Sumter County Animal Services continues to work hard to put as many animals as possible either back with their owners if lost, or in the best possible situation to be adopted. In June, many successful stories occurred.
Adoptions at Sumter County Animal Services doubled in June from May. In addition, the number of animals transferred to another agency increased by 13 percent. More good news is that the number of pets reclaimed by their owners increased by 40 percent from May to June, which is the highest number of reclaims since collecting the data in 2021. Animal Services uses microchipping, Petfinder, and the County’s website to reconnect lost pets with their owners.
A total of 66 animals were adopted in June. These adoption numbers were helped by a successful multi-county adoption event in Hillsborough that saw 30 Sumter County animals adopted in one weekend.
Over 100 animals were transferred to an approved agency in June. That was the best transfer number since July 2022.
“Sumter County Animal Services continues to increase our positive outcomes for animals within our shelter,” said Stephen Kennedy, Assistant County Administrator for Sumter County. “In June we reunited 32 animals with their owners; the largest number of animals returned to their owners on record.”
Despite the good news, Sumter County Animal Services still has nearly 300 at its facility, nearly split equally between dogs and cats, which for cats is partially because of kitten season.
“Although June was incredibly successful, and we returned 26 stray dogs to their owners, we had 59 stray dogs come into the facility,” Kennedy said. “The net increase of animals represents our stray dog intakes. To continue to improve reunification of our animals to their owners, we encourage residents to microchip their animals, register them with the County, and consider asking their neighbors if they are familiar with an animal’s owner before contacting Animal Services.”
There are plenty of wonderful animals looking for a loving home at Sumter County Animal Services. To adopt or foster, stop by and visit Animal Services at 819 CR 529, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538 or go online for more information at https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/adopt or https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/foster.
This information was originally provided by Sumter County