In the face of the current coronavirus pandemic, the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center (PRC) is rolling out it’s own adoption program called Curbside Cuddles, as it aims to get potential adopters interested in adopting, but without necessarily having to break social distancing protocols in order to physically enter the shelter. The adoption program allows those seeking to adopt a pet to find a match at HCFLGov.net/Adopt, after which then can the submit a request online by providing their full name and contact information, plus the ID number of their pet of choice to HCFLGov.net/AtYourService. Additionally they can also do all this by calling (813) 272-5900. Afterwards, they can then go get their new friend through the curbside pick up.
For adopters who may not be able to orchestrate a Curbside Cuddles pick-up, the PRC does have a limited pet delivery service available through their new Cuddle Shuttles program. However, the pet deliveries will only be offered based on availability, and will only be for certain selected sections of the Hillsborough County area.
Those who are choosing to adopt through either the Curbside Cuddles or Cuddle Shuttle pilot programs will be asked to provide the same type of information that is required of the normal in-person adoptions, prior to pick-up or delivery. Once the adoption has been approved, the PRC staff will work with the adopters to schedule either a Curbside Cuddles pick-up or Cuddle Shuttle delivery.
Adoptions are all on a first come, first serve basis. The shelter also remains open for in-person adoptions too. Additionally, the PRC is the only open-admission shelter in Hillsborough County, which means that if you need to surrender a pet, they will take both cats and dogs of any breed, size, or with medical conditions. Their current hours of operation are noon to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and 2 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. The shelter is closed on Sundays and Mondays. For more information on the shelter, or to view the hundreds of pets available for adoption, visit their website.
