Hillsborough County

May 05, 2024

Newsroom

Are you on the fence about getting a dog or cat? Maybe you want a pet but you're unsure how it would fit in with your family or work schedule. A pawdition - an adoption trial period - may be the perfect option for you. The Pet Resource Center (PRC) makes the process easy. More importantly, pawditions can make a world of difference to you and the pet you welcome into your home.

What is a pawdition?A pawdition is an adoption trial period where potential adopters test out a dog or cat to see if it's the right fit for their family. The pawditioning pet stays with potential adopters for about a week or two while it auditions for its forever-home. During that time, the pet settles in and gets a taste of life outside the kennel. If the dog or cat is a good fit, it can be permanently adopted.

Should things not go smoothly (perhaps a dog isn't adjusting to life with the family cat), the Pet Resource Center will welcome the animal's return at any point. Pets may be brought back to the PRC for any reason, even if it's only been an hour or day into the pawdition.

What are the benefits of a pawdition?Pawditions are a convenient way for future pet owners to "test drive" having a cat or dog. The trial run allows one to get to know the pet's personality. It also gives potential adopters an idea of what day-to-day life is like caring for and living with a pet.

Even if you return your pet to the PRC, pawditioning is a simple way to make a positive difference in the life of an animal. Your pawdition pet benefits by getting time away from the shelter and experiencing a loving home environment. This is important since shelter life can be stressful for some animals, causing them to become anxious or depressed if they spend too much time in a kennel.

By participating in the Pawdition Program, you are providing a dog or cat with much-needed human attention, social interaction, and more space. There are significant emotional and mental benefits for animals that get a break from the shelter, even if it's only for a day.

How long is a pawdition?The pawdition period is for a maximum of two weeks. If, during your pawdition, you decide that you want to keep the pet, you can make the adoption official. Simply call or email the Pet Resource Center and complete the process. There is no need to go back to the center in person. Also, the adoption fee will be waived.

Should things not go smoothly, simply contact the Pet Resource Center so that you can schedule an early return appointment. Pets may be brought back to the PRC for any reason, even if it's only been an hour or day into the pawdition.

What pets are available for pawdition?Any cat or dog that is listed as Ready-to-Go on the Pet Resource Center's Online Kennel can be pawditioned. This includes kittens.

Who can participate in the Pawdition Program?Participants must be at least 18 years or older to take part in the Pawdition Program.

I want to adopt my pawdition pet! Do I need to return to the Pet Resource Center to finalize the adoption?You do not need to return to the Pet Resource Center to adopt your new best friend! Your pet adoption can be finalized over the phone or by email. Also, the adoption fee will be waived.

How do I start the pawdition process?The pawdition process is simple and doesn't take much time. It begins by looking at the Pet Resource Center's Online Kennel. Once you find a few animals that you like, call (813) 301-7387 or email [email protected] to set up a meet-and-greet.

If you are interested in a dog pawdition and already have one, you are welcome to bring your current pup along to see how it interacts with a potential pawdition dog. If the meet-and-greet is a success, you will need to present a photo ID and complete a few short forms. After that, you can head home with your new best friend.

What do I need for a pawdition pet?Below are items you will either need or may find helpful to have:

Pawditions can be an enriching and heartwarming experience. If you are looking for a way to bring extra joy into your home and rescue a dog or cat, consider a pawdition through the Pet Resource Center. For more information, contact the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center at (813) 301-7387 or [email protected].