Pets

Bring a new pet home with free adoptions and foster programs offered by Tampa Bay area shelters.

Criminal proceedings have begun Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, of Ruskin after his bull terrier found tied to a pole on Interstate 75 ahead of the hurricane. The rescued dog is safe with a foster family.

On Saturday, the 10th annual Clear the Shelters event held by the Largo nonprofit has more than 100 animals up for free adoption.

Florida residents should prepare for a storm by having a two-week supply of food and medication for their pets. An appropriate-sized crate while evacuating and transporting pets is also a must.

There are 600 pets there, which means all the kennels and cages in the Tampa building have a name tag – and a friendly face looking for a new home.

Agencies from across the region are combining resources for the event at the Florida Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds in an effort to ease shelter overcrowding.

The Florida Legislature on Thursday passed a bill authorizing virtual veterinary care.

Local conservationists and pet store owners are hopeful a bill banning the sale of all iguanas as well as the sale of recreational dogs and cats won't pass in the Florida Legislature.

Economic and other factors have resulted in a reversal of the pandemic adoption craze.

The University of Florida's open heart surgery program, which had been in the works since before the pandemic, came to life Aug. 22, the day of surgery for George the miniature poodle.

Overcapacity at pet shelters across the U.S. are leading to spikes in euthanasia rates, but Hillsborough County's Pet Resource Center says their existing practices are helping them stay ahead of the surge.

The ruling against the Department of Health means Pups Pub Tampa and Pups Pub Orlando can continue to allow customers to bring pets to the dog-friendly bars.