Hillsborough Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this page as a Hillsborough County animal-help dashboard. Choose adoption, lost pet, found pet, stray report, surrender, animal emergency, pet registration, or reclaim steps without reading a long directory page.
Fast local truth: Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center is the county’s open-admission shelter. Animal Control is handled separately by Code Enforcement for emergencies, cruelty, dog bites, strays and ordinance issues.
Choose What You Need
- Clickable action cards
- Who to call first
- Adoption hours
- Adoption and tag fees
- Adoption micro-steps
- Lost/found pet steps
- Report a stray animal
- Animal emergency or cruelty
- Reclaim and hold times
- Surrender and Pet Support
- Wait Until 8 kittens
- Local ordinances
- Before you leave home
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Clickable Hillsborough Animal Help Cards
Tap the matching action. This is the fastest path for most searchers.
Who to Call First in Hillsborough County
Use this before driving to Falkenburg Road or filing the wrong request.
| Situation | Call / click | What to say | Next micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog or cat | Adopt a Dog or Cat or 813-301-7387 | “Is [pet name/ID] still available?” | Go in person; adoptions are first-come, first-served. |
| Lost pet | Lost & Found Pets | “My pet is missing near [cross streets]. Has a matching animal arrived?” | Search kennel daily and upload a clear photo to Petco Love Lost. |
| Found stray pet | Report a Stray Animal or 813-744-5660 | “I found a pet near [address]. It is [safe/injured/aggressive].” | Check tag/microchip and report if owner cannot be found. |
| Animal emergency, cruelty or dog bite | Emergency/Cruelty page or 813-744-5660 | “Animal is [locked in vehicle/abused/injured/dog bite] at [location].” | Use exact address, photos if safe, and immediate danger details. |
| Surrender a pet | petsupportteam@hcfl.gov or 813-273-3738 | “I need surrender help and I am a Hillsborough County resident.” | Do not arrive without appointment; PRC requires Pet Support contact first. |
| Registration tag | Pet Registration Tags | “I need to buy/renew/update/replace my pet tag.” | Have rabies certificate and spay/neuter proof ready. |
Hillsborough Pet Resource Center Adoption Hours
The shelter and intake hours are not identical. Check the right row before visiting.
| Service | Official hours | Use for | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelter / adoption visits | Monday-Saturday, 10 AM-5 PM | Adoption, kennel viewing, lost-pet in-person check, PRC services. | Arrive early enough for meet-and-greet and paperwork. |
| Intake | Monday-Saturday, 10 AM-4:30 PM | Stray intake and scheduled/approved intake matters. | Busy-day wait times can be long; call or report first. |
| Offices | Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM | Office matters, registration, administrative questions. | For Animal Control enforcement, use 813-744-5660. |
| Sunday | Not listed as shelter/adoption hours | Do not plan normal in-person adoption visit. | Use online kennel search instead. |
Adoption, Registration, Redemption and Surrender Fees
These are the numbers users usually need before visiting PRC.
Pet adoption fees
| Adoption type | Fee | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| “Ready-to-go” pets | $0 | Ready-to-go means stray hold is complete, spay/neuter is done, and vaccinations are complete. |
| Dog adoption | $85 plus pet registration fee | Ask if the pet is ready-to-go or pre-adoption. |
| Small dog under 25 lbs | $125 plus pet registration fee | High-interest/small-dog pricing may apply. |
| Senior 62+ dog adoption | $35 plus pet registration fee | Small dog senior 62+ fee is listed separately. |
| Senior 62+ small dog under 25 lbs | $65 plus pet registration fee | Verify current status before visiting. |
| Cat adoption | $50 plus pet registration fee | Bring a secure carrier. |
| Senior 62+ cat adoption | $20 plus pet registration fee | Ask about medical notes and go-home timing. |
| Special pets in-need, exotics, high-value/interest pets | Director’s discretion or market value | Call first if the listing is unusual. |
Registration, surrender and reclaim fees
| Need | Fee | Micro-note |
|---|---|---|
| Spayed/neutered tag, 1 year | $20; $5 for residents 62+ | Rabies proof required. |
| Spayed/neutered tag, 3 years | $50; $15 for residents 62+ | Cannot exceed rabies vaccine expiration. |
| Intact pet tag, 1 year | $40; $25 for residents 62+ | Higher fee for intact pets. |
| Intact pet tag, 3 years | $110; $65 for residents 62+ | Have rabies record ready. |
| Ferret tag | $5 | Dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months+ need registration. |
| Replacement tag | $5 | Bring receipt and/or rabies certificate. |
| Owner surrender, valid registration | $20 | Hillsborough County resident proof required. |
| Owner surrender, no valid registration | $40 | Pet Support Team contact required first. |
| Litter under 4 months | $60 | Ask about Wait Until 8 if kittens are eligible. |
| Registered pet redemption, 1st offense | $50 | Boarding or vaccination/microchip fees can also apply. |
| Not registered pet redemption, 1st offense | $100 | Registration/tag may be needed. |
| Board charge per day | $12 | Investigation/quarantine boarding is listed separately. |
Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow this exact order for a smoother adoption visit.
Search the online kennel
Open the Pet Resource Center Online Kennel. Screenshot pet name, ID, status and notes.
Check ready-to-go status
Ready-to-go pets have completed stray hold, spay/neuter and vaccination steps. These pets can go home faster.
Visit in person
Hillsborough County says all adoptions must be completed in person at PRC during regular operating hours.
Bring valid photo ID
Potential adopters must be at least 18 and need valid photo ID at adoption.
Ask about meet-and-greet
Owned pets are not allowed inside the shelter, but staff can help schedule a dog-to-dog meet-and-greet by appointment.
Confirm final cost
Adoption fee, pet registration fee, sterilization deposit, or special pricing can depend on the pet’s status.
Lost or Found Pet in Hillsborough County
Most lost pets are found close to home. Use nearby search, shelter search, microchip, photo tools and local posts together.
If your pet is lost
- Search nearby first: yard, garage, sheds, bushes, porches, under cars and neighbors’ areas.
- Search PRC’s Online Kennel and choose stray/lost pets.
- Visit PRC in person if a listing looks close; photos can be imperfect.
- Upload a clear photo to Petco Love Lost.
- Post on Nextdoor, Neighbors by Ring and Lost and Found Pets of Hillsborough County.
- Use one flyer/photo with date lost, major crossroads and safe contact method.
- Update your microchip phone and address immediately.
- Check Humane Society of Tampa Bay and other nearby shelters if the pet may have crossed areas.
If you found a pet
- Approach cautiously. Do not handle if injured, aggressive or unsafe.
- If friendly, secure in a safe area away from traffic and your own pets.
- Check tag and call the number if present.
- Take the pet to a vet, shelter or PRC for microchip scan.
- Upload a found-pet photo to Petco Love Lost.
- Post on neighborhood apps and local lost/found pet groups.
- If owner cannot be found, report the stray animal to Animal Control.
- If you can safely hold the pet temporarily, that can reduce shelter crowding and improve reunion chances.
Report a Stray Animal
Reporting is different from adoption. Use Animal Control when a found animal needs official handling.
Online form
Use the official stray animal report form when the animal is not an immediate emergency.
Email route
Email AnimalControl@HCFL.gov with location, photos and animal condition.
Phone route
Call 813-744-5660 for Animal Control.
Animal Emergency, Cruelty, Dog Bite or Dangerous Situation
Use Animal Control for enforcement and safety issues.
| Issue | Official route | What to include |
|---|---|---|
| Animal locked in vehicle | Animal Control: 813-744-5660 | Exact location, vehicle description, animal condition, photo if safe. |
| Animal abuse or neglect | Online form or 813-744-5660 | Address, visible conditions, dates/times, photos if safe. |
| Sick or injured animal | Animal Control handles emergencies as quickly as possible | Exact location, species, injury description, whether animal can move. |
| Dog bite or attack | Animal Control | Victim safety first, location, owner details if known, dog description. |
| Dog fighting or cock fighting | Animal Control / emergency route if immediate danger | Do not confront. Report safely with location and details. |
Reclaiming a Pet from PRC
Act quickly because hold time depends on microchip status.
Hold time
Typical hold is 3 days for non-microchipped strays and 7 days for microchipped strays before adoption evaluation.
Search daily
Use the online kennel and visit PRC if a pet looks similar. Do not rely on one search.
Bring proof
Bring ID, pet photos, vet records, microchip number, tag record or adoption papers.
Registration
Pet tag may be required. Dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months+ need registration in Hillsborough County.
Fees
Redemption, board, rabies vaccination or microchip fees can apply depending on status.
Scam warning
PRC warns scammers may pose as representatives. Be cautious with third-party payment requests.
Surrendering a Pet in Hillsborough County
Do not walk in without contacting the Pet Support Team first.
| Need | Official route | Prepare | Fee / note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner surrender | petsupportteam@hcfl.gov or 813-273-3738 | Proof of Hillsborough County residency, ID, pet records, reason for surrender. | Appointment only. |
| Surrender with valid registration | Pet Support Team first | Bring registration proof and requested documents. | $20 per pet. |
| Surrender with no valid registration | Pet Support Team first | Ask what tag/record issue must be handled. | $40 per pet. |
| Litter under 4 months | Ask Pet Support / Wait Until 8 | Ask if kittens qualify for foster supplies and later return. | $60 listed for litter surrender. |
| Alternative support | Pet Support Team or Humane Society of Tampa Bay | Ask about resources before surrender. | HSTB phone listed by County: 813-876-7138. |
Found Kittens: Wait Until 8
Kittens are a major shelter-intake issue. Hillsborough County encourages eligible caregivers to help kittens until 8 weeks.
Wait Until 8 may help when
- Kittens are 2 to 6 weeks old.
- Kittens are stray or orphaned and might otherwise be turned in.
- You can provide temporary care.
- You can return healthy kittens at 8 weeks or at least 2 pounds.
- You are 18 or older.
What PRC provides
- Free Kitten Survival Kit supplies.
- Written care instructions.
- Personal orientation for neonatal kitten care.
- Formula, bottles and other items through the kit.
- Option for eligible caregivers to adopt kittens free of charge.
Local Ordinances Searchers Often Miss
These rules can affect lost pets, neighbor complaints and Animal Control citations.
Animal-at-large
Dogs and cats cannot stray, run or go at large on public property or another person’s private property without consent.
Leash rule
Domestic animals must be restrained unless otherwise posted; leash distance cannot be greater than 6 feet.
Tethering
Unattended tethering of dogs is banned. The owner must remain outside and keep the dog within sight when tethered.
Failure to license
Dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months+ must be registered and need rabies proof.
Proper care
Pets must have shade, weather shelter, clean water, food, sanitary conditions and needed medical care.
Aggressive dog
Unprovoked bite, attack, chase or menacing approach can trigger serious enforcement and fines.
Before You Leave Home
Pet screenshot, photo ID, payment, carrier/leash, landlord approval.
Recent photo, microchip number, tag info, cross streets, reward wording.
ID, ownership proof, rabies record, tag/microchip proof, fee payment.
Pet Support contact, appointment, residency proof, vet records, honest history.
Local Hillsborough Tips
Falkenburg Road visit
PRC is near major Tampa traffic routes. Leave time for parking, intake wait, and front-desk check-in.
Do not arrive late
Intake ends earlier than shelter hours. Arriving near closing can mean no same-day resolution.
Use photo tools
Petco Love Lost uses photos to help match lost and found pet reports.
Tags matter
Registration tags help authorities identify and return lost pets faster.
Storm planning
Keep pet records, rabies proof, tag, crate and medication ready for hurricane/disaster sheltering.
Use exact location
Animal Control reports work better with exact address, cross streets, photos and animal behavior details.
Map: Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center
Use this map for adoption and PRC visits. For emergencies, cruelty, bites, or strays, call/report through Animal Control first.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I saw pet ID [ID/name] in the online kennel. Is this pet still available, ready-to-go, and what total adoption plus tag fee should I expect?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat/ferret] is missing near [cross streets]. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip]. Has a matching animal been brought to PRC?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [exact location]. The animal is [friendly/injured/aggressive]. I can/cannot safely hold it. Should I report it to Animal Control?Surrender
Hi, I am a Hillsborough County resident and need surrender or support help for my [pet]. I have records and the situation is [reason]. What are my appointment/resource options?Official Hillsborough Animal Links
The useful details are summarized above. Use these links for live listings, forms, current fees and official action.
Hillsborough Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the main animal shelter in Hillsborough County?
The main county shelter covered here is Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center at 440 N Falkenburg Rd, Tampa, FL 33619.
What is Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center’s phone number?
Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center lists 813-301-7387 as its main phone number.
What are Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center adoption hours?
The shelter is listed as open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Intake is listed Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4:30 PM.
What is the Hillsborough County Animal Control phone number?
Hillsborough County Animal Control lists 813-744-5660 for stray animal reports, animal emergencies, cruelty, dog bites and related issues.
How much are ready-to-go pets at Hillsborough County PRC?
Hillsborough County’s fee page lists ready-to-go pets at $0. Ready-to-go means the stray hold is complete and the pet has been spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated.
How much is a dog adoption at Hillsborough County PRC?
The county fee page lists dog adoption at $85 plus pet registration fee, and small dogs under 25 pounds at $125 plus pet registration fee. Senior 62+ discounts are listed separately.
How much is a cat adoption at Hillsborough County PRC?
The county fee page lists cat adoption at $50 plus pet registration fee, and senior citizen 62+ cat adoption at $20 plus pet registration fee.
How long are stray pets held at Hillsborough County PRC?
Hillsborough County says stray pets that are not microchipped are typically held for 3 days, and stray pets that are microchipped are typically held for 7 days before adoption evaluation.
Do I need an appointment to surrender a pet in Hillsborough County?
Yes. Before surrendering, you must contact the Pet Support Team at petsupportteam@hcfl.gov or 813-273-3738. Pet surrender is by appointment only.
Do Hillsborough County pets need registration tags?
Yes. Dogs, cats and ferrets that are 4 months of age or older and live in Hillsborough County must have a valid pet registration tag with current rabies vaccination proof.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.