Seven Pet Shelters to Host Mega-Adoption Event

Seven county and municipal shelters from across Central Florida will participate in the adoption event, which will bring hundreds of dogs to the Florida Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds from June 6-8. In addition to Hillsborough County, available dogs will come from shelters in Manatee, Marion, Orange, Pasco, Polk, and Sumter counties.

Each day, more than 300 adoption-ready dogs of all sizes, ages, and personalities will be available to meet, greet, and go home with new families. Thanks to support from Athletes & Causes Foundation, Pet Resources Foundation, Chris and Mariah Godwin, and the Florida Strawberry Festival, all available dogs will be vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped, with all adoption fees waived.

The event will take place at the Grimes Family Agricultural Center, 2508 W. Oak Ave., Plant City, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday.

Shelters across the country have been housing record-breaking numbers of dogs in recent years. That trend is reflected at shelters across west-central Florida, which are consistently operating well above capacity.

The third-annual Mega Dog Adoption Event is more than just a great opportunity to welcome a new best friend into your home - it's a chance to give a shelter dog the second chance they deserve. Every adoption not only changes a dog's life but also makes room for another one in need.

This adoption event will showcase our adoptable dogs only. During last year's 3-day event, 459 dogs found new homes and 80 of those happy tails were from Marion County!

Can't make the drive to Plant City? Find out how to donate, foster, or adopt any of the available pets waiting for their new homes by contacting Marion County Animal Services at 352-671-8700.