. While many shelter animals are in recovery from a traumatic past or life-threatening medical issues, donations also help maintain our save rate, which was 92 percent in 2022.

87 Cents of Every Dollar Donated Goes to Our Mission

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay prioritizes transparency regarding use of donations. An impressive 87 cents of every dollar donated goes directly toward the animals! You can take comfort in knowing that your gifts are used to enhance the lives of the animals you meet at the shelter or see on our adoption pages. 

Whether it be monetary or in the form of essential pet supplies, your donations go a long way in promoting animal welfare in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Are you ready to help at-risk animals live the healthy, happy life they deserve? There are several ways to show your support of The Humane Society of Tampa Bay. 

As one of the most common ways to give, making a one-time donation is quick and simple, and may even be matched by your employer! Regardless of how much you are able to donate, HSTB greatly appreciates the generosity.

For those seeking to make a recurring donation, HSTB invites you to become a Monthly Pet Partner. Through monthly contributions, you will not only provide ongoing support, but also gain access to several exclusive benefits. These perks include a warm welcome and thank-you gift, discounts at our retail store, quarterly HSTB newsletters to keep you informed, and more!

If you prefer to donate specific supplies or toys, The Humane Society of Tampa Bay has established convenient wish lists with platforms such as Chewy and Amazon. These lists enable you to handpick an item of your choice to give to the shelter animals.

For those with a special animal lover in their life, honoring them with a tribute donation is another great choice. This gesture serves as a way to celebrate or commemorate a loved one in a unique and meaningful way. 

Finally, Planned Giving is an impactful way to make a bequest through a will or trust. This contribution influences the well-being of animals far into the future, and even provides immediate or deferred tax benefits for you and your family.

While there are many ways to support our mission to ending animal homelessness, HSTB is thankful for all forms of donation. Every donation to an animal shelter near Pasco County, Pinellas County, or Hillsborough County makes a significant impact. To see your donations in action, consider visiting the shelter, meeting our shelter animals, and engaging with our wonderful volunteers and team members.

Donate to The Humane Society of Tampa Bay – Thank You For Helping Us Make An Impact

In 2022 alone, HSTB saved the lives of 13,298 animals, delivered care to 39,767 animals at our shelter and hospital, and performed 19,453 life-saving surgeries. These numbers are a testament to the unwavering dedication of the HSTB team and the boundless support of our community.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay extends our heartfelt gratitude to you for lending a helping hand.

If you are considering donating to HSTB, learn more about how to help today or contact us at (813) 876-4150.