Orange County Animal Services is a public, open-admission shelter that accepts any domestic animal in need
County CommissionerBryan Nelson
Orange County Animal Services recently received the award for “Outstanding Agency of the Year” by The Florida Animal Control Association due to the hard work of Animal Services Division Manager Dil Luther and his dedicated team.
“Citizens of Orange County should be proud of the good job Animal Services does for citizens and pets in Orange County” states Orange County Commissioner Bryan Nelson.
Orange County Animal Services shelters over 23,000 animals annually making them one of the largest pet and rescue centers in Florida. This is in conjunction to answering to about 65,000 calls annually. Services include but are not limited to” pet adoptions, community outreach, microchipping, responsible pet owner classes, a pet pantry, pet foster care, and lost and found pets.
Orange County Animal Services does not handle issues with Nuisance Wildlife. Nuisance Wildlife refers to opossums, raccoons, snakes and alligators, but is not limited to just those species. Nuisance Wildlife issues are handled by private trappers. As a public service the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission maintains a list of trappers here.
Orange County Animal Services Pet Adoption Program
The pet adoption program is fairly easy and is offered on a first come, first served basis. Orange County Animal Services is currently waiving adoption fees for Veterans and for adopting senior pets.
Cat adoptions are BOGO in 2016.
Fees are $55 for dogs and $40 for cats and include the following
Initial vaccinations
Microchip identification
First deworming
Heartworm check (dogs over 6 months old)
Feline leukemia and FIV test (cats)
Rabies vaccination and tag
Adoption Welcome Kit
Orange County Animal Services Investigates Animal Cruelty Reports
Nearly 3,500 reports of animal cruelty are received each year.
Animal Services encourages pet owners to prevent their animals from living in inhumane conditions. Dogs should not be chained. If a dog is found living in inhumane conditions the owner will be fined $265.
Anonymous tips can be reported to Crimeline and anyone who reports may be eligible for a cash reward up to $1,000.
Leaving pets in hot cars can lead to the death of your pet and civil or criminal charges will be filed against the owner.
Residents are encouraged to call and report the following:
Animal abuse and neglect
Loose and nuisance cats and dogs
Injured animals
Animal bites and attacks
Abandoned pets
Orange County Animal Services Pet Food Pantry
Orange County Animal Services offers a pet food pantry for owners who are struggling short-term to provide for their pets. This service is offered once a month and food depends on how much has been donated.
Orange County Animal Services partners with various organizations in the community to ensure dogs are rescued and cared for properly. Some of these partners include 60 rescue shelters that shelter dogs or cats until they find a safe home for them.
“Ten percent of our incoming shelter dogs have heartworm disease, with treatment cost tending to deter prospective families from adoption,” said Dil Luther, OCAS Division Manager. “Our partnership with Healing Hearts is essential for combating this epidemic and increasing adoptions. We hope the community supports the success of this truly outstanding program.”
LoveyLoaves is offering free treatment services that usually range in price from at least $300-$600 for select dogs in Orange County Animal Service’s care.
Orange County Animal Services Trap-Neuter-Return Program
Animal Services offers a Trap-Neuter-Return program for feral cats populating local neighborhoods. Animal Services also works with CARE Feline TNR, Inc. that offers spay and neuter services along with free vaccinations for feral cats. A “feral” animal hasn’t been domesticated to live with people or isn’t socialized to humans. The TNR programs allow residents to care for neighborhood cats without euthanizing as well as manage the cat population. If there is a cat that isn’t a nuisance but needs to be sterilized and vaccinated contact Animal Services at 407-836-3111.
Orange County Animal Services Pet Foster Care Program
Through this program anyone living or working in Orange County is able to foster an injured, sick, or young kitten or puppy until it they are ready for adoption. This is especially for someone who can’t have an animal full-time but still wants to care for animals.
To learn more about available services through Orange County Animal Services, make pet food donations, volunteer, find a rescue shelter, adopt a pet, and receive tips on how to care for a newly adopted pet please visit http://www.orangecountyfl.net/AnimalsPets.aspx or call 407-836-3111
Like Orange County Animal Services on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/orangecountyanimalservices
To report animal abuse contact Crimeline at (800) 423-TIPS or visit www.crimelineline.org
