Citrus County Animal Services
Our Mission
Animal Services provides a safe, comfortable, and humane environment for all animals in our care. We promote adoptions, responsible pet ownership, and community involvement while working towards reducing pet overpopulation in our community. We strive to reunite lost pets with their owners, determine the most appropriate outcome for animals in our care, provide veterinary forensic evidence, and maintain evidence for cruelty cases. Animal Services is also responsible for protecting people and pets in our community from health-related issues and ensure the public’s safety.
Adoption Policy
Interested in adopting a new family member? We are here to help you find the one for you!
When you come to the shelter please bring your photo Identification and an open mind and heart. Our amazing staff and volunteers will work with you throughout your visit to help find the right companion for you.
*Please note, Adoptions are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE.
When you have decided on the one (or two!) that you would like to add to your family you have two options:
Adopt! If you choose to adopt, this means that the new addition is legally yours and you can take them home for endless snuggles and playtime without ever needing to come back to the shelter.
Slumber Party foster: This option allows you to take home the dog or cat for two weeks without a formal adoption commitment. At the end of the two weeks (or before) you can choose to finalize the adoption or return the pet. Slumber Party is a great way to learn more about the pet and ensure they are the perfect fit for you. For example, you might think you want the energetic running partner and then decide you are more of a Netflix and snuggle pet owner.
What if I want to adopt a pet that is still on stray hold?
We are dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their owners, and therefore we honor legal stray holds of 3-5 business days to allow owners to reclaim their pets. If an animal is currently on a stray hold, an adopter may choose to put their name on the wait-list for the animal by calling the shelter at 352-746-8400. If the owner does not come forward when the animal’s stray hold ends, the first person on the wait-list will be given first opportunity to choose to adopt or pass. If the first person passes or is not present at the designated day and time then the second person will be given the opportunity. If no one on the wait-list decides to adopt the day the animal made available for adoption, then the pet will be placed as available for general adoption on a first come-first served basis.
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day hours Monday Closed Tuesday 10am -5pm (Closed 1-2pm) Wednesday 10am -5pm (Closed 1-2pm) Thursday 10am -7pm (Closed 1-2pm) Friday 10am -5pm (Closed 1-2pm) Saturday 10am -5pm (Closed 1-2pm) Sunday Closed
