SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Behind each closed kennel door waits a hopeful animal, wishing that today marks the moment someone will choose them as their new companion.
Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services is currently nearing its full capacity.
“At the moment, we have had to resort to utilizing overflow areas along with our designated dog adoption zone,” said Kristen Little, who coordinates foster volunteers at Sarasota County Animal Services.
She further explained, “These extra spaces are also being used for kittens since there are just so many of them. Whenever we have to turn to these overflow areas, it raises concerns about having available space for the continual influx of cats, kittens, and dogs arriving at the shelter.”
The shelter management emphasized that the current surge in animal population might result in significant challenges.
“When we get overcrowded, we start to see outbreaks of upper respiratory in both the dog and cat population,” Little said.
That’s why they’re encouraging the community to adopt.
Whether it’s a playful puppy, a laid-back senior dog, or an energetic kitten, staff said 26 dogs and 35 cats are waiting to find their forever homes.
“We’ve got a dog that loves to play in the pool, but he plays all by himself,” Little said. “He tosses his ball around and he just has the best time. We’ve got a bunch of just your average pets and they’re just looking for their couch.”
But leaders say adoption isn’t just about gaining a new family member; it’s also about making room for the next animal that comes through their doors.
“It’s kitten season, our cat room is bursting,” Little said. “We are just about there, so this is why we’re proactively telling the public we’ve got all these great cats, we’ve got all these great kittens, we’ve got amazing dogs. Please come take a look if you’re considering adopting.”
Shelter staff said every adoption or foster makes a difference, for the pet going home and the one waiting to come in.
Sarasota County Animal Services is located at 8451 Bee Ridge Road.
Throughout the summer, all kittens are “BOGO,” meaning you can get two kittens for the usual fee of $60.
The shelter is offering a summer adoption special for dogs: $40 adoption fee.
The adoption fees cover spay/neuter, microchip, first shots, heartworm negative status for dogs and FIV/FELV negative status for cats and kittens.
To adopt an animal, you can visit Sarasota County Animal Services weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 3 p.m.
A list of the adoptable animals can be found here.