It’s not something that you would think would happen very often, but surprisingly enough, it happens more than you would think.
People show up at Pasco County Animal Services Department ready to adopt a pet, but forget to bring a leash or carrier to take home their new dog or cat.
And, when they forget the pet supplies, it can be problematic, said Animal Services Manager Mike Shumate.
Getting a pit bull from the shelter into a parked car, for instance, can go awry, if the dog decides to bolt, he said.
“We want convenience for our customers when they walk out the door,” Shumate said.
Pasco County commissioners voted on Dec. 1 to allow the agency to sell pet adoption supplies and promotional items to support the agency’s services, and its animal shelter at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes.
Items for sale will include collars, harnesses, leashes, carriers, crates and training items. The supplies are expected to arrive at the shelter by January.
People adopted 699 cats and 1,499 dogs from the agency in fiscal year 2015.
To help encourage more adoptions, the agency is offering special deals through December. The fee for a dog older than eight months is $20; for a cat of any age, it’s $10.
All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines.
In addition to adding adoption supplies, the board also gave the agency permission to sells promotional products with embossed logos including T-shirts, cups, mugs, magnets and bumper stickers.
Those products are already available, Shumate said. The T-shirt in particular is popular, he said.
“We’re not looking at making any profit,” Shumate said. “We’re not in competition with local pet stores or veterinarians.”
The sales prices will be scaled to cover purchasing and handling costs to the county.
The pet adoption supplies are focused solely on providing the transition from shelter to new home.
The promotional items will help market the agency and its logo, Shumate said.
“It’s something people are going to recognize and know more about,” he said.
To adopt from Pasco County Animal Services, visit the shelter at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes. Or, for information, email .
Published December 9, 2015
