Quick rant & a happy ending: Every time I come to read reviews, I'm always hopeful it is trending up instead of down. Although there are several reviews that are wonderful, pointing to the fact that they've found their best friend/s here, there are the others that continue to detract from all the positive things that come from adopting here, or anywhere. Maybe, if instead of complaining about the deplorable conditions, you find a way to help; it gets better! Maybe; if we spay and/or neuter our animals; it gets better. Maybe; if we adopt instead of purchasing the most popular breeds(I can say that, because I've done it, however we've rescued as well); it will get better. Maybe if we sign up to volunteer, and accept that the spotlight put on our local animal shelter is far from perfect, requiring they take 3 weeks to approve you; it gets better!! Or, how about we put our words into action.. cats are hot, donate portable ac units, or buy cooling mats for their kennels. Donate bowls to ensure every kennel has one or two. Get over the roaches and dirty water... what do you think they're drinking outside? Donate food. Donate your services; are you a groomer? Are you a vet that's looking to volunteer? Are you a photographer; go take some pictures of the animals, not the conditions. They've no choice but to euthanize, this is a human problem not an animal problem. If we all did our part, every shelter, SPCA, Humane Society, and any other charitable animal sanctuary wouldn't have to euthanize! What's the alternative? They die in the road? They're tied up in a back yard and neglected? They're beaten and abused, possibly to death. This is one of those times, if you don't have anything nice to say, or you ain't willing to put up, then please be quiet and let them continue to try to help! (Copied from someone else and its all 💯) Now onto the happy ending.. My husband and I rescued this NINE YEAR OLD Foxy lady on May 31st 2025 and we have had nothing but the best time with this sassy & sweet girl! She fit in so well with our two boys and family. She came up to date on everything and in good health (besides being over weight but shes a lazy girl & were working on it BUT hey shes only here for so long!). I could not imagine my life without her being apart of it anymore. Were so thankful to have had the opportunity, space and resources to rescue. Please go adopt a shelter dog because they are the best and deserving of so much love, too! Heres to furever with my spoiled rotten girl 🩷

The first picture is when I adopted her from here. Very shy and closed off. But after the first day she warmed up and showed her sassy and crazy personality. She is truly the best. I got her back in May 2025. She is literally the best and she’s a big bed hog ! 😂 truly a blessing . The only down side is they do come sick or with worms.. atleast for Marley she did.

Update: of course I'm adding an updated photo!! However, I'm going to rant a bit too!! Every time I come to read reviews, I'm always hopeful it is trending up instead of down. Although there are several reviews that are wonderful, pointing to the fact that they've found their best friend/s here, there are the others that continue to detract from all the positive things that come from adopting here, or anywhere. Maybe, if instead of complaining about the deplorable conditions, you find a way to help; it gets better! Maybe; if we spay and/or neuter our animals; it gets better. Maybe; if we adopt instead of purchasing the most popular breeds(I can say that, because I've done it, however we've rescued as well); it will get better. Maybe if we sign up to volunteer, and accept that the spotlight put on our local animal shelter is far from perfect, requiring they take 3 weeks to approve you; it gets better!! Or, how about we put our words into action.. cats are hot, donate portable ac units, or buy cooling mats for their kennels. Donate bowls to ensure every kennel has one or two. Get over the roaches and dirty water... what do you think they're drinking outside? Donate food. Donate your services; are you a groomer? Are you a vet that's looking to volunteer? Are you a photographer; go take some pictures of the animals, not the conditions. They've no choice but to euthanize, this is a human problem not an animal problem. If we all did our part, every shelter, SPCA, Humane Society, and any other charitable animal sanctuary wouldn't have to euthanize! What's the alternative? They die in the road? They're tied up in a back yard and neglected? They're beaten and abused, possibly to death. This is one of those times, if you don't have anything nice to say, or you ain't willing to put up, then please be quiet and let them continue to try to help! We adopted our sweet boy Eddie, then Niko, from this animal shelter on September 30, 2023. Although we agree that these poor animals are probably not in the best living situation here, we feel like they're doing the best they can. They are overwhelmed, and don't have a ton of volunteers lined up to help. Eddie had been adopted previously and returned within 5 days due to having been found to be deaf, and suffering separation anxiety. The first weekend was difficult for us. My husband was leaving to go out of town that very weekend and we have three other dogs! I'm so glad we stuck it out. Eddie is a part of our family and I couldn't imagine life without him! Try to remember this is animal control.. people are breeding and dumping their imperfect babies on the street! Adopting and then deciding a pet is just too much. The fact that these animals are being given the opportunity to find their furever homes at all is quite the feat! Please, please, please think adoption or rescue... if not here, somewhere!

I recently had the pleasure of adopting a dog from Polk County Animal Control, and I cannot speak highly enough of the experience. After finding a stray dog and naming him Charcoal, we quickly bonded and realized he belonged with us. When a kennel space became available, the staff at Polk County Animal Control took him in to check for a previous owner. Though it was bittersweet to see him go, I was able to visit him at the shelter, and I could tell the staff truly cared for him. They were attentive and supportive throughout the process. After a week of waiting for anyone to claim him, the shelter placed a hold on him to ensure he wouldn’t be euthanized. This compassionate action made all the difference. We decided to place a citizen hold and ultimately adopted Charcoal ourselves. The adoption fees are reasonable, with dogs over 35 pounds costing $40 and those under 34 pounds costing $70. I believe they even have free pet adoptions on Fridays! Thanks to the amazing staff, we adopted Charcoal at no cost. They went above and beyond, even pulling strings to expedite his surgery so we could bring him home sooner. To express our gratitude, we threw a pizza party for the staff to thank them for all their help. Polk County Animal Control is located at 7115 De Castro Road, Winter Haven, FL, and their hours are from 10 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday. If you’re considering adopting, I highly recommend reaching out to them. The dedication and care they show for their animals are truly commendable.

This is a good place to find your forever pet. I have adopted my 3 cats from this place. They have events where you can adopt pets for a low price of $40 or even adopt them for free on certain events. All of my fur babies came microchipped and up to date on their vaccines. However, some of the conditions that these cats were in was very sad to see. Their litter boxes were filled to the brim, some cats (especially the kittens) were crammed into one cage and were walking all over their waste. 2 of my 3 cats I adopted were sick when I brought them home and took a good look at them. One of them had an eye infection (probably from the dirty cage she was in) and the second cat had a severe paw infection and had bleeding paws that took 6 months to clear up. I don't know how this was overlooked by their vet. Overall, please go out and adopt these poor animals. You can see many of them were living in poor conditions, abused, or neglected. They all deserve a loving home.