78 Animals Adopted During 'Empty the Shelter' Event

The holidays went to the dogs—and the cats— this year. Pasco County Animal Services hosted its first-ever Empty the Shelter event on Dec. 22, and the response from the community was overwhelming.

"You won't believe it! We had 78 adoptions," animal services education coordinator Judy Gregory said.

The shelter opened at noon for the event, and there were lines already wrapped around the adoption center, Gregory said. People began lining up at 9:30 a.m. for their free pets.

Since taking her position in July, Gregory said the most animals adopted out on a "good Saturday" was 12.

During the Empty the Shelter event, which was designed to support the shelter's plan to save 90 percent of the animals that come under its care, the parking lots overflowed with people hoping to bring home a new family member.

"The staff worked so hard, the citizens were happy and excited and our volunteers did a wonderful job," Gregory said.

The event included a visit from Santa and an elf who took photos, she said.

"Christmas came early to PCAS."

For more information on adopting an animal, visit animal services online.

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