Animal Services to Host Pet Adopt-A-Thon, Egg Hunt

What do local vendors, animal rescue groups and the Easter Bunny all have in common? 

They all have an invitation to join the party. It's The  HOP Adopt-a-Thon and Egg Hunt at Hillsborough County Animal Services, scheduled April 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 440 N. Falkenburg Road, Tampa.

"HOP," an acronym for  Help Our Pets, will feature more than 30 of the county's adoption partners joining Animal Services for a day of games, prizes, humane education and volunteer/foster opportunities. 

Participating rescue groups will showcase a variety of adoptables from beagles and bassets to basenjis, bunnies to boxers, Siberian huskies to Siamese cats, English bulldogs, Australian shepherds,  Dalmatians, Dachshunds, Labradors, lap cats and many more in a festive open-air setting.

The HOP offers an egg hunt for kids at 11 a.m. and a treat hunt for shelter residents, courtesy of DogGoody.Com.   

Hop in to meet Petco's Red Ruff and  Blue Mew, or seek advice from the professionals at the Ask-the-Vet/Ask-the Trainer stations. Learn important and fascinating information about pets -- including rabbits -- to avoid impulse decisions and help make the best adoption choice for your lifestyle.

Hop over and tour the county kennels --  teaming with happy tails, special pricing on adult cats and discounts for seniors age 62 and up who adopt. Pets will come spayed/neutered, vaccinated, micro-chipped and licensed in Hillsborough County.   

Prospective adopters must be at least 18 years of age, should bring current photo ID, proof of address, and renters' permission, if applicable.

 In addition, vendors will offer concessions, pet products, spay/neuter information and photo opportunities with spring's biggest celebrity, the Easter Bunny. 

Admission to The HOP is free, but medical fund donations and canned pet food donations will be accepted. 

The shelter will be open for normal operations during this special event, and overflow parking will be available nearby. For safety, please leave owned pets at home during this event.  

For more information, contact Hillsborough County Animal Services at 813 -744-5660 or www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices .