When are we open?

• Monday-Friday: 10:00am to 5:00pm
• Saturday: 10:00am to 3:00pm
• Sundays and Holidays: Closed

Where are we located?

The animal shelter is located at 232 Bush Blvd. in Sanford at the Seminole County Five Points Operations Center. Bush Blvd. comes directly off of US Highway 17-92 in Sanford across the street from Flea World.

How can you contact the shelter concerning adoptions?

Please call 407-665-5201.

What types of animals do we have?

Our adoption shelter is equipped to hold approximately 100 dogs and 50 cats and these cages are nearly always full. Animal Services sometimes takes in small animals such as rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc. and these animals are often available for adoption as well.

Can you see online what animals are available for adoption?

Yes. Our available animals can be found at petfinder.com

Where do we get our animals?

These animals come to Animal Services in one of two ways:

1. Their owner surrenders them
2. They are picked up as stray animals

Therefore, background information is limited or nonexistent.

What are the adoption fees?

What is done to the animals before being available for adoption?

1. Cats are tested for the feline leukemia virus and dogs (over 6 months of age) are tested for heartworms.
2. The animals are each given their first series of vaccines and a dose of dewormer for internal parasites.
3. Animals that are over three months of age will also receive a rabies vaccine.

Are there are any health issues you should be aware of?

1. Since Animal Services does not have a veterinarian on staff full time, we cannot guarantee the health status of any animal adopted from our shelter. An animal may have problems that our staff has not detected. These include, but are not limited to, mange, internal parasites, parvo, etc. We strongly suggest that all adopted animals visit a veterinarian with in three days of adoption for a thorough physical examination.
   
   
2. Dogs and puppies are very susceptible to kennel cough, an airborne upper respiratory infection similar to a cold in people. Unfortunately, most of our dogs and puppies have been exposed and have possibly contracted kennel cough and may need veterinary attention. The symptoms of this infection are sneezing, runny eyes, and coughing.
   
   
3. Cats and kittens are very susceptible to airborne viruses that cause upper respiratory infections. These infections are virtually impossible to control in a public shelter. Therefore, most of our cats and kittens have been exposed and have possibly contracted an upper respiratory, which may need veterinary attention. The symptoms of these infections include sneezing and runny eyes.

Are all of the animals spayed and neutered?

Florida law requires that any animal adopted from a public shelter in Florida be spayed or neutered within 30 days of the date of adoption or for puppies and kittens, as soon as they are old enough to have the surgery.

List of Hospitals/Clinics that have agreed to accept our Sterilization Certificates (PDF)

What if the pet adopted isn't already spayed and neutered?

Some of the animals that come in to Animal Services have already been spayed or neutered, but many of them have not and will need to follow the following steps:

1. When you adopt an animal that has not been spayed or neutered, part of the adoption fee pays for a sterilization certificate.
   
   
2. At the time of the adoption, you will receive a list of veterinarians in Central Florida who will accept this certificate as full payment when you have the animals spayed or neutered.
   
   
3. The certificate will include an expiration date. You will be required to have the animal spayed or neutered no later than this date.
   
   
4. After the animal has been sterilized, you will then be required to register the animal with the county in which you reside. Seminole County residents will be required to purchase a County pet license at the time of adoption and the license tag will be released to the animal owner when proof of sterilization has been received.

What if things don't work out with your new pet?

Animal Services understands that sometimes certain animals do not work out in certain households. For this reason, any animal adopted from Animal Services may be returned at any time. If the animal is returned within 30 days a refund of up to $16.00 may be received. This would include the $5 adoption fee, $5 microchip fee and if applicable $6 Seminole County license fee) The spay or neuter surgery fee will not be refunded. After 30 days you may still bring the animal back to the shelter but no refund will be given. Please keep in mind that the refund check will be issued through the Seminole County Finance Department and then mailed to the adopter. No cash refunds or credit will be issued from the Animal Services Division office.

What should you consider before adopting?

• Do you have the resources to fund the cost of pet maintenance & medical care?
• Do you have adequate time to devote to a pet?
• Does anyone in your household suffer from allergies?
• Do you have sufficient space for a pet?
• Do you have landlord or condo restrictions regarding not only pet ownership, but also the size and breed of pets?
• Does your homeowner’s insurance exclude coverage for certain breeds?
• Do you already have pets that will have to adjust to a new pet?
• Small dogs and small children usually do not mix well. Puppies and kittens usually do not thrive when mixed with small children.
• Pets should never be given as gifts, particularly holiday gifts.
• Are you planning to move? Consider how a pet will affect your plans.