Anonymous donor pays for 100 pet adoptions in Tampa

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An influx of cats put the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center above capacity this week, but an anonymous donor stepped in, giving them enough money to cover 100 adoptions and clear out much-needed shelter space.

"Midsummer seems to be the point where we hit capacity, but this year it happened a lot sooner," explained volunteer manager Christine O'Dell. "This was perfect timing all around and we're just so thankful to this donor."

Officials at the pet resource center told FOX 13 that it is extremely rare for one person to sponsor so many adoptions. They take in about 50 pets a day. With the capacity for only about 325 animals, donations of any amount are always welcome.

"All of our dog kennels were full, and somebody shared a post from the Pet Resource Center Facebook page on the Nextdoor app," O'Dell said.

The generous donor saw the post and wanted to help. She said she wanted to "bring attention to the reality that there are numerous pets in need of a healthy, happy home."

The center is under additional strain after 300 cats were seized from a Plant City property Friday. Many of them were brought to the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center for treatment.

Those cats will not be available for adoption until after a criminal investigation is over, but the Pet Resource Center says they're in dire need of supplies in the meantime, like crates (not carriers), beds, litter and food. Anyone who wishes to donate can head to their Amazon wish list.

The anonymous donation, meanwhile, will cover adoption fees for dogs or cats at the N. Falkenburg Road center until 100 animals have been adopted, and as of Monday, there were still adoptions left.