If you’re looking for companionship, cuddles, or just a bit of extra cuteness in your life, there are furry friends across the Tampa Bay area who need your help. Here are five TBAY animal shelters to check out, and a few adoptable pets along the way.
Editor’s note: We cannot guarantee included animals are still available for adoption.
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay, 3607 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa
Embrace HSTB’s core values of commitment, compassion, and community as you find your perfect dog, cat, rabbit, or other pocket pet. Folks age 65 and older can currently get 50% off adoption fees.
The Humane Society of Pinellas, 3040 State Rd. 590, Clearwater
Helping animals in the area since 1949, a visit here could land a dog, cat, or smaller animal a permanent place to call home, with foster options available too. Hang out with adoptable pups at the upcoming 13th Annual Happy Tails event.
![A one-eyed cat looks at the camera. Its white whiskers contrast the brownish stripes across its body, and its ears are sticking up](https://6amcity.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/77220c5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1144x644+0+142/resize/1000x563!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk1-prod-sixam-city.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F9d%2Fba%2F40868bea4f3794b305ea9e9f9290%2Fscreenshot-2024-03-06-at-2-23-57-pm.png)
Shelters across Tampa Bay are full of animals in search of a home.
Photo by the Humane Society of Tampa Bay
SPCA Tampa Bay, 9099 130th Ave. N., Largo
Adopt cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, and more at the storied nonprofit which helps ~8,000 animals per year. The Pockets of Gold adoption event runs through St. Patrick’s Day — Sunday, March 17 — and waives fees on select pets.
- Ellie | Boxer | 12-year-old female
- Santiago | Rex rabbit | 4-year-old male
- Pigeon | Pigeon | 1-year-old
Cats and Caffeine, 4033 Henderson Blvd., Tampa
Hang out with adoptable cats + kittens in Instagrammable surroundings, while getting a coffee and a sweet treat. Keep an eye out for yoga and Pilates events. Heads up: Visits are by appointment only.
![A cat is smelling an ice coffee in a glass with "Cats and Caffeine" written on it. There is pink writing and a pink wall inside the cafe, with the greyish-yellow cat seeming yo be a kitten.](https://6amcity.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ad38cb6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/944x531+0+257/resize/1000x563!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk1-prod-sixam-city.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F90%2F2b%2F548ecd8f492d8df7e3d24de05750%2Fscreenshot-2024-03-06-at-8-16-25-am.png)
A purrr-fect cup of coffee.
Photo by Cats and Caffeine
Friends of Strays, 2911 47th Ave. N., St. Petersburg
Thousands of cats and dogs pass through this shelter each year. Pro tip: Go on a Doggy Day Out with an adoptable pup by taking a hike, heading to the beach, or simply taking a nap together to see if your personalities match.
Reach out to each organization individually to find out about specific requirements + application processes.