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Orange County Animal Services saved 7,191 cats during the 12 months ending in September 2025, according to a nationwide study by cat-care brand KittySpout.com. That placed the shelter among the top 1% in the country and meant it saved about one cat every hour and 13 minutes.
New Data: Orange County Animal Services saves more cats than 99% of U.S. shelters
Orange County Animal Services saved 7,191 cats during the 12 months ending in September 2025, according to a nationwide study by cat-care brand KittySpout. That placed the shelter among the top 1% in the country and represented approximately one cat saved every hour and 13 minutes. more
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With more than 350 dogs and cats in its care, Orange County Animal Services is launching a summer adoption campaign to help more pets find permanent homes. Adoption fees have been reduced through August, with an even bigger discount available during a special one-day event on July 12.
Orange County Animal Services launches summer adoption promotion as shelter tops 350 pets
With more than 350 dogs and cats in its care, Orange County Animal Services is launching a summer adoption campaign to help more pets find permanent homes. Adoption fees have been reduced through August, with an even bigger discount available during a special one-day event on July 12. more
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Already this year, Orange County Animal Services has responded to multiple incidents involving pets left inside parked vehicles. While some situations ended safely, others placed animals in life-threatening conditions.
Orange County Animal Services warns of deadly dangers for pets left in hot cars
As summer temperatures climb across Central Florida, Orange County Animal Services is urging residents to never leave pets unattended inside parked vehicles. Officials say temperatures inside cars can rise rapidly, creating dangerous and potentially fatal conditions for animals in just minutes. more
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Orange County hosting free pet vaccination and microchipping events in April
Orange County Animal Services will host two free events in April offering vaccinations and microchipping for cats and dogs. The ARM Your Pet program aims to promote pet health and help owners meet state vaccination requirements. more
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Orange County strengthens animal welfare ordinance with tougher pet sale, microchip and safety rules
Orange County has approved sweeping updates to its animal welfare ordinance, marking the most significant overhaul in more than two decades. The changes include stricter pet sale requirements, mandatory microchipping, updated dangerous dog regulations, and expanded protections to improve animal safety and reunification rates. more
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Orange County proposes major animal welfare reforms to strengthen pet protection laws
Orange County Animal Services has unveiled a comprehensive set of updates to Chapter 5 of the county’s Code of Ordinances aimed at improving animal welfare and public safety. The revisions include stricter pet sale standards, expanded protections for stray and community animals, and tougher rules for dangerous dogs. more
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Orange County urges pet adoptions as work begins on state’s largest animal shelter
Orange County Animal Services is calling on residents to adopt or foster as the shelter faces a slowdown in adoptions and longer pet stays. At the same time, the county has approved construction of a new $49 million, 123,000-square-foot facility — the largest in Florida — to better serve the region’s animals and residents by 2027. more
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Furball 2025: A night of elegance and compassion for Central Florida’s pets
Join Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando for the 33rd Annual Sherry Chappell Cooper Foundation Furball Gala on Saturday, November 8, at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando — an unforgettable evening of fine dining, dancing, cuddly companions, and community spirit. more
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Orange County Animal Services slashes adoption fees and extends hours for one-day event
Orange County Animal Services will reduce adoption fees to $8 and extend hours this Friday, August 8, to help alleviate overcrowding. The shelter hopes the event encourages more residents to adopt and give animals the homes they deserve. more
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Scaring neighbors and causing community tension: Study uncovers cost of invasive chameleons 
A UF/IFAS study reveals that invasive panther chameleons in a Central Florida neighborhood are causing more human tension than ecological harm, as nighttime collectors spark fear and confusion among residents. more
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Trusted Dog Walking Services Offering Reliable Pet Care Solutions
If you want peace of mind and a happy, healthy pup, the right care matters. Keep reading to see how these services make life easier for you and better for your dog. more
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Orange County agencies urge residents never to leave children or pets in hot cars
Orange County Animal Services and Orange County Fire Rescue are teaming up to warn residents about the deadly risks of leaving children or pets in parked cars. Even brief stops can turn life-threatening as vehicle interiors heat up rapidly. more
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Trooper’s Law: New Florida measure puts teeth in protecting pets during hurricanes
Trooper’s Law makes it a felony in Florida to abandon or restrain pets during hurricanes and other official emergencies, with penalties of up to five years in prison. Local shelters, including Orange County Animal Services and Apopka’s Candy’s Cats, urge pet owners to explore every option to keep animals safe before considering surrender. more
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​​As USDA halts animal imports, UF experts explain New World screwworm risk​
The threat is most serious to states with warm climates and abundant animal populations, such as Florida. more
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Adult blue tang fish swimming in captivity at the UF/IFAS Tropical Aquaculture Lab.
UF/IFAS's pet fish breeding research is saving reefs, creating Florida jobs
Currently, most marine ornamental fish are caught from sensitive coral reefs, resulting in unknown impacts on the ecosystems of those reefs. more
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A lifetime of dedication to animal welfare
The award recognizes individuals who have spent a minimum of 20 years making consistent contributions to improving animal welfare and protection and advancing the animal control profession within the State of Florida. more
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At UF/IFAS Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory this temperature-controlled experimental system is used to determine cold tolerance for estimating potential spread of non-natives. This is an important tool for risk assessments.
Behind the scenes: How UF/IFAS risk assessments sustain Florida’s $191M aquaculture industry
In 2022, the state’s tropical fish sales alone totaled $62.4 million, with many other species adding to the industry's $191 million total impact, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences more
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Where do invasive species spread and why? Researchers take a novel approach to find the answer
Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences took a deep dive to understand why certain locations are more susceptible and attractive to invasions by non-native plants or animals. more
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Protect Your Pet: Orange County offers free rabies vaccines and microchipping
The average cost of microchips and vaccinations for rabies is approximately $90 for pet owners. Orange County Animal Services wants to assist residents by providing free access to these services. more
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Orange County Animal Services: 89% of animals adopted in 2024
The report comprehensively examines the shelter’s accomplishments and community support in the past year. Most notably, OCAS achieved a 91% live release rate for dogs and 88% for cats, contributing to an overall live release rate of 89%. more
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Pet owners, too, are starting to become concerned about the side effects of vaccines. Noah Seelam/AFP via Getty Images
Vaccine hesitancy among pet owners is growing – a public health expert explains why that matters
Vaccines also provide essential protections for our nonhuman companions, including the most common pets: dogs and cats. more
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Orange County Animal Services announces 11th Annual Barktoberfest
Various rescue groups from Florida will be present, and several different breeds, ages, and sizes of pets will be available for adoption. more
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Christina is a pet at Orange County Animal Services.
Orange County Animal Services caring for deceased owners’ dogs
Orange County Animal Services is taking this opportunity to remind pet owners of the importance of arranging backup caretakers. more
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The Impact of Spaying and Neutering on Pet Health and Behavior
Understanding the broader implications of spaying and neutering can help pet owners make informed decisions about their pet's well-being. more
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How to Get Your House Pet-Ready
Creating a pet-friendly environment involves making your house comfortable, secure, and easy to clean while ensuring your furry (or feathered) friend has everything they need. Here’s a guide on how to get your house pet-ready. more
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