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Pet adoptions from the Central Brevard Humane Society can have an even larger impact in the coming months, as part of a national pet adoption competition.

For the third consecutive year, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and television personality Rachael Ray have joined forces to host the 2012 $100K Challenge.

From April 5-16, fans and supporters from throughout the country voted for their favorite animal shelter via the contest website, challenge.aspcapro.org, narrowing the pool of 114 applicants to the 50 top contenders, including the Central Brevard Humane Society in Cocoa.

“There were more than 600,000 votes cast in this phase of the challenge,” said Bert Troughton, vice president of community outreach for the ASPCA, who helped bring the contest to life at the organization.

“We were looking for a way to both energize our shelters, while encouraging them to come up with innovative ways to increase adoptions,” she said. “This fit both of these. It’s an opportunity for our contestants to try new things and also initiate a call to action to take to their community supporters.”

Within the next few months, the Central Brevard Humane Society, as well as the other 49 shelters, are gearing up for the second phase of the competition, which could earn them thousands of dollars in prize grants, including a grand prize of $100,000.

In order to qualify for the prize money, the shelters must save at least 300 more cats and dogs during the months of August, September and October, than they did during the same period last year.

The ASPCA and Rachael Ray, who is a longtime animal shelter advocate, will award the $100,000 top prize to the shelter that achieves the greatest increase in lives saved during this three-month period, Ms. Troughton said.

via Hometown News.

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To encourage spring adoptions and empty crowded shelters, the Jacksonville Humane Society is are offering free – and reduced-price adoption specials.

Also, the Humane Society and First Coast No More Homeless Pets are participating in community adoption events this month.

The Humane Society has free adoptions for pets ages 3 years and older, according to a news release.

The regular adoption fee for dogs and cats 6 months or older is $75. All adoptable pets are spayed or neutered, microchipped, heartworm tested, up-to-date on shots and treated for fleas, ticks and other parasites. Adopters are required to purchase a city rabies license tag for $20 and a six-month supply of heartworm prevention when adopting a dog. The cost of a six-month supply of heartworm prevention ranges from $21 to $30. Adopters must bring or purchase at the Humane Society an approved leash and collar for their dog or a break-away collar and approved carrier for their cat.

Also, the Humane Society and First Coast No More Homeless Pets will have animals for adoption at the Charities Tent Event 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at PetSmart, 8801 Southside Blvd. The fee will be $25, including the pet license fee.

In addition, both nonprofits will participate in the Best Friends Super Adoption Event 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 19 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 20 at the Mandarin Adoption Center, 10503 San Jose Blvd., according to the release.

For more information, go to jaxhumane.org or fcnmhp.org.

Originally posted here: Lower cost pet adoption events planned in Jacksonille this month | jacksonville.com.

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With 62% of American households owning a pet, including 78 million dogs and 86 million cats, it is obvious pets are an important part of our family life. Lee County Domestic Animal Services is making it easy to bring home a new family member or friend by reducing adoption fees 25% or more during the entire month of May.

Puppies are just $70, adult dogs and kittens only $55, adult cats $35, and senior pets, 6 years and older, are only $15. So whether you are looking for a jogging partner or a couch potato as the perfect friend or family member, you’re sure to meet your match at LCDAS.

The reduced adoption fee includes sterilization, age appropriate vaccinations, county license, microchip ID, de-worming, flea treatment, a heartworm test for dogs, feline aids and leukemia test for cats, 10 Day Health Guarantee, and a bag of Hill’s Science Diet dog or cat food. The adoption package is valued at over $500!

New family members and friends waiting to be adopted can be viewed online at www.LeeLostPets.com or head to the shelter at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers next to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office off Six Mile Cypress Parkway. Adoption viewing hours are Monday through Saturday from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. You can even submit your adoption application online before you come to the shelter.

More here: Lee County launches Friends & Family Pet Adoption campaign – NorthFortMyersNeighbor.com, news, sports, Florida info, North Fort Myers Neighbor.

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Kitten season is in full bloom at Orange County Animal Services as evidenced by the recent boom in their kitten population.

During the warm summer months the shelter sees huge spikes in cat populations, and this is when adopters are needed most.

On Saturday, May 5, Orange County Animal Services will reduce adoption fees to $5 for all cats and kittens in celebration of Cinco de Mayo—or as the Division calls it—Cinco de MEOW!

“This is the first time we’ve done a Cinco de Meow promotion,” said Dil Luther, Division Manager of Orange County Animal Services. “And we’re hoping for a great turnout from the community on Saturday.”

Last year, Animal Services received nearly 23,000 animals at its shelter.

The promotion reduces cat adoption fees from the usual rate of $40 to just $5, making it more affordable than ever to bring home a loving feline. Limit two per household.

Each cat adoption includes spay/neuter, initial vaccinations, microchip identification, deworming, FLV/FIV test, rabies vaccination and an Adoption Welcome Kit.

For more information, please call (407) 254-9140 or visit www.ocnetpets.com.

Originally posted here: It’s kitten season! Shelter offers discounts | News – Home.

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The 3 1/2-year-old dog owned by Father Tracy Wilder, rector of St. John the Divine Episcopal Church in Ruskin, had been lonely since her canine companion was hit and killed by a car.

So Wilder brought her to the Camp Bow Wow Tampa South Shore’s first Find Love on a Leash dog adoption event and rescue group fundraiser.

It didn’t take Rachel long to make her choice. She encountered Lulu, a pit bull/lab mix at the Heidi’s Legacy Dog Rescue booth, and wagged her tail in approval.

“They seem to get along and are about the same size and age,” said Wilder, “so we decided to adopt Lulu. They can play together and keep each other company when we’re not home.”

Lulu wasn’t the only dog that went home with new owners following the April 28 event at 12218 Balm-Riverview Rd., Riverview.

JuJue, a German shepherd puppy featured on Bloomingdale-Riverview Patch April 23, and her mother, Lyndy, were both adopted by Matthew Gross. The two dogs had been found abandoned in the Everglades and Heidi’s Legacy founder Lori Hoffman brought them to her shelter in Lithia.

“We pull a lot of dogs out of the Everglades,” said Hoffman. “At least 300 dogs are dumped there every year.”

“I’d been looking for a German shepherd for about three months,” said Gross. “Now I have two. I couldn’t split them up.”

Mark Demshock traveled all the way from New Port Richey in the hopes of finding Renton, an affable young pit bull, a new home.

Renton had been scheduled to be euthanized when Demshock, a volunteer with Second Chance Boxer Rescue, rescued him. Now Demshock wants to place him in a loving home. He even started a Facebook page for Renton to generate interest.

More here: Dogs Get 2nd Chance at Camp Bow Wow Pet Fundraiser – Bloomingdale-Riverview, FL Patch.

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A dog adoption event in Lauderhill on Sunday was intended to help find homes for many dogs who are currently living in animal shelters. During the event, dogs had the opportunity to parade in front of approximately 300 people who attended the event, in order to show themselves and hopefully get adopted, reported the Sun Sentinel.

Sunday, the Spring Bling Fur Paws Red Carpet Event included eight different shelters who participated in the event. The main attraction of the event was a fashion show where the shelters each had the opportunity to dress several of their dogs up and show them off for potential new owners. Most of the dogs were dressed to impress with clothing, jewelry and other accessories.

The event also had a look-alike contest, a trick contest and “Cutest Dog” contest, according to the Sun Sentinel.

The event was held at off Oakland Park Boulevard and there was food, shopping, animal service and donation booths lining the parking lot.

The event should be considered a success, as about 20 dogs were adopted, according to the Sun Sentinel and an unknown amount of money was raised; however, it was said to be a large sum.

Originally posted here: Dog adoption event in Lauderhill Sunday: Spring Bling Fur Paws Red Carpet Event – West Palm Beach Headlines | Examiner.com.

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Pet owners as well as those seeking a pet can enjoy a day with the dogs at Camp Bow Wow Tampa South Shore’s first Find Love on a Leash dog adoption event and rescue group fundraiser.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Camp Bow Wow, 12218 Balm-Riverview Rd., Riverview.

Camp Bow Wow franchise owner Doris Darga said her goal is to get some of the thousands of dogs awaiting homes in Hillsborough County adopted.

“We’ll have a number of rescue groups on hand to raise funds, find foster families for homeless dogs and to adopt dogs to forever homes,” said Darga.

Local veterinarians, pet photographers, groomers, pet vendors, trainers, and other businesses will be joining in on the fun and donating raffle prizes to support the rescue organizations.

In addition, music will be provided by Sundown and food and iced treats will be available from the Burger Culture food truck and Kona Ice.

A pet costume contest will take place at noon. Residents are invited to dress their dogs in their cutest or silliest costumes and compete for prizes. There also will be pet photos, low-cost microchips and a puppy kissing booth.

More here: Camp Bow Wow to Host Find Love on a Leash Event – Bloomingdale-Riverview, FL Patch.

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The Shell Factory and Nature Park’s Doggy Heaven Dog Park will be the spot for an inaugural Pet Adoption Day on Sunday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Our first annual pet adoption day is a natural event for the Shell Factory since the entire property is dog friendly,” said Shell Factory Owner Tom Cronin. “We also hope the event will promote greater usage of Doggie Heaven, a free dog park with a complete agility course and dog jumping pool.”

“Pet adoption day is part of our community outreach program,” said Shell Factory Marketing Director Rick Tupper. “That is to provide the community with free events that support local businesses and in this case local rescue groups.”

Currently a number of pet rescue organizations are scheduled to attend, such as Florida Cocker Spaniel Rescue, the Southwest Florida German Shepherd Rescue, the Florida Boxer Rescue and more.

There also will be a variety of vendors ranging from kennels and pet bakeries to pet suppliers of all types.

More here: Pet Adoption Day Sunday at Doggy Heaven Park – pineisland-eagle.com, news, sports, Florida info, Pine Island Eagle.

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Each spring, shelters across the country receive a large influx of homeless cats and kittens. To help with the ‘cat’astrophe of feline overpopulation, The Humane Society of St. Lucie County is reducing cat adoption rates to $25 through April 30 (normal adoption price is $75).

The shelter, located at 100 Savannah Rd. in Fort Pierce, currently has more than 120 cats and kittens onsite and another 90 felines in 54 active foster homes around St. Lucie County. The numbers are increasing daily. The Humane Society receives cats from animal control, owners and from individual who have found lost pets. No pet is turned away, regardless of age, health or temperament.

“We hope that the reduced adoption prices will help motivate individuals to adopt a kitty or maybe even two,” said Shawn Hart, outreach coordinator for The Humane Society of St. Lucie County.

Each cat is given a veterinarian health check, age-appropriate vaccines and tests (includes rabies, feline leukemia, AIDS and heartworm test), de-worming, a microchip and each pet is spayed/neutered. The adoption prices are subsidized by the Humane Society to cover the cost of approximately $200-$300 worth of veterinary care for each pet.

Individuals who are looking to help, but are unable to adopt, may sponsor a cat adoption price. “The adoption sponsorship program has been quite successful because not everybody can take a cat home,” said Hart.”

For information on adoptions, to sponsor adoptions or to volunteer, contact The Humane Society of St. Lucie County at 772-461-0687 or visit www.HSSLC.org.

The Humane Society of St. Lucie County is an open admission animal shelter, giving aid to more than 8,000 unwanted pets each year, thanks to the support of donors and volunteers.

This story is contributed by a member of the Treasure Coast community and is neither endorsed nor affiliated with TCPalm.com

Originally posted here: ‘Cat’astrophe creates reduced adoption rate » TCPalm.com (User story from Shawn Hart).

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Through the month of April, the Central Brevard Humane Society is hosting huge pet adoption events for families!

The Humane Society does not want to see any pet left behind and are teaming up with Purina so families can come out and find a loving friend to bring into their family.

They have a variety of cats, dogs, kittens, puppies, birds, rabbits, ferrets and other small animals that are looking for new “forever” homes with loving and caring individuals and/or families.

The events will showcase some of the Central Brevard Humane Society’s shelter dogs and will provide the public with fun educational information about responsible pet ownership.

There will also be CBHS merchandise there for purchase. All proceeds will go to help provide care to the homeless animals in Brevard County.

More here: Brevard Pet Adopt-A-Thon – Orlando Family Recreation | Examiner.com.