How to Adopt and Get Involved!
Plus Two Can’t-Miss Events!
There are many Humane Society chapters across the state of Florida that do a lot of good for pets who need forever homes. All of these volunteer-driven organizations operate no-kill shelters, where you can visit dogs and cats up for adoption and make plans to adopt them. Not only will I let you know how you can volunteer and participate in events, I’ll tell you how you can adopt a pet of your own.
Florida Humane Society
The Florida Humane Society (3870 N. Powerline Rd., Pompano Beach) offers pet adoption and programs such as community education, spay/neuter programs, and disaster preparedness. This non-profit has served Broward and Palm Beach Counties since 1993.
Adoption and visitation hours occur Thursdays through Sundays between noon and 4 p.m. at the Pompano Beach offices. Cats can also be adopted from PetSmart stores in Coral Springs (4151 Turtle Creek Dr., Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Boca Raton (20861 State Road 7, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
The Florida Humane Society is always looking for volunteers. To fill out the volunteer application, visit floridahumanesociety.org. If you have any questions, call (954) 974-6152.
Humane Society of Greater Miami
The Humane Society of Greater Miami (16101 W. Dixie Hwy., North Miami Beach) has been giving animals permanent homes since 1936. Pets who are accepted by the Humane Society here will not be euthanized under any circumstance, even if the pet has health issues or struggles to find a home. The Humane Society also operates clinics (Dixie Hwy. and also at 10700 SW 211th St., Cutler Bay) and a special boutique with pet treats and grooming products (Dixie Hwy., open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays at the Dixie Highway office. To volunteer with this organization, orientations are held two Saturdays each month. If you can’t attend orientation but would still like to volunteer, please e-mail maureen@humanesocietymiami.org or call (305) 749-1843. If you’re interested in becoming a pet foster parent, e-mail foster@humanesocietymiami.org.
Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando
Formerly the Humane Society of Greater Orlando, the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando has been a friend to animals in the Central Florida area since 1937. The main offices are located at 2727 Conroy Road in Orlando, with a second office at 2800 County Home Road in Sanford. Adoption hours at both locations are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The Pet Alliance walks you through the adoption process online; visit petallianceorlando.org/pet-services/adopting-pet to read more.
The Pet Alliance offers a number of services to the community, such as an online pharmacy and pet food store, a mobile pet food pantry that serves senior citizens with dogs or cats, veterinary clinics, and a mobile clinic that visits Kissimmee every Monday and various other locations in Central Florida throughout the week. There will be a call for new volunteers in January; for more information, visit petallianceorlando.org or call (407) 351-7722.
Humane Society of Tampa Bay
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay was first created in 1912, and the animal shelter was opened in 1929, making it the one of the oldest incorporated humane societies in the state. The animal shelter is located at 3607 N. Armenia Avenue. A pet health center is located two blocks away, at 3809 N. Armenia Avenue.
Over 5,500 animals have been adopted from the Humane Society’s animal shelter this year, exceeding the goal of 5,000 the Humane Society administrators set at the beginning of 2014. Adoption hours are Tuesdays through Fridays from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (813) 876-7138 if you have any questions regarding the adoption process. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay could always use volunteers: for a full list of open positions, visit humanesocietytampa.org/volunteer.
Special Events!
South Florida: Bring your pet to an unforgettable fête on the lawn of the Fontainebleau Miami Beach (4441 Collins Avenue). The 18th annual Brunch for the Animals will be held on Sunday, November 23 at 11:30 a.m. Pet parents will get to indulge as their babies partake from their own menu. There will be a raffle, a silent auction, and a pet/parent photo booth. The emcee for the event is Belkys Nerey from WSVN-TV. Tickets are $200 per person, benefiting the Humane Society of Greater Miami. RSVP and buy your tickets by calling (305) 749-1825.
Central Florida: The Tampa Bay Lightning presents “Pucks for Paws” night on Saturday, November 29. The Lightning will be taking on the Ottawa Senators at Amalie Arena starting at 7:30 p.m. Here’s how to participate: go to lightning.nhl.com and buy a terrace level or promenade level ticket, using the code word HSTB15. A portion of the proceeds will help the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and local animals in need!
