Hillsborough County Animal Shelter & Adoption 2026
Use this guide before visiting Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center in Tampa, Florida. It covers adoption hours, the Falkenburg Road address, phone numbers, dog and cat adoption fees, ready-to-go pets, lost pets, stray animal reporting, animal control, surrender appointments, pet registration, spay/neuter vouchers, map directions and official county links.
This is written for real search intent: “Hillsborough County animal shelter near me,” “Hillsborough County animal shelter adoption,” “Pet Resource Center Tampa,” “Hillsborough County lost pets,” “animal control Tampa,” “surrender a pet Hillsborough County,” and “Hillsborough County adoption fees.” Use the section that matches your situation before calling or driving.
Hillsborough County Animal Shelter Quick Details
Most users need the same first details: address, phone, hours, adoption route, lost-pet route, animal-control number and whether the shelter is the county open-admission facility.
Address
Pet Resource Center, 440 N Falkenburg Rd., Tampa, FL 33619.
This is the main county animal shelter location many people search as Hillsborough County Animal Shelter.
Phone
813-301-PETS / 813-301-7387.
Use this for shelter, adoption, lost-pet and Pet Resource Center questions.
Hours
Shelter: Mon–Sat, 10 AM–5 PM.
Intake: Mon–Sat, 10 AM–4:30 PM. Offices: Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM.
Animal Control
813-744-5660.
Use Animal Control for emergencies, abuse, dangerous pets, dog bites, and stray animal reports.
What Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center Actually Handles
The Pet Resource Center is the county animal shelter, but not every animal issue belongs at the adoption desk. Use this split to choose the right route.
Dogs, cats and shelter pets
PRC accepts domestic animals regardless of breed, size or medical condition and works to place pets in permanent or foster homes. Visitors can search the online kennel or visit the center.
Registration, foster and vouchers
Pet Resources handles pet registration tags, foster programs, animal-related fines, income-based spay/neuter vouchers, volunteer options and disaster preparedness information.
Separate Code Enforcement route
Animal Control is part of Code Enforcement. It handles pet-related ordinances, citations, animal abuse, dangerous pets, dog bites, animal emergencies and stray animal reporting.
“Hillsborough County Animal Shelter Near Me” — What It Usually Means
People in Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Valrico, Seffner, Temple Terrace, Plant City, Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Lithia, Lutz and surrounding areas may search “animal shelter near me,” but the right location depends on your need.
| User Search | Meaning | Best Action |
|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough County animal shelter near me | Usually the Pet Resource Center in Tampa. | Use 440 N Falkenburg Rd. for county shelter visits and confirm hours before driving. |
| Hillsborough County animal shelter adoption | Dog/cat adoption through PRC. | Search the online kennel first, then adopt in person during shelter hours. |
| Hillsborough County animal control | Report dangerous pets, cruelty, dog bites, strays or emergencies. | Call Animal Control at 813-744-5660 or use the official report form. |
| Hillsborough County lost pets | Search shelter stray/lost pets and use lost/found resources. | Check the online kennel, use Petco Love Lost and visit PRC in person if needed. |
| Hillsborough County surrender pet | Owner surrender or pet support. | Contact the Pet Support Team first; surrender is appointment only. |
Hillsborough County Animal Shelter Hours 2026
Hours are not the same for every service. Shelter hours, intake hours and office hours are different, and late arrivals can cause problems if you are bringing in a stray or trying to finish an adoption.
Current official timing
The county lists shelter hours Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM, intake Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4:30 PM, and office hours Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.
| Service | Listed Timing | Practical Visitor Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Shelter visits | Mon–Sat, 10 AM–5 PM | Use for adoption browsing, lost-pet checks, and general PRC visits. |
| Intake | Mon–Sat, 10 AM–4:30 PM | Use for stray or turn-in needs. Arrive early because wait times can be long on busy days. |
| Offices | Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM | Use for office-related questions, tags, records, or administrative support. |
| Animal Control | Report route separate from PRC adoption counter | Call 813-744-5660 for animal control, cruelty, dangerous pet, dog bite, or stray animal reporting. |
| Owner surrender | Appointment only | Email petsupportteam@hcfl.gov or call 813-273-3738 before surrendering. |
How to Adopt from Hillsborough County Animal Shelter
Hillsborough County adoption intent is high: users want adoptable dogs, adoptable cats, fees, online kennel, same-day adoption, ready-to-go pets and what to bring. The process is practical, but you should understand first-come adoption and in-person requirements before you go.
Search the online kennel before leaving home
Use the official online kennel to see animals currently listed. Save the animal name, ID, species, size, age, kennel location, status notes and any medical or behavior notes.
Plan an in-person visit during shelter hours
Hillsborough County says all adoptions and pre-adoptions must be completed in person during shelter operation hours. Do not assume you can complete a full adoption online or by phone.
Understand first-come priority
Adoptions are prioritized on a first-come basis for available pets. Have backup pets in mind because the pet you saw online may already be adopted or no longer available.
Ask whether the pet is ready-to-go or pre-adoptable
A ready-to-go pet can go home today if adoption is approved. A pet still in stray hold, medical care, sterilization wait, or another status may not be same-day.
Ask first-week questions before finalizing
Ask about energy level, medical notes, spay/neuter status, vaccines, microchip, heartworm status, other-pet introductions, kids, crate training, litter habits, and what the first 72 hours should look like.
Hillsborough County Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
Fees can change during promotions, waived-fee events or special programs. Use this table for planning, then verify the exact fee for the pet before checkout.
| Adoption Type | Listed Fee | Practical Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-to-go pets | $0 | Pets that completed stray hold and are spayed/neutered and fully vaccinated may go home today. |
| Dog adoption | $85 + pet registration fee | Standard dog adoption fee. Confirm whether registration applies at checkout. |
| Small dog under 25 lbs | $125 + pet registration fee | Small dogs may have a higher listed adoption fee. |
| Senior citizen 62+ dog adoption | $35 + pet registration fee | Reduced fee for eligible senior residents. |
| Senior citizen 62+ small dog under 25 lbs | $65 + pet registration fee | Reduced senior fee for small dogs. |
| Cat adoption | $50 + pet registration fee | Standard cat adoption fee. |
| Senior citizen 62+ cat adoption | $20 + pet registration fee | Reduced cat fee for eligible senior residents. |
| Special pets, exotics, high-value/high-interest pets | Director discretion or market value | Ask the shelter for the exact fee before assuming a standard price. |
What “Ready-to-Go” Means at Hillsborough County PRC
“Ready-to-go” is one of the most important adoption terms on the county fee page. It affects cost, timing and whether you may be able to take the pet home the same day.
Stray hold completed
The pet has completed its required stray-hold time before being evaluated for adoption.
Medical steps completed
The county describes ready-to-go pets as spayed/neutered and fully vaccinated.
Listed at $0
The county fee table lists ready-to-go pets at $0, but always ask whether tag or registration fees apply.
Lost and Found Pets at Hillsborough County Animal Shelter
Lost-pet searches should be fast and repeated. Hillsborough County recommends checking neighborhoods, local shelters, the PRC online kennel, Petco Love Lost, local apps and social media. Shelter intakes can update after your first search.
If your pet is missing
- Search nearby streets, hiding spots, garages, sheds, bushes and quiet areas.
- Check the PRC Online Kennel and select stray/lost pets.
- Visit PRC in person if you see a possible match or if your pet has been missing for more than a short time.
- Upload a photo to Petco Love Lost and check local found-pet posts.
- Post clear photos with date lost, nearest major crossroads and contact method.
- Update your microchip registration and keep your phone on.
If you found a pet
- Approach carefully and only secure the pet if it is safe.
- Look for an ID tag and contact the owner if information is visible.
- Have the pet scanned for a microchip at a vet, shelter or PRC when possible.
- Upload a photo to Petco Love Lost and post on local platforms.
- If it is not a lost pet you can safely hold, report it as a stray animal.
- Do not permanently rehome a found pet without following local lost/found steps.
How to Report a Stray Animal in Hillsborough County
A found pet and a stray-animal report are not always the same workflow. If the animal is friendly and possibly owned, try safe owner-reunion steps first. If the animal needs county response or cannot be safely held, use Animal Control.
Check whether the pet may live nearby
Many found pets live close to where they are found. If safe, check ID tags, ask nearby neighbors, and use local lost/found resources before assuming the animal is abandoned.
Use the official stray report route
Hillsborough County allows stray animal reporting by online form, Animal Control email, or Animal Control phone at 813-744-5660.
Expect wait times on busy days
The county says shelter intake of stray pets is first come, first served and wait times can be upwards of 2 hours during busy days.
Use emergency route for severely injured pets
Hillsborough County says emergencies, such as severely injured pets, are handled as quickly as possible. Call Animal Control for the correct urgent route.
Hillsborough County Animal Control: Abuse, Bites, Dangerous Pets and Emergencies
This is a major intent behind “Hillsborough County animal shelter phone number.” But if the issue is animal control, the correct phone is not the adoption desk.
Call 813-744-5660
Use Animal Control for animal-related emergencies, abuse, neglect, sick or injured animals, dangerous pets, dog bites, dog attacks and similar reports.
Not Pet Resources adoption
Pet Resources operates the shelter, but Animal Control under Code Enforcement handles ordinances, citations and investigations.
Use emergency services
For active attacks, immediate danger to people, serious injuries, or life-threatening emergencies, use local emergency services first.
Surrendering a Pet to Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center
Hillsborough County does not treat owner surrender as a simple walk-in drop-off. The county says you must contact the Pet Support Team before surrendering, PRC accepts pets from Hillsborough County residents only, proof of residency is required, and pet surrender is appointment only.
Before surrendering
- Call 813-273-3738 or email petsupportteam@hcfl.gov.
- Prepare proof of Hillsborough County residency.
- Ask about available resources before making a final decision.
- Explain the pet’s age, species, medical needs, behavior, urgency and reason for surrender.
- Ask if the county’s 4-week owner surrender process applies to your situation.
What not to do
- Do not arrive without contacting the Pet Support Team first.
- Do not assume surrender can happen same day.
- Do not hide bite history, aggression, illness or medication needs.
- Do not leave a pet outside the building or in the parking lot.
- Do not forget to ask about alternatives such as support, rehoming or resources.
Hillsborough County Pet Registration and Reclaim Fees
Pet registration matters for lost-pet recovery and fees. If your pet is found, current registration and sterilization status can affect reclaim costs.
| Fee Area | Examples from County Fee Schedule | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Spayed/neutered pet tag | 1-year, 2-year and 3-year tag options listed. | Registration helps identify pets and may reduce reclaim issues. |
| Intact pet tag | Higher intact-pet tag fees listed. | Unaltered pets may cost more to register. |
| Redemption fee | Different fees for registered, unregistered and repeat offenses. | Registration and compliance can affect reclaim costs. |
| Board charge | Daily board charges listed. | The longer a pet stays, the more reclaim costs may increase. |
| Rabies vaccine / microchip on redemption | Separate fees listed when required at reclaim. | Bring records to avoid delays and understand final costs. |
Spay/Neuter Vouchers, Community Cats and Kitten Help
Many searches around Hillsborough County animal shelter are about low-cost help, community cats, kittens and preventing unwanted litters. PRC’s county pages mention spay/neuter vouchers for income-qualifying residents and lost/found pages link to community cat and kitten resources.
Spay/neuter vouchers
Hillsborough County lists a spay and neuter voucher program for pets of income-qualifying residents. Confirm eligibility, coverage, participating providers and current availability.
Community cats
Use the county’s community cat resources before trapping, moving or relocating cats. Outdoor cat handling can be different from normal shelter surrender.
Wait Until 8
The county lost/found section links to kitten resources, including Wait Until 8. Young kittens may need special instructions instead of immediate shelter intake.
Hillsborough County Shelter Reports and Statistics
Some users search for shelter inventory, daily intake, outcomes, euthanasia reports or whether a missing animal has entered the shelter. Hillsborough County publishes report tools that can help, but they should be used carefully.
Daily Intake and Outcome Report
Useful for people searching for a lost pet because it shows animals brought into the shelter and how animals left the shelter.
Daily Kennel Inventory
Shows animals currently at the Pet Resource Center, but availability may depend on hold status, medical status or other restrictions.
Not always adoptable yet
The county advises that some animals listed in reports are not available for adoption, rescue or transfer until their emancipation date is reached.
Video Resource Note
I did not embed a random YouTube video here because a current official embeddable Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center adoption video was not confirmed. For quality, this article uses official Hillsborough County pages and practical visitor guidance instead of forcing a weak or unrelated video.
What to Bring Before Visiting Hillsborough County Animal Shelter
A prepared visitor gets better help. Bring different items depending on whether you are adopting, reclaiming, reporting, surrendering or handling a found pet.
Photo ID
Bring valid identification for adoption, reclaim, registration, surrender appointment or official records.
Housing approval
If you rent, confirm pet permission, breed or size limits, pet deposits and landlord rules before adopting.
Payment method
Bring a payment method for adoption fees, registration fees, reclaim fees, vaccination fees or other required charges.
Dog transport plan
Bring a leash, collar, harness, crate or safe vehicle plan if adopting or reclaiming a dog.
Cat carrier
Bring a secure carrier for cats or kittens. A loose cat in a car is unsafe and stressful.
Proof records
For reclaim, bring photos, vet records, rabies proof, microchip number, tag number and any ownership documents.
After Adoption: First 7 Days at Home
A helpful adoption guide should not stop at the fee table. The first week is when many new pets are scared, quiet, overexcited, shut down or stressed by too much change.
First 24 hours
- Keep the pet in a calm starter space.
- Do not introduce every person and pet immediately.
- Use a leash, crate, carrier, baby gate or safe room as needed.
- Expect hiding, pacing, barking, whining, reduced appetite or nervous behavior.
- Read all medical, vaccine, microchip and follow-up paperwork.
Days 2–7
- Set predictable feeding, potty, walk and rest routines.
- Use slow introductions with resident pets.
- Schedule veterinary follow-up if recommended.
- Watch for coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, limping, refusal to eat or severe anxiety.
- Ask for behavior help early if the pet is struggling.
Hillsborough County Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Arrival Tips
Use the map for directions to the Pet Resource Center at 440 N Falkenburg Road in Tampa. Check official pages before driving if you are visiting for one specific pet, stray intake, lost-pet reclaim, surrender appointment or animal-control issue.
Arrive early
Intake closes before shelter hours end, and adoption questions take time. Do not arrive near closing if you need detailed help.
Check the online kennel
Animal availability changes quickly. Confirm listings and have backup pets in mind before visiting.
Use the right phone route
For animal control, dangerous pets, dog bites or cruelty reports, use 813-744-5660 rather than the adoption desk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at Hillsborough County Animal Shelter
These mistakes cause wasted trips, missed reclaim windows, delayed intake and bad adoption matches.
Before visiting
- Do not assume the adoption desk handles Animal Control complaints.
- Do not arrive after intake hours with a stray animal.
- Do not drive for one pet without checking availability first.
- Do not forget registration or reclaim fees if picking up a lost pet.
- Do not respond to third-party payment requests from anyone claiming to be PRC.
Before adopting or surrendering
- Do not adopt without checking landlord, HOA or pet-limit rules.
- Do not assume ready-to-go and pre-adopt mean the same thing.
- Do not surrender without contacting the Pet Support Team first.
- Do not hide bite, behavior, medical or medication history.
- Do not overlook first-week decompression and vet follow-up planning.
Official Hillsborough County Animal Shelter Links
Use these official county links for final verification and action. This guide explains the process, but Hillsborough County controls current hours, fees, animal availability, forms, reporting rules and service updates.
Hillsborough County Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Hillsborough County Animal Shelter located?
The county animal shelter is the Pet Resource Center at 440 N Falkenburg Rd., Tampa, FL 33619.
What is the phone number for Hillsborough County Animal Shelter?
The Pet Resource Center phone is 813-301-PETS / 813-301-7387. For Animal Control, call 813-744-5660.
What are Hillsborough County Animal Shelter 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.
Can I adopt a dog or cat online from Hillsborough County?
You can search the online kennel, but Hillsborough County says adoptions and pre-adoptions must be completed in person during shelter operating hours.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from Hillsborough County Animal Shelter?
The county fee schedule lists dog adoption at $85 plus pet registration fee, and small dogs under 25 pounds at $125 plus pet registration fee. Ready-to-go pets are listed at $0.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from Hillsborough County Animal Shelter?
The county fee schedule lists cat adoption at $50 plus pet registration fee. Senior citizen 62+ cat adoption is listed at $20 plus pet registration fee.
What does ready-to-go mean at Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center?
Ready-to-go pets have completed their stray hold time and are spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated. Hillsborough County lists ready-to-go pets at $0, but registration or other fees may still need confirmation.
What should I do if I lost my pet in Hillsborough County?
Search your neighborhood, check PRC’s online kennel under stray/lost pets, use Petco Love Lost, post clear photos online, update your microchip information and visit the shelter in person if needed.
How long does Hillsborough County hold stray pets?
The county lost and found FAQ says stray pets without microchips are typically held for 3 days, and stray pets with microchips are typically held for 7 days before adoption evaluation.
Who do I call for Hillsborough County Animal Control?
Call Hillsborough County Animal Control at 813-744-5660 for stray animal reports, animal emergencies, animal cruelty, dog bites, dangerous pets and related issues.
Does Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center accept owner surrenders?
Yes, but surrender is appointment only. You must contact the Pet Support Team first at petsupportteam@hcfl.gov or 813-273-3738, and PRC accepts pets from Hillsborough County residents with proof of residency.
Does Hillsborough County have spay/neuter vouchers?
Hillsborough County lists a spay and neuter voucher program for pets of income-qualifying residents. Confirm eligibility, coverage and availability directly with the county.
Is Pet Resources the same as Animal Control?
No. Pet Resources operates the county shelter. Code Enforcement’s Animal Control division handles ordinances, citations, abuse investigations, dangerous pets and dog bites.
What should I bring to adopt from Hillsborough County Animal Shelter?
Bring photo ID, payment method, housing approval if you rent, a safe leash or carrier plan, and backup pet choices in case your first-choice animal is no longer available.
Final Take: Use Hillsborough County Animal Shelter the Right Way
Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center is the main county animal shelter in Tampa for adoption, lost pets, pet registration, surrender support, foster programs, spay/neuter vouchers and shelter services. The address is 440 N Falkenburg Rd., Tampa, FL 33619, and the shelter phone is 813-301-PETS / 813-301-7387.
The best visitor plan is simple: check the online kennel first, visit during Monday–Saturday shelter hours, arrive before intake closes if bringing in a stray, call Animal Control at 813-744-5660 for emergencies or cruelty reports, and contact the Pet Support Team before any owner surrender.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Hillsborough County, Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center, Code Enforcement, Animal Control, Petco Love Lost, any humane society, rescue, veterinarian, microchip registry or official shelter portal. Always verify current details with official sources before visiting, adopting, surrendering, reclaiming or reporting an animal concern.
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.