You Have Options
The Humane Society of Pinellas strives to keep animals in their loving homes, and because of our dedication to this mission, we have provided resources that may help pet owners remain united with their pets.
Navigating animal welfare information online can be intimidating. HSP can help guide you through all the assistance options Pinellas County has to offer. This page contains an abundance of information about pet-friendly housing, assistance during financial hardship, behavior training services, and more! Our goal is to reduce the number of pets surrendered to shelters in Pinellas County.
Behavior Concerns
If you’ve experienced behavior issues with your pet, all hope is not lost! At HSP we have a wonderful Behavior Helpline and several behavior help services to which we can direct you.
Financial Hardship Assistance
Affordable medical care can be difficult to find, but the Humane Society of Pinellas has low-cost options available for our community. Please visit our Pet Hospital pages for more information!
Please note, the Humane Society of Pinellas does not receive any government funding and relies solely on donations . While we can provide low-cost services and work with low-income families, we cannot provide free medical care.
pet food pantry – Pet Food Assistance
The Humane Society of Pinellas offers a free pet food program that may be able to help you with feeding your pet. There are also local pantries that can assist.The Humane Society of Pinellas manages a free Pet Food Pantry, which provides food to pet owners in need. While some owners need pet food on a short-term, emergency basis, we also provide pet food long term to individuals that may be unemployed, disabled or on government assistance.
See Other Local Pet Food Assistance Programs
SPCA Tampa Bay Pebble’s Food Bank
9099 130th Ave N, Largo, FL 33773
(727) 586-3591 ext. 121
Pinellas County Animal Services
12450 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33774
(727) 582-2600
Senior Pet Connection PROGRAM
We want to keep our seniors with their pets too. Our Senior Pet Connection program helps our senior community members with feeding their pets and providing preventative and other veterinary care.
Housing Restrictions
A common reason for pet homelessness is related to moving and being unable to get pet-friendly housing. Many landlords and property managers do open their residences and communities to responsible pet caretakers. Please consider the following advice when seeking a lease or purchasing a property where pets are allowed:
Helpful Housing Tips
1. Give yourself a minimum of six weeks to find a suitable rental.
2. Compile documents that prove you are a responsible pet owner. Include vaccination records, training certificates and letters of reference from your previous or current landlord and veterinarian. You can even make a resume for your pet!
3. Be prepared to pay and even offer an extra security deposit.
4. Promote your pet and yourself. Make arrangements for the landlord to meet your pet! Responsible pet owners make excellent renters.
5. Protect your rights. Make sure “pets allowed” is part of your written lease agreement or in the association by-laws.
6. Don’t try to conceal your pet. You may be subject to eviction or legal action.
7. Respect the pet restrictions. Most properties will have policies in place such as: weight/size limitation, breed limitation, species limitation, and maximum number of pets allowed.
8. Respect pet “house rules or by-laws”. All properties will have regulations in place for the benefit of the community at large. Let your landlord or property association know that you will comply.
Remember that every situation may have slightly different guidelines. So take as much time as necessary to fully understand all the rules and regulations pertaining to your lease or homeowner’s association contract.
Where to find pet-friendly housing in your area
Emergency Situations
We understand that emergency situations arise that can cause you to consider surrendering your pet to the Humane Society of Pinellas. The following information may answer some of your questions and guide you to your next steps.
Care for Life: Housing For My Pet When I Pass Away
Humane Society of Pinellas’ Care for Life program – plan for your pet in case you pass away – Call call 727-797-7722 ext 238 to speak to a member of our staff or email: [email protected]
Hold for Home: Emergency (Temporary) Boarding
We realize that sometimes emergencies occur that may prevent you from being able to care for your pet temporarily; however, your commitment to your pet prevents you from wanting to proceed with surrender. In certain circumstances, the Humane Society of Pinellas’ Hold for Home program is able to temporarily provide housing for these pets. Please note HSP is a very small facility with limited housing capacity, so we FREQUENTLY cannot accept pets for temporary boarding. Maximum length of boarding is seven (7) days. Alternative options should always be explored while your application is being reviewed.
Each application is evaluated by our Pet Resource Team and individuals must qualify for our Hold for Home Program. For more information, please contact our Pet Resource Office at 727-797-7722 ext. 232 or complete an application now.
Home to Home: Rehoming Your Pet
The Humane Society of Pinellas’ Home to Home Program provides an outlet to advertise your pet for rehoming. This program exists for individuals who are unable to surrender to the shelter because of any number of reasons, yet are open to keeping their pet in their home until someone can adopt them.
BENEFITS TO HOME TO HOME
We know that surrendering your pet is a difficult decision, but by rehoming yourself, you are able to meet your pet’s new family and can prepare that adopter with all the important information to help your pet be comfortable transitioning into a new home. After all, you know your pet better than anyone else!
Some pets are not good shelter candidates. Shelters can be very stressful places for pets and this stress can make finding a new home difficult. For example, many dogs may bark in their kennels. While this is normal, adopters may think the pet is too “loud” or “active” for their family, when this is not necessarily the case. Some pets even develop behavior issues from prolonged shelter stays, such as fear aggression or anxiety. Allowing the pet to remain in your home eliminates this potential stress.
How to Apply for Help
In order to participate in the program, the following information will be required:
1. one high quality, attractive photo of your pet
2. your pet’s name and bio
3. your contact information
Your pet will be posted free of charge on our website as a courtesy listing for 90 days. Interested adopters will contact you directly to learn more about your pet. You will then be able to facilitate a meet and greet and adoption. With Home to Home, you can match your pet with an adopter that will meet all of the pet’s needs, all while the pet remains comfortable in your home and avoids the stresses of the shelter environment.
Please email our Pet Resource Team at [email protected] with the above or for any additional questions for this program.
Out of Options?
We understand after even going through all the options, an animal surrender can be necessary. Contact us if you need to chat or continue on to our Pet Surrender page.
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