08/07/2026
To continue providing the highest level of care for animals while responsibly managing shelter operations, Sumter County Animal Services has implemented several operational updates designed to improve animal health, support successful adoptions, and ensure staff have dedicated time to provide essential veterinary and daily care.
As animal populations fluctuate throughout the year, these adjustments allow staff to better meet the needs of every animal entering the shelter while maintaining safe and efficient operations.
Updated Public Hours:
Effective Sunday, August 9, 2026, the shelter's public hours will be:
• Monday & Friday: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Saturday & Sunday: Noon – 6:00 p.m.
• Closed to the Public: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Although the shelter will be closed to public visits on Tuesdays through Thursdays, staff will remain onsite caring for animals, performing medical evaluations and treatments, coordinating surgeries, completing vaccinations and preventative care, conducting behavioral assessments, preparing animals for adoption, and maintaining daily shelter operations.
In addition to the updated public hours, Animal Services has implemented operational procedures that help balance animal intake with available shelter capacity. These include scheduling owner surrenders further in advance, expanding appointment-based services for certain non-emergency intakes, and managing daily admissions based on available space and resources. These practices help ensure every animal admitted to the shelter receives the care, attention, and housing it deserves.
"These operational changes allow our team to dedicate more uninterrupted time to the health and well-being of the animals in our care," said Stephen Kennedy, Assistant County Administrator. "Our goal is to provide every animal with quality medical care, enrichment, and the best opportunity for a successful adoption while continuing to serve our community responsibly."
Residents looking to adopt a pet, reclaim a lost animal, or utilize Animal Services are encouraged to visit during the updated public hours. Those needing to surrender a pet or request certain shelter services may be asked to schedule an appointment to ensure staff can provide the appropriate level of care and assistance.
The community plays an important role in supporting Sumter County Animal Services and the animals in its care. Residents can make a meaningful difference by adopting a pet, opening their homes as foster families, or volunteering their time to care for and socialize shelter animals. Every adoption, foster home, and volunteer helps create space, provides valuable enrichment, and gives more animals the opportunity to find a loving forever home.
Sumter County Animal Services appreciates the community's understanding and continued support as these improvements are implemented to better serve both the animals and the residents of Sumter County.
For additional information about available pets, free adoption services, or shelter operations, please visit www.sumtercountyfl.gov/animals or call (352) 689-4400.
