Why Does the Adoption Process Take So Long for Formerly Abused Pets?

High profile animal abuse cases get the public's attention, and people sometimes wonder why rescuers cannot just provide a loving home for the animals.

The SPCA Tampa Bay has received a steady stream of phone calls and emails from people interested in adopting the three surviving kittens that were found in a freezer in St. Petersburg on Dec. 2. But the kittens are not yet available for adoption. It's not because of the kittens' health, but because of the legal process that must be followed, said Nora Hawkins of the SPCA. The SPCA Tampa Bay typically serves as the advocate for the animals in such cases. "Animals are helpless; they are totally dependent on their owners for care ... There's a public outrage when pets and innocents are battered and abused," said Jim Helinger, attorney for the SPCA Tampa Bay. The process typically starts when the SPCA Tampa Bay gets a phone call to assist …

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Adoptables at Risk

VIDEO: All Dogs Need a Home

The Pinellas County Animal Shelter currently has 23 dogs up for adoption. Is there one that would make a good member of your family?

We normally take a look at one of the old-timer dogs at Pinellas County Animal Services, but we wanted to show you something special this time. These are all the dogs that are currently up for adoption at Pinellas County Animal Services. They all need to find that special home with someone who will love them, just as they love people. If you see a dog you want to adopt, make sure to head down to Animal Services. If that dog has already been adopted, make sure you take a good look at all the dogs available. You never know when you might be surprised. How to Adopt The dogs are ready to go to their forever home. Adoption costs vary on the dog but include the first set of shots, spaying or neutering, a collar and leash, a bag of food and a toy…

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Benefits of Adopting a Senior Pet

Th SPCA Tampa Bay has a program that matches senior citizens with senior pets. It's one way they are promoting the adoption of senior pets from their shelter. Here are the benefits.

Adopting a senior pet has many benefits. For starters, most are house broken. "You already are finding the perfect animal," said Angela Durden, SPCA Adoptions and Pet Boutique manager. Many older dogs ended up in the shelter because they out lived their owners, others are lost or were brought to the shelter because their owners are going through financial challenges and can no longer care for them. "They're all sweet," said Judy Buns, a SPCA volunteer, "We had an elderly lady come in recently and adopt two older cats. She did not want kittens."
    Most of the senior pets at the SPCA are cats. Burns held Midnight a 6-year-old domestic shorthair cat that she describes as the perfect companion— loving and affectionate. Senior cats are …

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