Tampa Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours, Fees & Pet Help
This Tampa guide focuses on the official public shelter route: Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center at 440 N Falkenburg Rd. It also separates adoption help from Animal Control, because the two services use different locations and phone numbers.
Use it to adopt a dog or cat, report a stray, check adoption fees, reclaim a lost pet, surrender responsibly, register a pet tag, apply for a spay/neuter voucher, foster, volunteer, or plan for hurricane evacuation with pets.
10-5
5660
PET
Which Tampa Animal Shelter Do You Mean?
Search results mix the county shelter, private humane societies, rescue groups and nearby Pinellas shelters. This page focuses on the official Hillsborough County public shelter and control routes.
| Search intent | Correct route | Why | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog or cat from Tampa’s public shelter | Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center | Official county open-admission shelter at 440 N Falkenburg Rd. | Search the online kennel, then visit Monday-Saturday 10 AM-5 PM. |
| Report a stray, bite, neglect or injured stray pet | Hillsborough County Animal Control | Animal Control is part of Code Enforcement and handles public-safety duties. | Call (813) 744-5660 or use official reporting routes. |
| Surrender your own pet | PRC Pet Support Team | Owner surrender is appointment-based and resident-limited. | Contact petsupportteam@hcfl.gov or (813) 273-3738 first. |
| Humane Society of Tampa Bay | Private nonprofit shelter/hospital | Not the county PRC, but may help with surrender, adoption or veterinary services. | Use HSTB directly if your intent is that nonprofit. |
| SPCA Tampa Bay | Separate nonprofit in the Tampa Bay region | Not Hillsborough County PRC or Animal Control. | Use SPCA Tampa Bay if your pet listing is on their site. |
Phone Numbers: Who to Call and What to Prepare
Use the right phone number first. Adoption, surrender and animal-control calls go to different teams.
| Need | Call / contact | Use when | Have ready |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adoption, shelter, tag, general PRC help | (813) 301-PETS / (813) 301-7387 | You want pet availability, fees, registration tags, shelter services or general PRC help. | Animal ID, listing screenshot, your visit day, pet type. |
| Report a stray animal | (813) 744-5660 | You found a stray or need Animal Control response. | Exact location, animal description, condition, photos if safe. |
| Email Animal Control | AnimalControl@HCFL.gov | You need non-phone documentation for an animal-control concern. | Address/location, dates, photos, contact info. |
| Owner surrender support | (813) 273-3738 / petsupportteam@hcfl.gov | You may need to surrender your own pet. | Proof of county residency, pet records, behavior/medical details. |
| Fostering | (813) 272-1157 | You want to foster a dog or cat from PRC. | Home setup, current pets, schedule, foster preferences. |
| Immediate danger | 911 | Active attack, serious injury, emergency or human safety issue. | Location first, then what happened. |
Tampa Pet Resource Center Hours and Locations
PRC and Animal Control have different locations and public roles.
| Department | Address | Hours | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Resource Center shelter | 440 N Falkenburg Rd, Tampa, FL 33619 | Mon-Sat 10 AM-5 PM | Adoptions, tags, lost-pet checks, shelter services, foster/volunteer questions. |
| PRC intake | 440 N Falkenburg Rd, Tampa, FL 33619 | Mon-Sat 10 AM-4:30 PM | Stray intake and appointment-based owner surrender workflows. |
| PRC offices | 440 N Falkenburg Rd, Tampa, FL 33619 | Mon-Fri 8 AM-5 PM | Office/service questions, registration records and department routing. |
| Animal Control | 2709 E Hanna Ave, Tampa, FL 33610 | Mon-Fri 8 AM-5 PM | Animal-control enforcement, public-safety response, stray/injured pet reporting. |
How to Adopt from Tampa’s Pet Resource Center
Hillsborough County says all adoptions and pre-adoptions must be done in person during shelter operation hours. Available pets are first-come for all available animals.
Search the online kennel
Check the PRC online kennel before driving. Save the animal ID, name, kennel location, status and notes.
Visit in person
Adoptions and pre-adoptions must be completed in person, Monday-Saturday, 10 AM-5 PM.
Understand first-come priority
Adoptions are prioritized first-come for available pets. PRC cannot hold or reserve an animal outside the early adoption process.
Check the pet’s status
Ready-to-go pets completed stray hold, spay/neuter and vaccinations. Pre-adoption pets may still be on hold or waiting for veterinary services.
Know the puppy rule
Dogs under 6 months are only available as ready-to-go and cannot be pre-adopted.
Ask final go-home questions
Ask about release timing, rabies tag, spay/neuter, vaccines, behavior notes, heartworm status, microchip, food and first-week decompression.
Official Tampa / Hillsborough County Adoption and Pet Fees
The county fee schedule and adoption page both matter. The fee schedule lists detailed categories; the adoption page explains ready-to-go and pre-adoption status. Call PRC when a fee affects your visit, because promotions and page updates can change final cost.
| Fee category | Official listed fee | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-to-go pets | Fee schedule lists $0; adoption page also references ready-to-go pets going home for $20 unless noted | Official pages show a mismatch. Call (813) 301-7387 for the current pet-specific fee. |
| Dog adoption | $85 plus pet registration fee | Does not include tag fees. |
| Small dog under 25 lb adoption | $125 plus pet registration fee | Size category matters. |
| Senior citizen 62+ dog adoption | $35 plus pet registration fee | Senior adopter discount category. |
| Senior citizen 62+ small dog under 25 lb | $65 plus pet registration fee | Senior adopter + small dog category. |
| Cat adoption | $50 plus pet registration fee | Bring a carrier or ask if one is available for purchase. |
| Senior citizen 62+ cat adoption | $20 plus pet registration fee | Senior adopter cat category. |
| Special pets, exotics, high-value/high-interest pets | Director’s discretion or market value | Ask the exact pet-specific fee. |
| Pre-adoption rabies license | Pre-adoption prices do not include the $20 rabies license fee | Ask whether the tag/license fee is due before release. |
| Rescue transfer | $10 | For transfers to animal rescue adoption organizations. |
Lost, Found or Stray Pets in Tampa / Hillsborough County
Use the shelter for pet lookup and Animal Control for reporting strays. Do not rely only on social media.
If your pet is lost
- Search PRC’s online kennel.
- Check pet tag lookup if the pet has a county tag.
- Update microchip and registration contact details.
- Post clear photos with cross streets and date/time.
- Visit PRC in person if possible; photos and descriptions can be incomplete.
- Beware scams. PRC warns it does not ask for payment through third-party programs.
If you found a stray
- Check whether the animal may live nearby before reporting.
- Report through the county online form, email, or Animal Control phone.
- Call Animal Control at (813) 744-5660 for reporting.
- Use AnimalControl@HCFL.gov for email documentation.
- For injured, orphaned or nuisance wildlife, use Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission guidance.
- Expect wait times; county pages note stray intake wait times can be over 2 hours on busy days.
To reclaim your pet
- Bring government ID.
- Bring proof of ownership, photos, microchip or rabies/tag records.
- Ask whether redemption, boarding, rabies, microchip or tag fees apply.
- Bring leash, carrier or crate.
- Update tag and microchip details before leaving.
- Do not send money to anyone claiming to be PRC without official verification.
Hillsborough County Animal Control: What It Handles
Animal Control is a Code Enforcement division. It serves Hillsborough County, including Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City.
| Issue | Correct route | Details to provide | Local tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sick or injured stray pet | Animal Control: (813) 744-5660 | Exact location, condition, whether contained, photos if safe. | Do not put yourself in danger trying to move the animal. |
| Animal bite / dangerous dog | Animal Control / emergency based on danger | Injuries, address, owner info if known, whether animal is contained. | Seek medical care and document details. |
| Neglect or cruelty concern | Animal Control | Location, facts, dates, animal condition, photos if safe and legal. | Report observations, not rumors. |
| Stray animal report | Online form, email or (813) 744-5660 | Species, size, color, behavior, last seen location. | Check for nearby owner first if safe. |
| Nuisance wildlife | FWC guidance | Species, location, injury/orphan status. | County page directs injured, orphaned and nuisance wildlife to FWC. |
Owner Surrender: Tampa / Hillsborough County Process
PRC owner surrender is not a walk-in shortcut. The county says you must contact the Pet Support Team first.
| Requirement | Official detail | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Contact first | petsupportteam@hcfl.gov or (813) 273-3738 | Do this before bringing a pet. |
| Residency | PRC only accepts pets from Hillsborough County residents | Proof of residency is required. |
| Appointment | Pet surrender is by appointment only | Do not show up expecting same-day intake. |
| Program length | Owner Surrender Program is a 4-week program | Expect support/options before final surrender. |
| One pet with valid registration | $20 | Listed owner surrender fee category. |
| One pet without valid registration | $40 | Higher surrender fee category. |
| One litter under 4 months | $60 | Listed litter surrender fee. |
Pet Registration Tags in Hillsborough County
If your dog, cat or ferret is 4 months or older and lives with you in Hillsborough County, the county says you need a pet registration tag.
| Tag type | Fee | Senior 62+ fee | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spayed/neutered pet tag, 1 year | $20 | $5 | Rabies certificate required. |
| Spayed/neutered pet tag, 2 years | $35 | $10 | Term depends on rabies timing. |
| Spayed/neutered pet tag, 3 years | $50 | $15 | Keep tag active before expiration. |
| Intact pet tag, 1 year | $40 | $25 | Higher fee for intact pets. |
| Intact pet tag, 2 years | $75 | $40 | Use current rabies certificate. |
| Intact pet tag, 3 years | $110 | $65 | Verify eligibility. |
| Ferrets | $5 | Not separately listed | Ferrets are included in tag requirements. |
| Replacement tag | $5 | $5 | Bring original tag receipt and/or rabies certificate. |
Spay & Neuter Voucher: Who Qualifies and What It Covers
Hillsborough County offers a spay/neuter voucher program for income-qualifying residents with dogs and cats.
Who may qualify
Residents on programs such as Food Stamps, Medicaid, Section 8, SSI, TANF, WIC, Hillsborough Health Care Plan, or those meeting low-income guidelines.
Co-pay
A $10 co-pay is required and covers a rabies shot and updated Hillsborough County pet registration tag.
After approval
Choose a participating veterinarian and make an appointment within 45 days. Do not bring your pet to PRC for surgery.
| Application step | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| Get application | Download English/Spanish PDF, request by mail, or pick one up at PRC. |
| Gather proof | Copy of driver’s license plus benefit card, proof of assistance, or last year’s tax filing form. |
| Submit | Mail or hand deliver complete application, ID and proof to PRC at 440 N Falkenburg Rd, Tampa, FL 33619. |
| Clinic examples | Listed clinics include All About Animals, Coastal Animal Clinic, Harmony Vet Care locations, Humane Society of Tampa Bay and Planned Pethood Plant City. |
Hurricane and Pet Disaster Planning
Hillsborough County says pet-accommodating shelters should be a last resort and that pets will be housed separately from families with limited visit access.
Pet-friendly shelter packing list
- Crate/carrier large enough for pet to stand and turn around.
- Up-to-date vaccination, microchip and county registration records.
- Photo of owner and pet together.
- Food and water for minimum 7 days plus bowls.
- Leash, collar and muzzle if needed.
- Minimum 7-day medication supply.
- Toys or blankets for the kennel.
Before storm season
- Make a plan with family or friends outside evacuation zones.
- Update county registration tag.
- Update rabies certificate and microchip.
- Get extra medications.
- Check official shelter status before evacuating.
- Do not wait until an evacuation order to find pet housing.
Foster, Volunteer and Working Cats
If you cannot adopt today, PRC still offers useful ways to help or choose a different type of placement.
Foster a pet
PRC says fostering a dog or cat can help pets in need, and the process is easy. For foster information, visit the Foster team page or call (813) 272-1157.
Volunteer
Use official volunteer routes through Hillsborough County Pet Resources. Ask current needs before showing up.
Working Cats
The Working Cats Program places cats not suited for traditional indoor pet life in barns, warehouses, farms and similar settings for natural pest control.
Map to Tampa Pet Resource Center
Use this map for the main shelter/adoption location. For animal-control office routing, use 2709 E Hanna Ave.
Search the online kennel and save the animal ID or tag details.
Ask whether the pet is ready-to-go, pre-adoption, stray wait or not currently available.
Contact the Pet Support Team first; do not arrive without an appointment.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I’m interested in animal ID [ID/name] at PRC. Is this pet still available, is the pet ready-to-go or pre-adoption, and what is the current fee including registration/tag costs?Lost pet
Hi, I lost my [dog/cat/ferret] near [cross streets] on [date]. The pet is [description] and has [microchip/tag/collar]. What kennel, tag lookup or reclaim step should I check first?Found stray
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [exact location]. The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive]. Should I report through Animal Control, the online form, or bring the animal to PRC intake?Surrender
Hi, I may need to surrender my pet. I live in Hillsborough County. What resources, appointment steps, proof of residency and fees should I prepare for the 4-week Owner Surrender Program?Official Links for Final Action
This guide summarizes the useful details. Use official pages for live pet availability, current fees, forms, emergency updates and final policy confirmation.
Related Animal-Shelter.org Guides
Tampa Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the official Tampa animal shelter?
The main public shelter for Tampa is Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center at 440 N Falkenburg Rd, Tampa, FL 33619.
What is the Tampa Pet Resource Center phone number?
The Pet Resource Center phone number is (813) 301-PETS, also written as (813) 301-7387.
What are Tampa animal shelter adoption hours?
Pet Resource Center shelter and adoption hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM.
What is the Animal Control phone number in Tampa / Hillsborough County?
Hillsborough County Animal Control can be reached at (813) 744-5660.
Where is Hillsborough County Animal Control located?
Hillsborough County Animal Control is located at 2709 E Hanna Ave, Tampa, FL 33610.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from the Tampa Pet Resource Center?
The official fee schedule lists dog adoption at $85 plus pet registration fee, small dogs under 25 pounds at $125 plus registration fee, and senior citizen dog adoption categories at reduced rates. Ready-to-go pricing should be confirmed with PRC because official pages show a fee-page mismatch.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from the Tampa Pet Resource Center?
The official fee schedule lists cat adoption at $50 plus pet registration fee and senior citizen cat adoption at $20 plus pet registration fee. Call PRC to confirm the current fee for the specific pet.
How do I report a stray animal in Hillsborough County?
You can report a stray animal through the county online form, email AnimalControl@HCFL.gov, or call Animal Control at (813) 744-5660.
Can I surrender my pet at the Tampa Pet Resource Center?
Owner surrender requires contacting the Pet Support Team first at petsupportteam@hcfl.gov or (813) 273-3738. PRC accepts pets only from Hillsborough County residents, requires proof of residency, and uses an appointment-based 4-week Owner Surrender Program.
Do dogs, cats and ferrets need county registration tags?
Yes. Hillsborough County says dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months of age or older living in the county need a pet registration tag.
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.