Animal Services Celebrates Fall Pet Adoption EXPO on Nov. 5

Hillsborough County Animal Services is teaming up with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and more than 50 animal groups for the 2011 Fall Pet Adoption Expo this weekend at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. Highway 301. 

The family-friendly extravaganza has become an annual tradition, and the public is invited to attend Saturday, Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center at the Fairgrounds. Admission is free with $5 Fairgrounds parking charge at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard entrance.

The Fall Pet Adoption Expo will feature a variety of resources to help adopters make the best choice for a lifetime commitment of a new fur-member for your family.  Breed experts, educational exhibits, pet training, spay/neuter and health info, specialty pet products for sale, and even volunteer opportunities will be available. 

The event will feature more than 500 animals who are up for adoption.

Attendees can interact with and choose from dozens of breeds, sizes, colors, ages and personalities of healthy, rescued pets.  Among the animals featured are Akitas, collies, cats and kittens, huskies, hedgehogs, beagles, boxers, Sharpeis, schnauzers, Dalmatians and Dachshunds. 

There is also an international flair, offering breeds such as English Bulldogs, Australian Shepherds, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Chihuahuas.

Other highlights of the expo include:

Pit Bull Ambassadors, graduates of intensive 8-week programs to ensure good health and temperament, will be showcased by Hillsborough County Animal Services and offered at special low prices.   

Any breed of dog adopted through Animal Services will be eligible to continue or enroll in complimentary obedience training, generously donated by I Train Dogs N U.

Fabulous Feline Special: All fees for cats adopted from Hillsborough County Animal Services will be lowered at this event only to just $25 complete.

Residents of Hillsborough County get free pet registration (rabies tags as required by law) with all dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens leaving the event -- a savings of $20 per animal.   

All animals adopted from Hillsborough County Animal Services also will include spaying/neutering, vaccinations, County tag, micro-chip with registration, and veterinary health check.  

Prospective adopters at the Fall Pet Adoption Expo should bring valid photo identification and proof of current address (such as a utility bill).  Some groups may accept credit cards, but cash and/or local checks are generally recommended. 

The Fairgrounds' $5 parking charge will be applied to adoption fees with many animals ready to leave the building in the arms of new owners.

For safety, pet owners are requested not to bring dogs and cats from home to this event.

The Fall Pet Adoption Expo is made possible thanks to Subaru, Petco Foundation, the national ASPCA, and the New Barker Magazine.

For more information, check the Animal Services website log onto www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices  or call Hillsborough County Animal Services at (813) 744-5660.