Author: Humane Society of Tampa Bay

The holiday season is here, and for many of us, that means traveling to visit family and friends. If you plan to bring your furry friend along for the adventure, preparation is key to ensuring a smooth trip for both you and your pet. From health certificates to travel tips, here’s everything you need to know—and how the Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s Animal Hospital can help.

Pre-Travel Checklist for Your Pet

  1. Schedule a Vet Visit
    Many airlines and destinations require a health certificate for pets, issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel. This document confirms your pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations.

    • How the Humane Society of Tampa Bay Can Help: Our affordable Animal Hospital provides comprehensive check-ups and vaccinations, ensuring your pet meets all travel requirements.
  2. Microchip and ID Tags
    Make sure your pet has a microchip with updated contact information and wears a collar with ID tags. A microchip can be a lifesaver if your pet gets lost during your travels.

    • Pro Tip: Our Animal Hospital offers microchipping services at a low cost, making it easy to protect your pet.
  3. Stock Up on Supplies
    Pack everything your pet might need, including:

    • Food and water (plus bowls)
    • Medications
    • A leash and harness
    • Waste bags or a litter box
    • Comfort items like toys or blankets
  4. Prepare for Emergencies
    Research the contact information of veterinary clinics near your destination. It’s also a good idea to save the Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s Animal Hospital contact number (813-870-3304) in case you need assistance before your trip.

Traveling By Car

For car travel, safety and comfort are top priorities:

  • Use a Pet Carrier or Harness: Secure your pet with a crash-tested carrier or harness to prevent injury in case of sudden stops.
  • Plan Rest Stops: Allow your pet to stretch their legs, use the bathroom, and drink water every 2-3 hours.
  • Keep Your Pet Calm: Avoid feeding your pet a big meal before traveling to prevent motion sickness.

Traveling By Plane

Flying with pets requires additional preparation:

  • Book Early: Pet-friendly spots can fill up quickly, so reserve a spot for your pet as soon as you book your ticket.
  • Check Airline Policies: Each airline has unique requirements for pet travel, so review their rules and fees carefully.
  • Practice Carrier Training: If your pet will be in the cabin or cargo, get them accustomed to their carrier before the trip to reduce stress.

How the Humane Society of Tampa Bay Can Support Your Journey

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s Animal Hospital offers a wide range of services to help you prepare for pet travel:

  • Health Certificates: Required for interstate or international travel.
  • Vaccinations: Keep your pet’s immunizations up to date.
  • Microchipping: A safe, permanent way to identify your pet.
  • Expert Advice: Our compassionate veterinarians can provide tips and guidance tailored to your pet’s needs.

Our Animal Hospital is open six days a week, making it easy to schedule a visit that works for your busy holiday schedule.

Extra Tips for a Happy Holiday Adventure

  • Stick to Routine: Try to maintain your pet’s usual feeding and exercise schedule.
  • Monitor Behavior: Watch for signs of stress, such as excessive panting, whining, or hiding, and comfort your pet accordingly.
  • Respect Rules: Follow leash laws and pet policies wherever you go to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Traveling with your pet can be a joyful experience with the right preparation. Whether you’re driving across the state or flying across the country, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s Animal Hospital is here to help you and your furry companion have a safe and stress-free journey.

Book your pre-travel check-up today by calling (813) 870-3304 or visiting www.HumaneSocietyTampa.org.

 

A white and grey cat lay in the sun.

Cats are more than just pets; they are dynamic, intelligent beings with instincts deeply rooted in the wild. As loving cat owners, we provide safety and comfort, but without meaningful engagement, our feline friends can miss out on the joy of fully expressing their natural behaviors. Enrichment isn’t a luxury—it’s a critical aspect of keeping your cat healthy and happy.

Whether it’s through play, sensory stimulation, or unique environments like a catio, adding enrichment to your cat’s life creates balance, reduces stress, and strengthens the bond between you and your furry companion. Let’s dive into why enrichment matters and how you can integrate it seamlessly into your routine.

 

When the Fun Stops: How Boredom Affects Cats’ Health

At first glance, your cat lounging in a sunbeam may seem perfectly content, but a lack of stimulation often leads to unseen problems. Cats are natural hunters, problem solvers, and explorers, and when these instincts go unfulfilled, the effects can be both behavioral and physical.

Behavioral Signs of Boredom

A bored cat may resort to destructive activities like scratching furniture, chewing wires, or excessive vocalization. They could also develop compulsive habits such as overgrooming or pacing, which indicate stress and frustration.

An orange cat sits on their patio in sun

Health Impacts of Inactivity
Beyond behaviors, inactivity can lead to serious health issues. Obesity is a major concern, increasing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. Cats can also suffer from stress-related illnesses, including urinary tract infections and digestive issues. Chronic stress weakens their immune system, leaving them vulnerable to a host of conditions.

Addressing boredom through enrichment isn’t just about preventing these issues; it’s about creating a life full of joy and vitality for your cat.

Purr-fect Ideas: 6 Ways to Keep Your Cat Engaged

Creating an enriching environment for your cat doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here are six practical ideas to keep your cat entertained, engaged, and happy:

  • Interactive Play Sessions
    Dedicate time daily to play with your cat using toys that mimic prey, such as feather wands, or toy mice. These sessions replicate hunting behaviors like stalking and pouncing, giving your cat an outlet for their instincts. To maximize effectiveness, aim for two 15-minute sessions per day, and always let your cat “catch” the toy to end on a satisfying note.
  • Rotate and Refresh Toys
    Cats are quick learners, and their toys can lose novelty fast. By rotating their toys every few days, you keep their environment fresh and exciting. Incorporate toys with different textures, sounds, and movements to challenge their curiosity.
  • Vertical Spaces to Explore
    Cats love to climb and perch. Installing cat trees, wall-mounted shelves, or tall furniture gives them opportunities to explore and observe. These spaces are especially valuable in multi-cat households, offering a sense of security and reducing territorial tension.

A white cat walks on a small indoor bridge.

  • Engage Their Hunting Instincts
    Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys combine food with mental stimulation. These activities encourage your cat to “hunt” for their meals, which satisfies their instincts while controlling portion sizes—great for cats prone to overeating.
  • Stimulate Their Senses
    Introduce sensory experiences like fresh catnip, silver vine, or cat-friendly herbs. You can also play videos of birds or fish or set up a small speaker to play nature sounds. These experiences keep their senses sharp and their minds engaged.
  • Create Cozy Hideaways
    Cats enjoy having spaces where they can retreat and feel safe. Use cardboard boxes, tunnels, or enclosed beds to create nooks they can claim as their own. Hide-and-seek games with treats or toys add an extra layer of fun.

The Catio Solution: Bringing the Outdoors In—Safely

What Is a Catio?
A catio is an outdoor enclosure designed to give cats a safe space to experience the outdoors. Ranging from small window boxes to large backyard structures, catios let cats enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and the sights and sounds of nature without the dangers of free-roaming.

An outside view of a catdio connected to a house.

Why Catios Are a Game-Changer for Enrichment

  • Physical Fitness:
    Catios encourage activity through climbing, jumping, and exploring, promoting better muscle tone and joint health.
  • Mental Stimulation:
    Watching birds, squirrels, and other wildlife satisfies a cat’s hunting instincts and keeps their minds active.
  • Stress Relief:
    Exposure to fresh air and outdoor full spectrum sunlight helps regulate a cat’s circadian rhythms, improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety.
  • Safety First:
    Catios protect your cat from traffic, predators, and other outdoor dangers while still offering them an enriched experience.

Building a Catio
Catios come in many shapes and sizes, from DIY kits to professionally designed structures. Whether you choose a simple balcony setup or a sprawling backyard paradise, a catio is a customizable option to suit your home and budget.

Final Thoughts: Enrichment Is Essential

Enrichment transforms your cat’s life from mundane to magnificent. Whether it’s interactive play, sensory experiences, or the freedom of a secure outdoor catio, these activities honor your cat’s instincts while keeping them safe and healthy.

Investing in your cat’s happiness is an investment in their long-term well-being—and your bond. When you create an environment that stimulates their mind, challenges their body, and soothes their soul, you’re giving them the best life possible. After all, a happy cat makes for a happy home.

A happy cat lays outside in their catio.

Losing a pet is a heart-wrenching and scary experience that no one should have to go through. We’ve reunited many beloved pets with their owners, and we are so happy for them and want to celebrate their reunions! During this same period, we’ve taken in 149 strays since Hurricane Milton, and we hope to get ALL of them back to their families.
Please remember the best way to reconnect with your pet faster or have a better chance of finding them, make sure they have an up-to-date microchip and tag!
If you’re still missing a pet, we encourage you to register them on the Petco Love site, check the lost and found page on our website, and visit your county’s Lost and Found Facebook page!

In the days following Hurricane Milton, and Hurricane Helena before that, we have been assessing the damage and listening to our community and fellow shelters about their needs. HSTB was the only shelter that continued to take in strays displaced from the storm beginning Thursday morning, even when we were closed. We worked closely with first responders to ensure the animals found were safe.

We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support from our local community and from people in other states and countries who have donated money, supplies, and sent well wishes. Your kindness has deeply touched us, and it’s because of you that we can continue to support our neighbors and the animals in the Tampa Bay community.

We are still offering free pet food and supplies for those who may have lost theirs in the storm. We also rely on the generosity and support of the community to keep these efforts going.

If you’re still missing a pet, we encourage you to register them on Petco’s LoveLost site, check the lost and found page on our website, and visit your county’s Lost and Found Facebook page. You can find all the links below.

Thank you for your continued support—together, we can keep helping not only pets but also the people in our community.

 

Four years ago, our community rallied together in an extraordinary way. You helped us build a shelter strong enough to withstand a Category 4 hurricane, and because of you, we and our beloved animals were safe during Hurricane Helene. We are forever grateful for the love and support you showed us then.

Now, as our community faces another challenge, it’s our turn to give back. We know that times are hard for so many of our neighbors, and we are committed to doing everything we can to help. That’s why our Pet Pantry will now be open every single day—not just on Tuesdays and Saturdays—offering free dog and cat food, along with other pet supplies as available. We want to ensure no one has to worry about feeding their pets during these difficult days.

We’re also calling on everyone who can help to join us in our mission. We’re holding a donation drive for animal food and supplies to keep our Pet Pantry stocked for those in need. Every little bit helps, and your kindness will make a world of difference. If you would like to donate, please bring your donations to the adoption counter in the Shelter lobby.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the number of stray animals coming to us, and we are working tirelessly to reunite them with their families. Heartbreakingly, we’re also seeing more and more families forced to surrender their pets because of their profound losses.

We know that many families are struggling financially right now, and our hospital will continue to be here to provide affordable care for their pets. Together, as a community, we can get through this—just as we have before. Thank you for your unwavering support, your generosity, and your compassion. We’re all in this together.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay (HSTB) is taking drastic measures to protect more than 200 dogs in their care, as well as countless pets within the community, from an aggressive strain of Canine Influenza. For the first time in its 112-year history, the shelter will turn away stray and owner-surrendered dogs in an effort to contain and control the outbreak plaguing shelters across Florida.

The Society made this extremely difficult decision after consulting with experts in canine infectious disease, veterinarians, and animal welfare/control leaders in Florida. Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center, Pasco County Animal Services, and Miami Dade Animal Services are also enacting temporary closures to combat the disease.

“Our leadership did not make this decision lightly,” said HSTB CEO Sherry Silk, “HSTB prioritizes the health of its animals above all else. Unfortunately, this is an unprecedented situation that calls for extreme and immediate action to protect dogs in Tampa Bay.”

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay will take the following measures beginning Wednesday, June 26:

  • No dogs will be accepted into the lost/found, adoption, or foster programs for two weeks.
  • All dogs currently residing at the shelter or in foster care will be tested for canine influenza and be treated accordingly.
  • In an effort to build herd immunity within the community, the HSTB Animal Hospital will provide at-cost ($20) canine influenza vaccinations to owned pets. Owners must make an appointment online at humanesocietytampa.org/ahc or by calling 813-870-3304. The canine influenza vaccination is required twice within two weeks for full protection.
  • HSTB encourages those who find stray dogs to contain and care for them until Saturday, July 13 if possible. The shelter will provide free dog food for citizens caring for strays during this two-week period. Food can be picked up at the shelter between 9am and 5pm Monday through Sunday.
  • HSTB will continue to receive stray and owner-surrendered cats, rabbits, pocket pets, and exotics during this period of dog intake quarantine, as space allows.
  • Dog adoptions will remain open until further notice.

Canine Influenza, or dog flu, is an extremely contagious, respiratory disease. Common symptoms include coughing, loss of appetite, fever, nasal discharge, and lethargy. Dog flu is transmitted through the air and with surface contact. It is not transmissible to humans or other animal species, but can be spread to dogs contact with humans or other animals that have the virus present on their fur, skin, or clothing.

Most dogs have either mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all, and recover within a few weeks. However, because dogs are not naturally immune to the virus, new strains can cause severe health issues, and sometimes death, in dogs with compromised immune systems.

“The community should not panic,” said HSTB Director of Shelter Operations Danyelle Van Horn, “while it should be taken seriously by pet owners, canine influenza is much more dangerous in shelter environments than in private homes because of the sheer number of animals housed together and the multiple avenues of transmission.”

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay encourages dog owners to keep their pets up-to-date on all vaccinations and suggests having dogs vaccinated against canine influenza as an added precaution.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay and New Statewide Coalition Take Stand Against Cruel Puppy Mills:

Coalition Urges Families to Adopt Rescue or Shelter Pets this Holiday Season

and Calls for Legislation to End the Puppy-Mill-to-Pet-Store Pipeline

 

December 6, 2023—In response to massive public backlash against a Pinellas County nonprofit shelter providing veterinary services and positive publicity for actors in the multi-million-dollar, cruel commercial dog breeding industry, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay today announces it is joining with a new statewide coalition of animal sheltering organizations working to promote pet adoption and shut down the puppy mill pipeline into Florida. Florida Shelters Together Opposing Puppy Mills (“Florida S.T.O.P.”) asks those looking to bring a new pet into the family this holiday season to make shelter pet adoption their first option and urges state lawmakers to prohibit the retail sale of dogs and cats in 2024.

While puppies in pet stores may look cute, they harbor an ugly, tragic reality: most are trucked hundreds of miles from puppy mills before arriving at the store for resale, their parents remaining behind to suffer indefinitely in puppy mills. Puppy mills put profit before the welfare of the animals in their care, keeping breeding dogs confined in filthy conditions with poor veterinary care, little socialization or grooming, and ceaseless breeding for years.

The retail sale of puppies creates a demand that can only be met by cruel puppy mills. As a result, puppy-selling retail stores obtain their dogs from commercial dog breeders, also known as puppy mills, through a pipeline of breeders and brokers. Consumers who purchase puppies in stores often report that their puppies were ill at the time of purchase or later suffer from congenital disease due to poor breeding practices.

“The Humane Society of Tampa Bay unequivocally opposes the sale of dogs and cats in retail stores and condemns the inherently cruel commercial dog breeding industry that thrives on the retail sale of puppies,” said Sherry Silk, HSTB CEO. “If you are hoping to add a pet to your family this holiday season, please avoid unintentionally supporting cruel puppy mills and instead visit the Humane Society of Tampa to meet one of the many adorable animals ready for loving homes.”

This holiday season, we urge people who wish to bring a new pet into the family to adopt from a shelter or rescue group. For those looking for a particular breed, many shelters, and rescue groups have specific dog breeds available for adoption or can help advise you on finding a particular type of dog.

When adoption is not an option, please ensure that the breeder is a responsible breeder and not a commercial puppy mill or puppy-selling store. Responsible dog breeders do not sell their dogs to brokers or stores for resale. Make sure that you meet the parents of the puppy and visit the premises where the dogs are bred and raised to ensure that the breeder provides high quality living conditions, socialization, and veterinary care for their dogs.

October 9, 2023 – In response to recent media coverage of an animal shelter partnering with a puppy-selling store and broker (puppy mill), the Humane Society of Tampa Bay is reaching out to our community to caution Bay Area residents about the cruel practice and to distinguish our position on the retail sale of dogs in stores.

Make no mistake, puppies in pet stores harbor an ugly reality; most are trucked hundreds of miles from puppy mills before arriving at the store for resale, their parents remaining behind to suffer indefinitely in puppy mills.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay unequivocally denounces the sale of dogs and cats in stores and condemns the inherently cruel commercial dog breeding industry that thrives on the retail sale of puppies. We strongly support state legislation prohibiting the retail sale of dogs and cats in stores.

Puppy-selling retail stores obtain their dogs from commercial dog breeders, also known as puppy mills, through a pipeline of breeders and brokers. Puppy mills put profit before the welfare of the animals in their care, keeping breeding dogs confined in filthy conditions with poor veterinary care, little socialization or grooming, and ceaseless breeding for years. Consumers who purchase puppies in stores often report that their puppies were ill at the time of purchase or later suffered from congenital disease due to poor breeding practices.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay urges people who wish to bring a new pet into the family to adopt from a shelter or rescue group. If you are looking for a particular breed, many shelters, and rescue groups have specific dog breeds available for adoption or can help advise you on finding a particular type of dog.

When adoption is not an option, please ensure that the breeder is responsible and not a commercial puppy mill. Responsible dog breeders do not sell their dogs to brokers or stores for resale. Make sure that you meet the parents of the puppy and visit the premises where the dogs are bred and raised to ensure that the breeder provides high-quality living conditions, socialization, and veterinary care for their dogs.

Thousands of homeless dogs and cats sit in shelters and rescues that deserve safety and care in a home. Please consider adoption.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay was extremely disappointed to read the article titled “Humane Society of Tampa Bay decision to put 40 kittens to death stirs controversy” by Esmé Fox. The reporter took information from a misinformed and disgruntled volunteer who rarely volunteered with our organization, has no medical background, and provided false information.

Our organization knew we had Feline Panleukopenia virus when kittens were dying in their cages just a day after they were playful and appearing healthy. Many kittens were adopted out after being medically checked by our shelter medical staff and were then found dead in their new homes two days later. That is, unfortunately, what happens when this terrible virus breaks in a shelter. Humane euthanasia was the kindest and most responsible course of action to take. This action also protected the other 300+ animals that are in our shelter.

The misinformation that this reporter chose to spread hurts not only HSTB’s mission but the homeless animals in need in our area. We are surprised that the Tampa Bay Times allowed this article to be published, and we expect more from this media outlet. In the future, we are hopeful that the appropriate research will be done before publication and potentially damaging a reputation.

 

Starting July 1st through August 15th, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center will be spaying/neutering 500 owned bully breed dogs and mixes through Operation Pit Stop. Dogs will also receive DHPP and rabies vaccinations, a county license, a microchip, and a bag of dog food courtesy of Chewy.com. We are excited to bring Operation Pit Stop to Tampa and help reduce litters of dogs. Dog owners need to call now to make their appointment.

Hillsborough County has seen an increase of bully breed dogs coming through shelter doors and spending significantly longer than other dogs before getting adopted. This crisis affects kennel space. HSTB is a managed admission shelter known as “No-Kill for Space,” meaning no animal will be euthanized to make room for another. Spaying and neutering bully breeds will help reduce the population of unwanted dogs that will end up in shelter care.

Owners can call the Humane Society of Tampa Bay or the Pet Resource Center to schedule their appointment. Each location will be doing up to 250 surgeries. Owners of dogs sterilized through Operation Pit Stop will be entered to win cash prizes. Five winners will be chosen and awarded $1,000 each.

“We are happy to provide these surgeries to keep dogs healthy and reduce the number of dogs in our kennels,” said Sherry Silk, Chief Executive Officer of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

Don’t be left out, to schedule an appointment at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay located at 3809 N. Armenia, call (813) 252-2023 and to schedule an appointment at the Pet Resource Center located at 440 N. Falkenburg Rd. call (813) 301-7387.