Kids Invited to Meet Santa at Hillsborough County Animal Shelter

Santa sees everything, and shelter pets are always on his nice list.  Hillsborough County Animal Services will host Santa Claus during the department's annual donation drive to benefit needy paws.

On Saturday, Dec. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon, kids of all ages are invited to meet Santa for the Wishes Fill Dishes event at thevshelter located at 440 N. Falkenburg Road, Tampa.  

Animal lovers are asked to help "fill dishes" by bringing pet food or other items forvthe Animal Angel Giving Tree, and the shelter's wish list online at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices/.

During the free holiday event, Santa will hear children's wishes, award goodies and pose for keepsake photos with visitors and shelter pets.  Proceeds from the suggested photo donation will benefit the department’s medical fund for sick/injured animals rescued fromvcruelty. Photos with Santa will be free to anyone adopting a pet during the event.  

The Wishes Fill Dishes event also will encourage responsible pet ownership. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help prospective pet adopters make informed choices that place animals in forever-homes for the holidays -- and beyond.  

Hillsborough County Animal Services has hundreds of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens waiting for their second chance. County adoptable animals are also a great value—they come complete with spay/neuter surgery, micro-chipping, vaccinations and Hillsborough County pet registration tags.

For more information on pet adoption, animal welfare, the Animal Angel Giving Tree or Santa's Wishes Fill Dishes holiday event, call Hillsborough County Animal Services at 813-744-5660 or log on www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices/.