What We Do

Shelter Services

Our shelter provides a safe place for animals in need. We care for pets until they find their forever homes, ensuring they are healthy, spayed/neutered, and ready for adoption. Appointments are available to meet pets between 1 PM and 4 PM daily (except Wednesday), with walk-ins welcome between 11 AM and 4 PM.

Pet Surrender

If you need to rehome your pet, please call us to schedule an appointment. We are a limited intake shelter, and wait times may apply.

Call (352) 796-2711

Pet Pantry

Our Pet Pantry provides free food to residents of Hernando County who are struggling to feed their pets. Supplies are limited, and food is given on a first-come, first-served basis. Donations of pet food are always welcome to help keep our pantry stocked.

The Little Pet Pantry is located just outside of our main gate on the Mobley Road side of the property. Should you find the Pantry empty and it is during business hours, please come inside to see if we have additional supplies.

Lost & Found

Have you lost a pet?

Check our lost and found services, and we’ll help you reconnect with your beloved animal. We also work with the local community to reunite lost pets with their families.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do pets come from?

HSNC receives animals from individuals who are no longer able to care for their pets and from other shelters that lack placement resources in their area. We do not accept strays per Hernando County Ordinance.

Do the pets in the adoption center have a time limit?

There is no time limit for how long an animal stays in our adoption centers. On average, most cats are in new homes within 14 days from intake to adoption. For dogs, it’s about 21 days.

How do I meet a pet I am interested in adopting?

You are welcome to visit the shelter anytime during adoption business hours to meet a pet you’re interested in adopting. Once at the shelter, staff and
volunteers are available to assist you. All household/family members should interact with the pet before the adoption is finalized to ensure the pet is compatible with everyone.

Is there an adoption application to fill out?

We use an interview process to ensure that each animal adopted will be matched with a compatible new owner. While there is no application form to complete before your visit, there is a post-adoption application and adoption contract to fill out, which will document basic information we will want to know regarding the care and home environment you promise to provide for your new pet.

How long will the adoption process take?

Plan to allow one to two hours to complete the adoption process. It may take longer depending on how many pets you wish to meet, your previous experience with pet care, and the number of other visitors at the shelter. Peak days for visitor traffic are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, so please allow extra time if you plan to visit on those days.

Adoptions can be processed up to 30 minutes before closing time. If you wish to adopt and it’s less than 30 minutes before closing, we will not be able to complete the adoption process in that short period of time. Please allow time to finalize the adoption the following day during adoption business hours.

Why do you charge an adoption fee and what does it cover?

On average we spend $250-$350 per dog or cat for food, medical care, and testing. This also includes spaying and neutering and our costs for operations (utilities, supplies, insurance, etc.).

Our adoption fees only cover a small percentage of our cost compared to what we invest in each animal. All adopted dogs and cats are spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccinations, microchipped, and are current on heartworm and flea preventatives.

Adoption fees are according to an animals age and can vary.

What if I need more time to decide? Can I place a pet on hold?

Unfortunately, we do not allow for holds or deposits to be placed on animals. Pet adoption fees are considered donations and are non-refundable. All adoptions must be processed in person.

Can I bring my current pets to meet a pet I am considering adopting?

We encourage pet introductions at the time of finalizing the adoption process. If you are interested in a pet, please see a staff member. Staff will schedule a date and time to perform a “meet and greet”. We have also found that a properly staged introduction outside of the shelter increases the chance of a positive introduction outcome. Adopters are provided step by step instructions on how to introduce their new pet to resident pets.

What if my new pet doesn’t work out?

Both you and your new pet will need time to get better acquainted and to adjust to the new environment. For some pets, the transition is quick and easy. For others, more time and patience may be required for the new pet to adjust to their new home, to feel safe, and to learn where they fit in the hierarchy of the their new family. HSNC offers a 6-week adjustment period within which you can evaluate the pet’s progress and your adoption decision. If you should determine you and the pet are not compatible, you may return the pet to HSNC. All adoption fees are considered a donation and are non-refundable. All returns are scheduled through a staff member on an appointment basis. Returns are not accepted on a walk-in basis due to limited spacing at the shelter.

What if my new pet gets sick?

Once your adoption is finalized, you will be solely responsible for your new pet. This includes all medical bills, special dietary needs and/or medications as well as all decisions regarding the health and welfare of your pet. This notice of responsibility is stated in the adoption application and the adoption contract.

What if I can no longer care for my adopted pet?

If at anytime you can no longer care for your adopted pet — and cannot find a suitable new home — we ask that you return the pet to HSNC. All adoption fees are considered a donation and are non-refundable. All returns are scheduled through a staff member on an appointment basis. Returns are not accepted on a walk-in basis due to limited spacing at the shelter.