ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 5, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, Osceola County Animal Services, Orange County Animal Services and Seminole County Animal Services announced today $12 dog and cat adoptions for the entire month of December in hope of finding every pet a "Home for the Holidays." This is the first time that the animal shelters across three Central Florida counties have combined forces to find pets homes.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=29487 .
"The homeless animal crisis tragically impacts all of Central Florida," said Kerri Burns, Executive Director of the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, "area animal shelters have aligned with the single focus of saving lives this holiday season and we are asking the community to do its part by adopting a homeless dog or cat." Kim Staton, Osceola County Animal Services Director added, "We want all the participating shelters to be empty for Christmas. That would be a huge gift to the animals and community."
Uncontrolled breeding of dogs and cats and selling of puppies and kittens online and in stores contribute to animal homelessness. Animals adopted from shelters are spayed or neutered, completely vaccinated, and health checked by a veterinarian.
"This partnership is a first for Central Florida's shelters and we are thrilled to work with Osceola and Seminole Counties as well as the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando," said Dil Luther, Division Manager of Orange County Animal Services. "We're hoping this united effort will result in increased adoptions and more lives saved this holiday season. After all, who wants a partridge in a pear tree when they can have a kitten in a cat tree?"
"The holidays are a time to celebrate, give thanks, and reflect. Let this partnership help you celebrate that special connection you'll find with a lovable shelter pet!" said Bob Hunter, Seminole County Animal Services Manager. "We can all give thanks for providing these animals with a home this holiday, and reflect on how we can make a difference together – even one pet at a time!"
Six area animal shelters have combined efforts to support "Home for the Holidays" $12 dog and cat adoptions:
| Pet Alliance – Orlando Location | Pet Alliance – Sanford Location |
| 2727 Conroy Road | 2800 County Home Road |
| Orlando, FL 32839 | Sanford, FL 3277 |
| M – Sa.: 10 – 7, Su.: 12 - 4 | M – Sa.: 10 – 7, Su.: 12 - 4 |
| www.PetAllianceOrlando.org | www.PetAllianceOrlando.org |
| Osceola County Animal Services | Osceola County – Offsite Location |
| 3910 Old Canoe Creek Road | 3096 Michigan Avenue |
| St. Cloud, FL 34769 | Kissimmee, FL 34744 |
| M, T, Th, F: 10 – 5, W 10 – 6, Sa. 9 - 2 | W: Noon – 5, Sa. 10 - 3 |
| www.osceolacountypets.net | www.osceolacountypets.net |
| Orange County Animal Services | Seminole County Animal Services |
| 2769 Conroy Road | 232 Bush Blvd. |
| Orlando, FL 32839 | Sanford, FL 32773 |
| M – F: 10 - 5:30, Sa.: 10 – 3 pm | M – Sa.: 10 - 4 |
| www.ocnetpets.com | www.seminolecountypets.com |
The goal for "Twelve Days of Home for the Holidays" is to place 2,000 dogs and cats into forever homes from the participating shelters prior to the Christmas holiday. Animals available for adoption are viewable on each participating organization's web site. Contact animal shelters individually for specific information about a particular adoptable dog or cat.
About Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando
As the go-to pet experts across Central Florida, the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando does good things for dogs and cats and the people who love them. Formerly the SPCA of Central Florida, the organization's goal is to provide compassionate and knowledgeable services for pets and to be leaders in innovative animal care and veterinary medicine. More than 10,000 homeless dogs and cats will turn to the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando for caring, compassion, and hope through its two animal shelters this year. Highly skilled veterinarians will help and heal an additional 45,000 animals through two veterinary clinics. Providing shelter for animals in crisis, disaster response efforts, and pet food pantry programs for dogs and cats in need, thousands of additional animals are helped each year. Visit www.PetAllianceOrlando.org for more information.
About Osceola County Animal Services
We operate the only animal shelter in Osceola County receiving approximately 10,000 animals each year and responding to an estimated 12,000 calls for service in the field. We have a robust adoption program, offer free rides home for licensed pets, and help owners find lost pets. We strive to provide the best care possible to sheltered animals while trying to get as many re-homed, rescued, or into foster care as possible. We would love to see the day when no adoptable animal is euthanized.
About Orange County Animal Services
Orange County Animal Services is Central Florida's largest pet rescue and adoption center. Last year, Animal Services received nearly 20,000 animals at its shelter. For more than 40 years, the agency's mission has been to protect the citizens and animals of Orange County. Its vision is to give abandoned and neglected pets a second chance to live long, healthy lives in safe, loving homes.
About Seminole County Animal Services
Seminole County Animal Services ensures the safety of its citizens by providing for the humane sheltering and disposition of stray and unwanted animals, and investigating animal bite incidents and reports of animal cruelty. With over 13,000 animal intakes last year, our agency has remained focused on promoting responsible pet ownership and animal welfare through community education and adoption programs.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sean Hawkins - (407) 418-0904
