Learn
More!
Frequently
Asked Questions
Where
do all the animals come from?
Here at the SPCA of Central Florida
we only take owned animals. They are surrendered by their owners
for many reasons, including but not limited to moving, allergies and
no time. In FY 2007, the two shelters of the SPCA of Central Florida
received more than 13,692 companion animals - or an
average of 263 animals each week of the year - from community
members who were unable or unwilling to continue to care for them.
Does
the SPCA of Central Florida receive purebred dogs and cats?
Twenty to thirty percent of the animals we receive are purebred. The
rest are a variety of beautiful and loving mixed breeds.
Is there
a time limit for animals up for adoption?
There is no time limit for how long animals will remain at our shelters.
Ideally, however, we would like their stay to be as short as possible
by helping them find new, secure and loving homes. As long as the animals
are healthy and of good temperament,
they will remain at the shelter until adopted.
Do you
only take in dogs and cats?
While we primarily receive dogs and cats, we will receive any domesticated
animal.
Do you
euthanize pets at your facility?
The SPCA of Central Florida is an open-door facility. This means we
do not turn away any animal in need of shelter. We will accept all pets
regardless of their health, breed, age, temperament, size, behavior,
etc. All pets are reviewed for a number of factors, including behavioral
concerns, illnesses and diseases. Because of our open acceptance policy,
some pets will not be placed up for adoption. Difficult choices are
then made by trained and loving staff. We ask the community to be supportive
of this sad aspect of shelter work. Remember, the problem of unwanted
pets is created by the community, and not by agencies like the SPCA
of Central Florida who are forced to handle the problem on a daily basis.
What
do people do if they want to adopt an animal?
They would need to come to one of our shelters,
walk through the kennels/cat rooms to find the right dog or cat. When
they find an animal they would like to adopt, they remove the kennel
card from the cage and take it to the adoption desk. They will fill
out an application and be asked a series of questions by a member of
our adoption staff. This process will help to educate the perspective
adoptor about the responsibility of owning a pet. When the adoption
application is approved, the potential adopter will be made aware of
the procedures that follow. Submitting an application does not guarantee
and adoption. On occasion, an adoption application will be rejected,
or a home visit may be required.
How
much is it to adopt a dog or cat?
$65 -- the price includes spay/neuter surgery, preliminary shots, dewormer,
physical exam, heartworm test for a dog and feline leukemia/feline AIDS
test for a cat.
PLEASE
NOTE: As of September 1, 2007, the adoption fee (for all dogs and
cats, regardless of age, breed, or size) will increase to $75. The increase
will cover the cost of microchipping all adopted pets, along with the
registration of the chip into a national database.
In addition,
the price will continue to include spay/neuter surgery, preliminary
shots, dewormer, physical exam, heartworm test for a dog and feline
leukemia/feline AIDS test for a cat.
You may
pay by cash, check, debit card, MasterCard, Discover Card, or Visa.
We do not accept American Express.
Will
you put an animal "on hold" for me?
All adoptions are on a first come, first served basis. Past experience
has shown us that, despite good intentions, many people who asked to
place an animal "on hold" never returned to adopt that pet.
All potential adopters must be present to fill out an adoption application
before the application can be reviewed and approved. No payments for
adoptions can be taken over the phone.
Why
do dogs and cats have to be spayed or neutered before going home?
The SPCA of Central Florida firmly believes that in order to end pet
over population, we must do our best to control the problem. For every
person that is born, 15 dogs and 45 cats are born. There are too many
animals and not enough homes! Every adopted pet and will be spayed/neutered
before it leaves for its new home.
Do you
spay and neuter other people's pets?
Yes, we have a low-cost public spay/neuter
clinic at both of our shelters.
Can
I board my dog or cat at the SPCA of Central Florida?
No, we are not a boarding facility.
Can
I bring my animal to the SPCA of Central Florida if it needs to be euthanized?
Yes, a donation of $25 is requested to have an animal euthanized. You
will be asked to fill out the necessary paperwork, and your pet will
then be turned over to the SPCA of Central Florida. Euthanasia is performed
by trained and loving staff, always keeping the comfort of the pet uppermost
in their minds.
To whom
do I report suspected cases of animal abuse or neglect?
You can call our Cruelty line at 407-351-7722, extension 275 or you
may e-mail your concern to investigate@ohs-spca.org.
I am
interested in becoming a volunteer. What
are my next steps?
Volunteers are used in every aspect of the agency's work. You'll find
the information you need on this website.
Where
does the SPCA of Central Florida get its funding?
The SPCA of Central Florida is funded by the generosity of people like
you who care about animals. We receive funding through our memberships,
fees for services, contracts, individual and corporate donations, grants,
bequests, special events and the sale of merchandise.
Does
the SPCA of Central Florida pick up stray animals?
No. That is the responsibility of Animal Services
in each County. These are government run facilities, independent of
the SPCA of Central Florida. We ask the community to take their strays
and lost pets to Animal Services in their County since that is where
their owners will usually start looking for them. We want all lost pets
to find their way back to their homes.
Is the
SPCA of Central Florida a government agency?
No. We do not receive funding from national, state or county governments.
The SPCA of Central Florida is NOT the same as the animal control departments
of local government. The SPCA of Central Florida is a private, independent,
501(c) (3) non-profit corporation.
Is the
SPCA of Central Florida a chapter of, or supported by, any national
organizations?
No. We do not receive funding from, nor are we affiliated with, the
Humane Society of the United States located in Washington DC, the American
Humane Association located in Denver, or the American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals located in New York City. We do not
receive funding from the Heart of Florida United Way. The SPCA of Central
Florida is a private, independent, 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation.
