Commissioner's Corner: How Animal Services helps

America’s pet population is growing. According to the Humane Society of the United States, pet ownership in this country has more than tripled since the 1970s and an estimated 6 to 8 million pets each year enter shelters. Orange County Animal Services takes in over 23,000 animals annually, or around 53 per day. Bolt’s story is typical of the many animals the county holds in its shelter. Bolt is friendly, healthy, 29 pound, 7-year-old black-and-white male dog. As of press time, he has been awaiting a new owner for 11 days. If all goes well, Bolt will be adopted by a great local family. Adoptions are but one of Orange County Animal Services’ functions. This organization is tasked with helping animals, protecting citizens, and enforcing the Orange County Animal Services Ordinance.

One of Animal Services primary jobs is to match prospective adopters with a suitable pet like Bolt from our shelter. At any given time, several hundred pets are available to the public on a first come, first served basis. These prospective pets have been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, screened for diseases, and have had microchip identification implanted. Adoption fees are typically $55 for dogs and $40 for cats. Animal Services frequently holds off-site adoption events in many communities around the county. Please contact Animal Services for a list of adoption events taking place near you.

Animal Services aids county residents by offering a low-cost spay and neuter service. Spaying or neutering your pets will help your pet in living a longer, healthier life, decrease the risk of certain long-term health problems, and lead to calmer, more affectionate behavior. Spaying and neutering also prevents the problems associated with pet overpopulation, including increased animal-related property damage, strain on pet shelter capacity, and increased animal attacks. Prices for this service range from $10 to $20 dollars for cats and $15 to $25 dollars for dogs. Animal Services operates a mobile spay and neuter clinic that routinely provides this service in various communities across Orange County. Please check the Animal Services website or call 407-836-3111 for mobile spay and neuter clinic times and locations near you. Medicaid recipients and others may qualify to receive this service free of charge.

Animal Services can implant your pet with microchip identification. Implanting a microchip in your pet is the most successful tool in reuniting you with your lost animal. The microchips are placed in your pets’ shoulder blades and contain your identifying information should your pet get lost. The Animal Services clinic at 2769 Conroy Road can implant these devices every weekday from 1 to 5:30 p.m. for a nominal fee of $15. No appointment is necessary.

Several large pet-related events will be taking place later this month. If you live in east Orange County, I hope you will join me for a Pet Day at the Bithlo Community Center on Saturday, May 30. The Bithlo Community Center is located at 18501 Washington Ave. Local residents will have access to pet-related services including the mobile spay and neuter clinic, pet food pantry, pet microchipping, fun activities, and much more. Be sure to like my Facebook page at http://on.fb.me/1FrR7VM for more information on this event. In addition, Orange County Animal Services will be hosting their second annual “Hot Dogs, Cool Cats” adoption event at its facility at 2769 Conroy Road. This event will also be taking place on Saturday, May 30. All cat and dog adoption fees will be reduced to $15 and will include spaying or neutering of the animal, vaccinations, and microchip implantation. The shelter will extend its operating hours that day and will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Animal Services works every day to ensure the well-being of Orange County’s pets. If you are looking for a great lifelong companion animal like Bolt, please be sure to visit Orange County Animal Services’ shelter or view an online listing of available pets at ocnetpets.com. If you have any questions about Orange County Animal Services or any other county issue, please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff, Edgar Robinson and Lynette Rummel. They can be reached at 407-836-7350 or by email and [email protected].

See you at the Bithlo Community Center for Pet Day on May 30!