Time running out for animals to be featured at Pet Expo

BRANDON People come in to animal shelters looking for the puppies and the pure breds.

Hundreds of others, those taken in due to abuse or neglect, the homeless tramps and those whose families can no longer afford them, often get left behind.

Hillsborough County's massive Fall Pet Adoption Expo, scheduled for Nov. 13, is a big push to find homes for them, the animals that are running out of chances to find a forever family.

The expo takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

This year, with financial support from the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and Subaru America, parking and admission are free, with the donation of dog or cat food.

"There are many animals that are overlooked," Hillsborough County Animal Services spokeswoman Marti Ryan said. "This is their big day. We are hoping to do some red, white and blue light specials for this weekend and maybe we will deeply discount offerings on certain animals."

Animal Services, The Humane Society of Tampa Bay, and TampaPets.org are coming together to create the Bay area's largest pet adoption event, with more than 60 shelters, rescue groups, and pet vendors all under one roof.

Hundreds of healthy cats, kittens, parrots, dogs and puppies of all sizes, colors and breeds will be there and looking for good homes.

A variety of pet products, giveaways, trainers and educational displays, including Ask-The-Vet, will be also featured.

The event has been quite successful in the past, Ryan said. One year, 370 animals were adopted during the expo and 400 the next year. But last spring, the withered economy struck and adoptions fell, she said.

The organizations involved are hoping people that can adopt will step up.

Hillsborough County adopters get free pet registration tags, and cats age 1 year and older receive free shots for life when adopted from either Animal Services or the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Ryan said. Both shelters will offer cats for $25.

"We are practically giving cats away," she said. "The $25 is for that day only, in that location. We are trying to do everything to make it attractive to people."

Prospective adopters should bring valid photo identification, proof of address, renters' permission, and military identification if applicable. Cash and local checks are preferred, and adoption fees may vary among groups.

All adoptable pets will come spayed or neutered and vaccinated against rabies.

The expo will also include the Pets for Vets discounts for both active and retired military and their families.

For information, contact Hillsborough County Animal Services at (813) 744-5660 or go to www.hillsboroughcounty.org, or The Humane Society of Tampa Bay at (813) 876-7138 or www.humanesocietytampa.org.