Frequently Asked Questions
Adoptions
I want to adopt an animal what do I do?
The best thing to do is to keep your eye on our website to see who we have available every day. The site is updated multiple times daily to reflect pets adopted and pets added for adoption. Click here to learn more.
Once you see an animal you are interested in, our best advice is to come to our shelter early as we have a first-come, first-served adoption process. Lately, lines form a few hours before we open.
I want to adopt an animal that is on a stray hold/featured in lost and found, what do I do?
When an animal is on our lost and found page they are placed on a stray hold to give their original owner an opportunity to reclaim them. If they are not reclaimed, then they will be placed for adoption and will be listed on our adoptions page. We do not have a waitlist nor do we have pre-adoptions, however, you can visit our shelter as we have a first-come, first-served adoption process – our best advice is to come to our shelter early as we tend to have lines form early every day. Our website is updated daily so be sure to check often!
If you have any other questions about a particular pet, please call our adoptions department at 813.876.7138.
Do you keep a list of people who want a certain kind of pet?
We are unable to keep a list of people to contact when specific breeds/animals arrive at our facility; we simply have too many requests. The best thing to do is to keep your eye on our website to see who we have available every day. The site is updated multiple times daily to reflect pets adopted and pets added for adoption.
How will I know when you are getting puppies?
We are unable to provide the exact dates on when we will have puppies as it all depends on the dogs that are surrendered to us or brought to us by a partner shelter. Please also keep in mind, after we receive any animal we have to complete an exam, complete a spay/neuter surgery, provide shots and insert a microchip OR if they are too young or have medical issues we have to place them in foster care. This process also takes time.
The best thing to do is to keep your eye on our website to see who we have available every day. The site is updated multiple times daily to reflect pets adopted and pets added for adoption. Click here to learn more.
We adopt on a first–come, first- serve basis. Lines form EARLY for puppies.
Where do I submit alumni photos and stories of my HSTB Alumni pet?
Please send photos and a short write up about your HSTB alumni to communications@humanesocietytampa.org
Pet Services
I need to surrender my pet, what do I do?
If you are no longer able to care for your pet or if you have found a stray that you cannot keep, we accept “surrenders” between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM, seven days a week, at our Intake Department located on the lower level of our shelter. Due to limited space and resources, we cannot guarantee that every walk-in surrender will be accepted. Therefore, we encourage you to call or email before bringing your pet: 813.876.7138 ext. 0 or Intake@HumaneSocietyTampa.org. Fees will apply.
If you need to rehome your pet and we are unable to take them in due to limited space, we encourage you to use Rehome by Adopt-A-Pet and the Petco Foundation. Click Here to learn more.
I lost my pet, what do I do?
You can check our website daily to see the lost and found animals we have in custody. Click here to view animals.
Please be sure to also post your information at Lost and Found Pets of Hillsborough County Facebook page, and notify Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center.
Other Resources for Lost Pets
Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center
Do you offer humane euthanasia?
We offer Humane Euthanasia starting at $125.00 per animal. If you would prefer to take your pet home to bury instead of cremating, let us know and our staff will kindly wrap them for the ride home with you.
You may choose to do a Private Cremation if you would like to have your animal’s cremated remains. Cremation prices are:
- $185.00 for pets under 40lbs
- $215.00 for pets 41lbs to 100lbs
- $260.00 for pets over 100lbs
Do you offer cremation services?
We do offer cremation once a pet has passed. Communal cremation (ashes not returned) service is $35.00. You may choose to do a Private Cremation (ashes returned) if you would like to have your animal’s cremated remains. The cost which includes a wooden box urn is $185.00 for pets under 40lbs, $215.00 for pets 41lbs to 100lbs and $260.00 for pets over 100lbs. We also offer a clay paw print for an additional $30.00. We are here every day to assist you with this procedure with no appointment necessary between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM at our Intake Department located at the lower-level of our shelter. Please call us with any questions you may have at 813.876.7138. We are here for you when you need us.
Volunteer/Foster
I want to volunteer or I need volunteer hours, how do I get started?
Please click here to review our volunteering options.
Please email our Volunteer Manager, at Volunteer@HumaneSocietyTampa.org to sign up or if you have any questions.
How do I sign up to be a volunteer?
We offer 6 different volunteer programs. Learn about all of our volunteer options.
Sign up by contacting our Volunteer Manager, at Volunteer@HumaneSocietyTampa.org.
Can children and teenagers volunteer?
Children under the age of 16 may volunteer, but must be accompanied by an adult who is also a volunteer. This can be done through our Long-Term program; each individual should establish their own account.
Children under 12 do not need to create their own accounts, but they may, if they would like to accumulate hours and points.
Sign up by contacting our Volunteer Manager, at Volunteer@HumaneSocietyTampa.org.
Can groups volunteer?
Corporate groups, high school and college student groups, and other organizations are welcome to schedule a group volunteer activity. To learn more, please visit our Group Volunteer page. Once you are ready to schedule a volunteer date, please email GroupVolunteers@humanesocietytampa.org.
I need to complete court ordered community service hours. Can I do these with HSTB?
Yes, we do offer court ordered volunteer shifts. For more details, please refer to our Court Program. These hours MUST be done through the court program. You will not receive credit for the hours through any other volunteer program.
For program enrollment, follow the link on the volunteer information page to create an account, then come meet us at the shelter between 12 and 3pm, Tuesday-Saturday, to speak with our Animal Care Manager. A photo ID, and court paperwork listing all charges and the number of hours to be completed are required for enrollment.
How can I foster an animal?
Please visit our Fostering section of our website for more information and to complete a foster application.
Donations
Do you accept pet food/pet supplies donations?
In addition to monetary donations, we also accept in-kind donations of food, treats & pet supplies.
All donated goods can be shipped directly to us, dropped off to our intake department during normal business hours or placed in the bins located in our intake garage after hours.
How do I set up donations to be made in memory of a loved one who recently passed away?
You can create a special fundraiser utilizing our “create a fundraiser” feature on our website. This will allow you to create your very own fundraising website that you customize and can share with friends and family.
How do I make a tribute donation? Do you send an acknowledgement card?
You can click here to make a tribute donation. Yes, we can send an acknowledgment card and/or email. Be sure to indicate your preference in the online donation form.
What is your EIN? What is your mailing address?
Our EIN is 59-0799907
Our mailing address is 3607 N. Armenia Avenue, Tampa, FL 33607
Veterinary Care
I have a pet that needs general medical care can you help?
Yes, our Animal Hospital at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay was opened in 2012 to provide our community with affordable options in the care of their pets. Our full-service, high-quality hospital can accommodate medical care ranging from routine vaccinations and health checks, to diagnostics and special surgeries.
In 2014, we became Florida’s first non-profit Animal Hospital awarded accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), considered the gold standard in the industry.
By bringing their pets to our hospital for care, clients support the plight of homeless pets as any proceeds from the Animal Hospital will benefit the mission and programs at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
Please be aware, we are not an emergency hospital.
To make an appointment please call: 813.870.3304
I feed feral (outside) cats in my neighborhood. I want to have them vaccinated and spayed/neutered, what do I do?
Please click here and carefully review all information about our TNVR (trap, neuter, vaccinate, return) program so that our TNVR team can set up a plan of action.
Can I purchase heartworm and flea medication from you?
We are not able to fill prescriptions from other animal hospitals or veterinarians. To purchase heartworm and flea prevention, you must have a current exam on file with our Animal Hospital, and proof of a negative heartworm test within the year.
To schedule an appointment, please call us at 813.870.3304 or book an appointment online.
Media
I am a student who wants to interview someone from your organization for my school project, who do I contact?
Please email our Communications Department at communications@HumaneSocietyTampa.org with your name and project details.
General
Where do I report animal abuse?
Thank you for caring about the animal(s). Animal abuse and neglect is handled by Hillsborough County Animal Control.
Contact them at: 813.744.5660.
Does the organization have a food policy?
The Humane Society of the United States promotes eating with a conscience and embracing the Three R’s:
- Reducing the consumption of meat and other animal-based foods,
- Refining the diet by choosing products from sources that adhere to higher animal welfare standards
- Replacing meat and other animal-based foods in the diet with plant-based foods.
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay respects the guidelines of HSUS and will support and uphold, as is possible, HSUS’s eating with a conscience philosophy. Additionally, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay is respectful of the dietary ideals and needs of our donor community. Therefore, the following food policy has been established:
It is the policy of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay that all food items served, or catering services provided, at any public event or activity sponsored by or on behalf of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay will include a vegetarian option and where available, a vegan option. In addition, we will make every attempt to serve meat, poultry and dairy dishes that are Certified Humane®.
At all Humane Society functions held at private residences, we will encourage the above stated policy but understand that ultimately it is the prerogative of the host/hostess to determine the food choices offered to their guests.
