Pet adoption expo Nov. 14 at state fairgrounds

More than 50 shelters and rescue groups will band together Nov. 14 for a pet adoption blitz that will give discounts to veterans.

The 2009 Fall Pet Adoption Expo will bring hundreds of abandoned, abused or lost animals under one roof. A variety of dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs and more will be showcased in an effort to find forever homes.

The expo will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Special Events Center, Interstate 4 and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Admission is free with a pet food donation; parking is $5.

In observance of Veterans Week, Hillsborough County Animal Services and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay are offering Pets for Vets. Members of the military may subtract a dollar for each month of their service from pet adoption fees during the expo. Even newly active military will be extended special discounts. Certain animals will be targeted for Pets for Vets. They can be identified by their red, white, and blue bandanas or collars.

To promote felines, Animal Services and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay will also offer half-price cat adoptions to the general public during the expo.

Adoption fees at both shelters include spay or neuter surgery, microchipping, rabies vaccination, and one-year county pet registration and tag. Anyone considering adoption should bring a valid photo identification and proof of their current address. Cash and checks are generally recommended, but some pet rescue groups will accept credit cards.

Special guests at the Expo include Raymond, mascot for the Tampa Bay Rays. Dozens of vendors will also participate with spay and neuter information, humane education, volunteer programs, dog-training tips, grooming, pet products and food concessions.

The 2009 Fall Pet Adoption Expo is the fifth such event sponsored by ASPCA Mission: Orange since the outreach program began in 2007. Its goal is to increase adoption and lower euthanasia of homeless animals.

The Tampa Bay region was chosen as one of only four target markets in the nation, and its success has become a benchmark, said Marti Ryan, spokeswoman for county animal services.
Local partners for ASPCA Mission: Orange are Hillsborough County Animal Services, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and No More Homeless Pets-Hillsborough.

For information, call (813) 744-5660 or go to www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices.