Seminole County Animal Services is preparing what may be the most ambitious pet-adoption event in recent memory. The 7th annual Adopt-a-Thon will bring together 50 Central Florida pet rescue organizations ready to help families adopt some of the most popular breeds of dog in the country. Several cat rescue groups will be there, too, with feline friends up for adoption. The event takes place Saturday, March 13th, at Hwy. 17-92 and County Home Road in Sanford, across from Flea World.
“There will be dogs of all shapes and sizes,” says Diane Gagliano, Seminole County Animal Services program coordinator. The line-up is impressive. Animal Services has a variety of mixed-breed dogs up for adoption, and the rescue groups will have dogs ranging from Great Danes to Yorkies, poodles to pugs.
Ann Colby, president of Central Florida Pug Rescue, says the weak economy has created an overflow of quality pets. Colby says most groups are at critical mass now because so many families were forced to surrender their pets because their owners couldn’t afford to keep them. “It’s important for people to realize that when you’re considering adding a pet to your home, you should look to a rescue or shelter first, before going to the pet store, flea market or a backyard breeder,” says Colby.
Gagliano says the animal shelter’s staff has worked hard to make sure the event offers a setting that helps families “make an educated decision” about bringing a dog or cat into their lives. “The economy has impacted adoptions a bit over the past year,” she says. “But I think people know about the Adopt-a-Thon in advance, and hopefully they have time to give thought to whether a new pet will fit into their budget.”
The Adopt-a-Thon will run from 10:00am to 3:00pm, and will also feature games and door prizes for people and their pets. Admission is free. Donations for adoptions vary with each rescue group.
For more information: 407.665.5201. For a sneak peek of adoptable pets available now, please visit: seminolecountyadoptions.petfinder.com.
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Mike Holfeld is a reporter for WKMG Local 6 and a regular contributor to Seminole magazine.
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