By Ralph

Sometimes the numbers tell the story.

Earlier this month, Hillsborough County's Pet Resource Center reported having more than 400 dogs and cats in its care.

By August 13, the county said the shelter was caring for almost 300 dogs and more than 150 cats—

putting the facility well above capacity.

That's a lot of animals waiting for the same thing:

Someone to take them home.

For the remainder of August, Hillsborough County is trying to make that a little easier.

Adoption Fees Waived Through August

The Pet Resource Center is participating in the nationwide Clear the Shelters campaign, and Hillsborough County has waived adoption fees throughout August.

The annual campaign brings shelters and communities together to encourage pet adoption and raise awareness about animals waiting for permanent homes.

For Hillsborough County, the timing couldn't be more important.

The county currently describes the Pet Resource

Center as over capacity for both dogs and cats.

Right Down Falkenburg Road

For Brandon residents, these animals aren't sitting in a shelter on the other side of the county.

The Pet Resource Center is located at:

440 N. Falkenburg Road
Tampa, FL 33619

That's just west of Brandon.

The shelter is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Residents can browse available animals through the county's online kennel before making the trip.

View Hillsborough County's adoptable dogs and cats

What Happens When You Find One?

Seeing a photograph online is only the beginning.

Adoptions must be completed in person, and they're handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

After checking in at the shelter, a staff member or volunteer can help you meet an animal you're interested in. Hillsborough County encourages that meet-and-greet because it gives you an opportunity to spend some time together before making the decision.

Potential adopters must be at least 18 years old and provide valid photo identification.

More Than Just an Adoption

Many animals designated by the shelter as “ready-to-go” have already completed their required stray-hold period and have been vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered.

That's important because bringing home an animal isn't simply about walking through the shelter, choosing a dog or cat and heading home.

It's the beginning of what could be a commitment lasting many years.

Food, veterinary care, exercise, training, housing and everyday attention all become part of the responsibility.

A waived adoption fee makes adoption less expensive. It doesn't make pet ownership free.

That's something worth considering before falling in love with the face looking back at you from a kennel.

Can't Adopt? There's Another Way to Help

A permanent adoption isn't the only option.

The Pet Resource Center also needs foster families who can temporarily care for animals outside the shelter. The county specifically cited the need for both adopters and foster parents as it deals with the current overcrowding.

Fostering can give an animal a break from the shelter environment while also opening kennel space for

another animal that needs it.

Know Before You Go

Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center
📍 440 N. Falkenburg Road, Tampa, FL 33619
🕙 Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
📞 (813) 301-PETS (7387)
✉️ PetInfo@HCFL.gov
Adoption fees: Waived through August 2026

Pet Resource Center information

The Crosstown Paws Takeaway

We always want Crosstown Paws to be more than pictures of cute animals.

Sometimes there is an opportunity for our readers to make a real difference.

Right now, hundreds of dogs and cats are sitting just a few miles from Brandon waiting for homes while the county shelter operates above capacity.

Not everyone should adopt a pet.

But perhaps somewhere in those kennels is a dog or cat that belongs with someone reading this.

And through the end of August, there's one less barrier standing between them and home.