Adoption Prices, Process Outlined for Seized Dogs In Hillsborough

The HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — On Wednesday, the Hillsborough County Commission approved a special pricing structure for the hundreds of dogs recently seized from a local puppy breeder.

Fees are set at $450 for puppies under 6 months old, and $300 for all other dogs that are part of this group. In an effort to find the dogs local homes, Hillsborough County residents will receive a $50 discount.

Related stories:

• Animal Shelter Grapples With County's Largest Dog Seizure
• 352 Seized Dogs Found In 'Deplorable' Conditions, Officials Say

Prices were purposefully set higher than normal to discourage the possibility the dogs could be adopted and quickly resold for a profit. The adoption contract also prohibits the dogs from being sold for at least three years. All dogs will be microchipped, vaccinated, registered and spayed or neutered.

About 350 dogs were seized from the breeder on Sept. 23. Dogs with serious medical needs, nursing mothers and very young puppies will be given to animal rescue groups at no charge. An estimated 250 dogs will be available for adoption by the general public.

Here are additional details and a timeline on the adoption process:

Application Day Sunday, Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Anyone wanting to adopt a dog must apply in person at All People’s Life Center, 6105 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa. All applications will have an equal chance of success; there is no advantage to arriving early or being first in line. Anyone in line at 5 p.m. will be allowed to complete their application. Applicants should bring current a ID.

Rules: One application per household. Applications will be screened to ensure residents are not on the Animal Abuser Registry or the county’s enjoined list, which prohibits them from owning pets, and that they do not have any current pet citations. Applicants will be given information detailing possible social or medical issues sometimes associated with rescue dogs.

Selection Day to be announced

Applicants will be selected in a random drawing later in the week. In the interest of transparency, the drawing will be open to the media and streamed live online. Those selected will be notified by email.

Adoption Day Sunday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dogs will be selected, paid for and picked up at All People’s Life Center, 6105 E. Sligh Ave. Small groups of people at a time will select their dogs. Successful applicants will have been given an estimated time to arrive at the center to select their dog. The person picking up the dog must be the same person who applied to adopt the dog; IDs will be checked.