I adopted my pup, Stewie from here and it is a great place to go to find your new best friend…read more
The shelter is around the corner from my house, so my husband and I are there often to drop off shelter supplies when they make requests, but we never adopted from there.
However, when we lost our beloved Snoop the end of July of last year, a week later, we went over there to "just look" and consider perhaps getting another dog somewhere down the road. They had just had a puppy palooza event there so there were a bunch of brand new pups that were just shipped in from Alabama. While it was never our intention to get a puppy...we were set on getting an older dog like we always had in the past, there was a lab pup who was all alone in the back who looked so sad, and so much like our Snoop, that we adopted him right then and there. He was only 3 months old, but already 30 pounds. He was a big guy, and because he was a lab/great dane mix, they told us that he would not be easily adopted because no one wants a dog that big.
Well, we did. We took him home right then and there. :)
The shelter is very clean. The attendants are very patient and sit with you outside while you get to know your potential new friend. The dogs seem pretty happy, except for the fact that they are scared and caged. Of course, that will occur in every shelter...but they all looked very well cared for. All the dogs appeared to have been freshly bathed and well groomed. There is a big area for them to go run outside. They are very choosy with the potential parents. You have to fill out a bunch of paperwork. If you live in an apartment, (we don't) you have to get a letter from your landlord stating that you can have a dog there. When you adopt, they offer a free "well care" visit at VCA Little Animal Hospital, which is the vet we use any way, so we were really pleased about that. When we got Stewie checked out, he was in great health. They give you a free collar and leash for your doggie when you adopt and coupons and incentives to adopt, like coupons for dog food and puppy training.
Any questions we had, they readily answered. They keep great records on all the animals there, so you can find out as much about your baby as you can. All the animals are spayed/neutered and chipped before you adopt. The average fee to adopt a dog is about $150. (Don't know what the fee is for kitties). The people at the shelter are very friendly and patient with your questions. They encourage you to bring your children there to have a meet/greet with your potential new friend to see if they get on well with the kids before you adopt. We don't have little ones ourselves any more, but we do have two grandchildren who at the time were under 4, so this was a great thing to be able to do before we committed to our puppy. They are very committed to finding the "right fit" between pet and adoptive family.
Now Stewie is 7 months old and we just adore our SEVENTY FIVE pound horse! LOL He's so happy and healthy and we could not imagine life without him.
If you are not in the position to adopt, they are always looking for volunteers to come play with the dogs and cats, or bring them supplies, like dog food and blankets. They also have a foster program for their pets, if you are so inclined and can help when their facility reaches maximum capacity. They try very hard not to turn any animal away. They are a NO KILL shelter and are always holding events to help get these sweet creatures adopted. They also take in animals who would otherwise end up on the street so please, if you can no longer keep your pets, consider bringing them to the shelter instead of turning them loose and hoping they survive on their own devices.
Please get your dogs and cats spayed and neutered to help control the animal population in Pasco which is really out of control.
Overall, our experience with SPCA Suncoast went very well...and if we are ever looking to adopt again, we will definitely go back.
Thank you, SPCA Suncoast for helping us to find our new best friend and healing the emptiness we had in our hearts when we lost our boy. You people were so kind, warm and understanding. We are grateful to you all.