Author: Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Recent news reports of several dogs falling ill to canine influenza after attending dog shows in Georgia and Florida have got pet parents fretting about how to keep their furry family members safe. Here is what you need to know to understand the respiratory illness and protect your pet.

Symptoms and Duration

The H3N2 strain of canine influenza is highly contagious.  Dogs show signs of coughing, sneezing, discharge from the eyes and nose, and fever (temperature over 102.5º).  Most dogs recover from the illness but may cough for three weeks or more.  Some dogs may develop pneumonia and become seriously ill. 

Who is at risk?

Your dog is most at risk when being near other dogs – this includes dog parks, pet stores and grooming areas, coming nose to nose on a leashes walk in the neighborhood.

How to protect your pet

The best protection is vaccination because you don’t know when your dog will be exposed to the canine influenza virus. Initial vaccination requires two doses, separated by a two week interval. After the vaccination series, your dog may still get slightly sick if he/she contracts the virus from a sick dog, but the signs will be much less severe. At this time, the vaccination should be given annually. Our AAHA-accredited animal hospital has carries the vaccine and is open from 8:30am to 3:00pm seven days a week at 3809 N Armenia Avenue. Appointments highly recommended but walk-ins are accepted. Call 813-870-3309 for more information.

What to do if your pet gets sick

If you think your dog may be showing signs of canine influenza, please contact our animal hospital or your veterinarian.  When you arrive at the facility, protect the other dogs there by not bringing your dog directly into the lobby; instead, alert the front desk staff and ask for instruction.

 

Not everyone who loves animals is able to adopt or volunteer or work at an animal shelter. But everyone who loves animals can still help make this a better world for them. Becoming a Humane Society of Tampa Bay Pet Partner gives us the recurring funds we need to take in more homeless animals and help them to thrive in our shelter while waiting to find a forever home. Pet Partners support our pets by giving monthly rather than donating a lump sum once or twice a year. Not only does this allow them to make a more substantial gift by breaking it down into more manageable monthly sums, but we make it easy by processing them automatically. These recurring gifts allow us to better plan our budget and make the most of our resources.

 

  • $19

    helps to provide shelter to one homeless animal for one day each month

  • $29

    provides vaccinations for one homeless animal each month

  • $49

    covers the cost of spay/neuter surgery for one homeless cat each month

  • $99

    covers the cost of spay/neuter surgery for one homeless dog each month

1280x820George Edited ExteriorThe Animal Health Center at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay remains the first and only non-profit animal hospital in Florida to be accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). In July 2016 AAHA accreditation staff visited our hospital for an on-site evaluation and review of our processes and procedures. We are happy to report that we passed with flying colors and our AAHA accreditation has been renewed.

Just two years ago, our hospital became Florida’s first non-profit animal hospital awarded this prestigious accreditation, considered the Gold Standard in the industry. AAHA accreditation involves evaluation on 900 standards of veterinary care and only 12-15% of animal hospitals in North America have gone through the demanding and time-consuming accreditation process with a total of 3,200 accredited practices.

The Animal Health Center provides affordable, high-quality veterinary care to the public seven days a week. Any proceeds from the Animal Health Center will benefit the mission and programs at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

Why Accreditation Is Important For Pets

Being accredited by AAHA, you can rest assured that your pet will receive the very best in veterinary care at our facility. Here are just a few reasons why:

  • To receive and maintain accreditation, animal hospitals must meet approximately 900 rigorous evaluation standards every three years
  • AAHA standards of excellence do not vary between states or provinces (AAHA accredits hospitals in both the U.S. and Canada)
  • AAHA accredited animal hospitals are the elite few, with only 3,200 passing accreditation in the U.S. and Canad
  • AAHA accreditation is recognized as the standard of veterinary excellence

MEDIA CONTACT: 813-774-4313

Donor Privacy Policy

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is committed to the highest standards of ethics and integrity in all fundraising efforts and to maintaining donors’ privacy rights. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay will not sell, share, trade or give our donors’ personal or contact information to any non-affiliated organizations; nor send mailings on behalf of other organizations.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay collects and uses information about donors including name, address, phone number, email address and mailing preferences. In addition, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay keeps a record of each donor’s giving history. This information is kept on file for IRS purposes and is also used by the Development Department to analyze overall giving patterns in order to make more accurate budget projections and plan for the future of our organization.

Information on donors is password protected and may only be accessed by individuals who need such information to perform their assigned duties for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. This includes individuals or companies who prepare mailings, work in a fundraising capacity for the organization, or prepare budgets and tax accountings.

To publicly recognize and thank donors for their generosity, The Humane Society of Tampa Bay publishes an annual report that includes a list of donors’ names in qualifying annual giving society levels. Any donor wishing to remain anonymous in the annual report should notify the Humane Society of Tampa Bay at the time of the gift.

Refund/Return Policy

Donations are normally non- refundable but if you have made an error in making your donation or change your mind about contributing to our organization please contact us at 813.774.4306. Refunds are returned using the original method of payment, except cash donations will be returned via check. If you made your donation by credit card, your refund will be credited to that same credit card.

We offer free exchanges and returns for store credit within 30 days of purchase.  You can return your item for store credit or exchange for an item of the same price.

Please note the following exceptions to our return and refund policy:

  • Discounted items are final and cannot be returned or exchanged
  • Returned items must have tags still on and be returned in original, saleable condition
  • Returned/Exchanged items must have no visible signs of wear or use

For returns, exchanges, or questions, please contact: communications@humanesocietytampa.org

Please allow 5 business days from the date of receipt to process returns for store credit and exchanges

Unless the return is due to our error (such as an incorrect product being shipped), the customer is responsible for return postage. Return all items to us at the following address:

Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Attn: Retail Store Returns

3607 N. Armenia Ave.

Tampa, FL 33607

 

Please retain proof of mailing in case your returned item is lost or damaged.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity. We adhere to ethical business practices and are committed to complete financial transparency. We are grateful for every donation and you can rest assured that your money is being used responsibly and for the purpose(s) you intend. If you have any questions regarding our financial practices, feel free to contact our Development Department at 813-774-4306 or development@humanesocietytampa.org

Many thanks to US 103.5 and Catfish for helping us get the word out about how FOSTERING SAVES LIVES! Every Friday between 10am and 3pm, Catfish will talk about our foster program on his broadcast and share pictures and video clips to help educate his fans. He recently stopped by the shelter to cuddle some fosterlings (pictured above) and learn all there is to know about the program!

Weekly Video

FOSTERING 101

WHAT IS FOSTERING?
In some cases, animals that are surrendered to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay (HSTB) are too young, too small or have health needs that make them unavailable for immediate adoption. In 1997, the HSTB decided to do something about this dilemma by introducing our Foster Care Program. Whenever feasible, these animals will be sent to temporary foster homes for nurturing, socialization and specialized care until they are ready for adoption. If we didn’t have foster homes, these animals may be euthanized. The more foster homes we have, the more lives can be saved.

WHO CAN BE A FOSTER PET PARENT?

  • Anyone who cares about animals and is willing to donate their time and provide lots of tender loving care.
  • Retirees, homemakers, people who work at home or have flexible work schedules all would be good candidates for this program.

FOSTERING REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be over 18
  • Must have an extra room or space in your home to keep foster animals separate from other pets
  • Must make return visits to our shelter as required for your foster pets’ treatment and continued care
  • Should have all personal pets up to date on all vaccinations and examinations

WHAT CAN A FOSTER PET PARENT EXPECT?

  • Lots of hard work
  • Even MORE love and reward

WHAT COSTS ARE INVOLVED?
Minimal- the Humane Society of Tampa Bay provides food, supplies and veterinary care through our shelter veterinarian

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION OR SIGN UP?
You can download a foster application HERE or contact our Foster Care Coordinator at 813-774-4346 or fostercare@humanesocietytampa.org

Fostering in Action

 

dog welcome home on brown matYou may not believe it, but we’d love to be out of a job. It is our greatest hope that pet overpopulation in Tampa Bay will end and that all pets will be able to stay in their homes with the people who love them. But, we’re still years away from realizing that dream. In the meantime, we offer several programs aimed at giving people alternatives to surrendering their pets to our shelter. These “Safety Net” programs are a growing trend across the country and many communities, including ours, have found success in lowering their animal intake numbers.

Help us spread the word that whether someone is facing financial difficulties, relocation, veterinary crises, pet behavior problems or one of the many other issues that cause people to consider surrendering their pet, there is help.

Safety Net Programs at HSTB

FOOD ASSISTANCE

We offer free dog and cat food at our shelter, seven days a week. Tampa Bay citizens who find themselves struggling to feed their pets can use this service to supplement their pet food supply. MORE

ANIMEALS DELIVERY & VETERINARY TRANSPORT

This “Meals on Wheels” program for pets provides monthly supplies of pet food to homebound and elderly citizens across Tampa Bay. We also offer transportation to and from our Animal Health Center for Animeals recipients’ pets who need annual vaccinations, medications, surgery or check-ups. MORE

AFFORDABLE VETERINARY CARE

Our Animal Health Center Veterinary Hospital offers affordable, high-quality veterinary care to the public, seven days a week. This AAHA accredited full-service facility offers everything from vaccinations and nail trims to dentals and specialty surgery. We don’t ever want someone to have to surrender their pet, simply because they can’t afford veterinary care. We offer low prices, payment plans and special funding through our Save-A-Pet Medical Fund. MORE

LOW-COST SPAY AND NEUTER

We recognize that the only way to reduce pet overpopulation in our community is through spay and neuter. It is also a way to protect pets from devastating and costly forms of reproductive cancer and disease. Our AAHA accredited animal hospital offers surgical sterilization, at a low cost, for dogs, cats, rabbits, pot-bellied pigs and some pocket pets. For male dogs, we also offer Zeutering, a less-invasive process that removes enough testosterone from the system to effectively sterilize, but leaves the male “intact.” MORE

DOG BEHAVIOR TRAINING

We know that behavior issues can be a challenge for some dogs but we also know that most of the time there is an attainable solution through simple, consistent and positive training. At our shelter, we offer affordable beginning, intermediate, and advanced training classes taught by our CPDT Certified Trainer and Behavior Specialist. For families who are unable to attend the 6-week classes or for more challenging cases that require one-on-one attention, our trainer is also available for private sessions in the home.

PET SURRENDER COUNSELING

Our Animal Intake Staff are trained to counsel people considering pet surrender in alternative options and solutions to the challenges they face. They will take the time to listen to issues and concerns and to help people as they make this difficult decision and seek to do what is best for their pet.

LITTERMATES PROGRAM

When litters of puppies or kittens are surrendered to the shelter, we offer free spay and neuter for the mom and/or dad, who remain with their owners, so they won’t have more litters in the future. The babies are also sterilized before being adopted to loving homes, helping to end the heartbreaking cycle of unwanted animals in our community. Call 813-876-7138 for more information.

Al Lopez Park

  • 4810 N Himes Ave.
  • Tampa, FL 33614
  • Hourse: Daily, Sunrise – 9pm
  • Cost: $0
  • Pets welcome on-leash in regular park
  • Pets welcome off-leash in two, fenced dog parks
  • Dog parks include separate area for small dogs
  • Fenced, doubled gated entry, disposal bags, trash cans, doggie fountains, agility equipment, shade, benches
  • Information

Apollo Beach Dog Park & Skate Park

  • 664 Golf & Sea Blvd.
  • Apollo Beach, FL 33572
  • Separate areas for large & small dogs
  • Agility equipment (large dog area only): weave poles, concrete tunnels, concrete jumps
  • Pavilion with seating and water station for the dogs
  • Information

Carolyn Meeker Dog Park

  • 122 1st Ave. SW
  • Lutz, FL 33548
  • Telephone: (813) 635-3500
  • lutzdogpark.weebly.com
  • Daily dawn-dusk. Fenced, 2 acres, 2 parking areas, large and small dog areas, nature trail, double-gated entry, water, disposal bags, trash cans, benches, shade trees, restrooms, handicapped accessible.

Curtis Hixon Dog Park

  • 600 N. Ashley Dr.
  • Daily dawn- 10pm.
  • Fenced, drinking water, disposal bags, trash cans, agility equipment, no separate small dog area or shaded areas, drinking water, and artificial turf (no shade).

Davis Islands Dog Park

  • 1002 Severn St.
  • Daily dawn-dusk.
  • Fenced, with two areas at the south end of the island: a 1-acre dry area and a 1.5-acre beach with more than 200 feet of waterfront. Both areas have double-gated entries, disposal bags, trash cans and water. Designated off-leash area on the beach.

Gadsden Park

  • 6901 S. MacDill Ave., southwest corner of the grounds
  • Daily dawn-dusk.
  • Fenced, 1 acre, double-gated entry, water, disposal bags, trash cans, benches, tables, shade trees.

Giddens Park

  • 5202 N. 12th St. Daily dawn-dusk.
  • Fenced, 1 acre, double-gated entry, drinking fountains for dogs and people, disposal bags, trash cans, benches, tables, shade trees.

James Urbanski Dog Park at Al Lopez Park

  • 4810 N. Himes Ave.
  • Daily dawn-dusk.
  • Fenced, separate area for small dogs, double-gated entry, disposal bags, trash cans, benches, tables, shade trees.

Mango Dog Park

  • 11717 Clay Pit Road, Seffner, FL
  • Sun-up to 9 pm, Closes at noon on Wed
  • Fenced, separate small dog area, drinking fountains, shade structures, tables, puppy pools, and a doggy rinse station. Friends of Mango Dog Park are a local community based group that support this dog park.

Ott’s Off Leash Dog Sanctuary

  • 2109 S.E. 3rd Avenue, Ruskin, FL 33570
  • Thursday – Sunday, 7:30am to Sunset
  • Fenced, more than 3.75 acres of natural beauty.
  • More Information

Palma Ceia Park

  • 2200 Marti St.
  • Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-dusk or 7:15 p.m. (whichever is earlier), Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-dusk or 7:15 p.m. (whichever is earlier).
  • Fenced, acre, double-gated entry, disposal bags, trash cans, benches, tables, shade trees.

Picnic Island Park

  • 7409 Picnic Island Blvd.
  • Daily dawn-dusk.
  • Fenced, double-gated entry, disposal bags, trash cans, benches, tables, shade trees. Designated off-leash area on beach.

Rowlett Park

  • 2401 E. Yukon St.
  • Daily dawn-dusk.
  • Fenced, 1.75 acre, double-gated entry, disposal bags, trash cans, benches, tables, shade trees, separate areas for large and small dogs, agility equipment.

West Park Dog Park

  • 6402 N. Occident St.
  • Daily dawn- 10pm.
  • Fenced, double-gated entry, disposal bags, separate small dog area, benches, tubs of water so the dogs can cool off, trees, patios for shade, and drinking water.

Do you know of a park that isn’t listed? Email us at communications@humanesocietytampa.org

halloweentipsWe all love to celebrate Halloween with spooky decorations, crazy costumes and tantalizing treats. While enjoying all the holiday has to offer, make sure your pets stay healthy and safe with these tips:
NO TRICKS, NO TREATS! While it might be tempting to share your cauldron of candy with your furry friends, remember that many substances in the confections can be toxic to pets. Chocolate, dark and baker’s in particular, is dangerous to both cats and dogs. Many candies also contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can prove hazardous to pets. So, skip the sweet treats and give them extra hugs and kisses instead. If you do suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, call your veterinarian, an emergency veterinary clinic or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

GUARD THE GOURDS Although fall decorations such as pumpkins, hay and corn aren’t toxic per se, they can cause tummy upset and intestinal blockage if consumed. So, keep decorations away from curious canines and cats.
WATCH FOR WIRES Lights and moving lawn figures sure make for a spooky scene, but exposed electrical wires are a definite hazard to our four-legged friends. Chewing on wires can cause burns and even electrical shock, so make sure any wires are kept out of reach!
LOSE THE LANTERNS We’re all for Jack-O-Lanterns, but using real candles to light those ghoulish grins isn’t just a fire hazard. Playful pets who knock over flickering flames could easily get burned. Try battery powered candles instead!
BE COSTUME CONSCIOUS Dressing up is lots of fun for us two-leggers, but many pets find costumes stressful. If your pets don’t enjoy the experience, please just let them be their beautiful, unadorned selves. If you DO have pets who love to don a disguise, make sure that it fits well and doesn’t restrict their movement or ability to breathe, meow or bark. Also, be sure to remove any small, dangling parts that can be chewed off or become dangerously entangled.
DITCH DOOR DUTY Many of our pets love to greet visitors while others strive to keep them at bay. Whether your pet likes to welcome or deter, it’s probably best to keep them away from the door as trick-or-treaters canvas the neighborhood. Not only can the barrage of strangers cause stress and confusion, but frequent door opening gives frightened or overly excited pets the perfect opportunity to bolt and become lost. Keep your pets in another room for the evening and supply them with plenty of comfy bedding, toys and water to make their “time out” pleasant and comfortable.
ALWAYS ID Pets should ALWAYS be properly identified with microchips, collars and tags. If they should become lost, these simple and inexpensive measures can make the difference in keeping them out of the shelter and in your arms!