Sumter County Animal Services

11/03/2026

Celebrating National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week! 🐾💚

Behind every adoption, every happy reunion, and every second chance is a dedicated team of people who care deeply about animals and their well-being.

This week, Sumter County Animal Services recognizes and celebrates the hardworking animal services professionals, shelter staff, animal control officers, volunteers, foster families, and rescue partners who make a difference in the lives of animals every day.

From providing compassionate care and comfort to animals in need to helping pets find loving forever homes, their work goes far beyond the shelter walls. It takes patience, dedication, teamwork, and a whole lot of heart to advocate for animals who cannot speak for themselves.

To everyone who gives their time, talent, and compassion to protect and care for animals in our community, thank you for being their voice, their helping hand, and their second chance.

Let's show our appreciation for the people who make a difference, one paw at a time!

11/02/2026

👑 Meet Queen! A mom who deserves her own fairytale ending! 👑

Queen has spent the last few months being a devoted mama to her five puppies, all of whom found loving homes through our Foster-to-Adopt program last month. After giving birth right here in our shelter shortly after being surrendered, Queen has watched her little ones move on to their next chapter. Now, it's her turn to find a family of her own! 💚

Queen's journey hasn't been an easy one, and she is still learning that the world can be a safe and loving place. Because of her past, she struggles with fear, anxiety, and stranger danger. New people can be intimidating, and she needs time, patience, and a gentle approach to feel comfortable. She is also working on her house training and leash-walking skills. Queen recently had the opportunity to experience life in a foster home. Unfortunately, the placement didn't work out, and she's back at Sumter County Animal Services, still waiting for her forever family.

But underneath those worries is a BIG personality and an even BIGGER heart! Once Queen begins to trust you, her sweet side shines. She'll greet you with the happiest bully grin, happy wiggles, and excited little whimpers. She loves treats, snacks, Kong toys, and of course, endless belly rubs!

Sumter County Animal Services is calling on the community to step up and foster Queen or participate in the Foster-to-Adopt program. This program allows potential adopters to welcome a pet into their home on a trial basis, giving everyone time to adjust and see if it's the right fit. It's a chance to learn about their personality, establish a routine, and discover how they fit into your family before making a lifelong commitment.

Queen would do best in a quiet, understanding home where she can decompress, build confidence, and learn to trust at her own pace. She may need a little extra time and patience, but earning her trust and watching her blossom will be incredibly rewarding.

If you have room in your heart for a work-in-progress with so much love to give, please contact Sumter County Animal Services at 352-689-4400 or visit us in person to learn more about Queen. Not to mention, all adoptions are free. Additionally, all animals are vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed/neutered prior to adoption.

Let's help this mama find her happily ever after!

SumterCountyFL.Gov/Foster

SumterCountyFL.Gov/Adopt

10/31/2026

🎃🐾 The Halloween fun is happening NOW at Sumter County Animal Services!

We're having a spook-tacular time with our four-legged friends, and there's still time to join us!

Bring the kids out for Tricks, Treats & Tail Wags! Enjoy trick-or-treating with our pups, coloring with kittens, dog tricks, training demonstrations, and plenty of Halloween fun!

📍 Sumter County Animal Services
819 County Road 529, Lake Panasoffkee

⏰ We're here until 1 p.m. today!

Costumes are encouraged, but please leave your personal pets at home.

Come see us, meet some adorable animals, and enjoy a little Halloween fun with the whole family! 🐶🐱🎃

10/30/2026

Don't have plans tomorrow? Join us for Tricks, treats, kittens, and tail wags! Join Sumter County Animal Services from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for some not-so-spooky Halloween fun for the kids!

10/29/2026

A new best friend could be waiting for you!

This Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, Sumter County Animal Services is encouraging our community to consider adoption when looking to add a furry friend to the family.

Shelter pets come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities, but they all have one thing in common: they deserve a loving place to call home. From energetic pups ready for adventures to sweet companions looking for a cozy spot on the couch, there’s a special pet out there for everyone!

Thinking about adopting? Here are a few ways it can make a meaningful difference:

1. ❤️ Save a Life
Adopting gives a shelter pet a second chance at life and a loving home where they can feel safe, secure, and cared for.
2. 🐾 Make Room for Another Pet
Every adoption opens up space and resources at the shelter, allowing staff to help more animals in need.
3. 🏡 Gain a Best Friend
Adoption doesn't just change an animal's life; it changes yours, too! From companionship and unconditional love to everyday adventures, a shelter pet can bring joy to your family for years to come.

This month, help us spread the love, raise awareness, and give shelter pets the happy endings they deserve! Not to mention, all adoptions at Sumter County Animal Services are free.

SumterCountyFL.Gov/Adopt

10/28/2026

Meet Bowie - your next adventure buddy! 💚🐾

Nearly 4 years old and weighing in at 54 pounds, this energetic, playful, and smart mixed-breed boy is ready to find a family to call his own. Bowie loves to roughhouse with his dog friends in playgroup, and his friendly personality has made him a favorite among his handlers at Animal Services!

Bowie has so much love to give and just needs a home, some guidance, and a family willing to help him reach his full potential. In return, you’ll get a loyal companion ready to fill your days with fun, laughter, and plenty of happy moments.

Could Bowie be the missing piece of your family? Come meet him at Animal Services during open hours this week and see for yourself!

As a reminder:
- All adoptions are FREE
- Animals are spayed/neutered prior to adoption
- Before going home, animals are vaccinated and microchipped

SumterCountyFL.Gov/Adopt

10/27/2026

Keep Your Pets Safe This Halloween!🐾🎃

Halloween can be full of fun for families, but all the costumes, doorbells, and spooky sounds can be stressful for our four-legged family members! Sumter County Animal Services encourages pet owners to take a few extra precautions to keep their pets safe this Halloween.

🐶 Keep pets secure: Frequent door openings can create opportunities for pets to escape. Keep them in a secure room away from the front door.
🍬 Keep candy out of reach: Chocolate, sugar-free candy containing xylitol, and other Halloween treats can be dangerous to pets.
🎭 Choose pet-friendly costumes: If your pet wears a costume, make sure it fits comfortably and doesn't restrict breathing, movement, or vision.
🦺 Make them visible: If you're walking your dog after dark, use a reflective leash, collar, or harness to help drivers see you.
🎆 Reduce the stress: Keep pets in a quiet, comfortable space away from loud noises and excited trick-or-treaters.
🏷️ Check their identification: Make sure your pet's collar and ID tags are current, just in case they get out.

Let's make sure every member of the family, paws included, has a safe Halloween!🧡🖤

As a reminder, Tricks, Treats, Kittens, and Tail Wags will take place this weekend! Join Sumter County Animal Services on October 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for some not-so-spooky Halloween festivities, including trick-or-treating with our pups, coloring with kittens, and more! The free event will take place at Sumter County Animal Services, 819 County Road 529, Lake Panasoffkee. We hope to see you there.

10/27/2026

We hope to see you this weekend! 🎃

Mark your calendars! Tricks, treats, kittens, and tail wags! Join Sumter County Animal Services October 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for some not-so-spooky Halloween fun for the kids!

10/21/2026

A furever friend is waiting for you! 🐾🐶

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and there’s no better time to discover the love, laughter, and companionship a shelter dog can bring into your life!

At Sumter County Animal Services, our dogs are waiting for someone to see their potential, share their home, and give them the chance they deserve. From energetic adventure buddies to laid-back cuddle companions, every dog has a unique personality and so much love to give. Shyanne is one of many dogs patiently waiting for a fresh start.

Adoption is more than bringing home a pet. It’s making a promise to love, protect, and care for a furry friend for years to come. And the best part? You might walk in looking for a dog and walk out with a family member.

This month, consider choosing adoption and giving a shelter dog the happy ending they’ve been waiting for!

Visit Sumter County Animal Services during open hours this week to meet our adoptable dogs and find your perfect match. Not to mention, all animal adoptions are FREE!

SumterCountyFL.Gov/Adopt