ON NOW: Shelter Pets Focus of 'Christmas in July' at Animal Services

To nurture this spirit of support during summer's sizzle, Hillsborough County Animal Services will present Christmas In July on Saturday, July 16, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the animal shelter, 440 North Falkenburg Road, in the greater Brandon community of Tampa. 

The event aim's to recruit volunteers, donations and foster homes for shelter pets. At the event, pet owners also will be able to get their questions answered about their own pets and have a chance to view hundreds of adoptable pets in person along with Santa himself. 

Santa will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., giving advice on training pets.

From 10 a.m.-12 p.m., there will be an adult shelter volunteer orientation for ages 18 and up.

From 12:30-2 p.m., there will be an "Ask The Vet" session with veterinarian Bill Zingalie. Tour as well the surgical suites at the shelter.

From 1-3 p.m., there will be a transition-foster pet parent signup for individuals, junior volunteers and families. Teens, ages 16 and older, must be accompanied by a guardian.  

These volunteers provide temporary animal sheltering in their homes to those animals whose time has run out in the county shelter. Most animals simply need a safe place to recuperate from a medical procedure before they find a new home.  

Teen volunteers for the program (ages 16 and up) can earn Bright Futures community service hours without driving to the shelter daily. Parental participation and school approval are required.   

Transition-foster pets are given any needed veterinary treatment and dog-training opportunities through the shelter. Pet food assistance is also available.

Animal lovers are invited to stop by during this event, and all month, with gifts from the wish list including: clean towels, canned pet food, training treats, and sturdy/waterproof toys for cats and dogs of all sizes. Rawhides are generally discouraged, while other toys for large-breed dogs are more preferred. Catnip and homemade "happy socks" for felines (a favorite of Scout troops) also will be accepted.

Monetary donations of any amount are needed to assist the sick and injured animals arriving daily to Animal Services. Checks may be written to “Hillsborough County Animal Services” with the words "medical fund" on the memo line.

Hillsborough County Animal Services will be open for normal operations during this special event, including pet adoptions, animal emergencies and lost-pet search from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.   

Hillsborough County Animal Services is online and can be reached at Call: 813-744-5660.