Humane Society of Sumter County

Humane Society of Sumter County Sumter County Florida’s oldest & largest private 501(c)3 no-kill animal shelter since 1982.

The Humane Society of Sumter County supports the health and well-being of animals in Sumter County, FL and educates and assists the people who care for them. Hours of Operation for Services:

Adoptions: Tue-Sat. 9:00am – 3:30pm

Office: Mon-Sat. 8am – 4:00pm

Kibbles (Pet Food Pantry) Sat. 10:00am – 2:00pm

MEET OTISPICK ME! PICK ME!PART 3I get along with the other cats here. But I still keep a little distance. After everyt...
06/25/2025

MEET OTIS
PICK ME! PICK ME!
PART 3

I get along with the other cats here. But I still keep a little distance. After everything, I just feel safer that way. I’d probably do best in a home with fewer cats - calm ones like me. I’m a lover, not a fighter, I just want peace and a warm lap.

I love laying on the patio here. The breeze, the birds, the sun on my fur - it’s my favorite part of the day. I’d love to have my own person to sit with and share that little patch of outside time. Maybe they would talk to me, or maybe not, either way I’d be happy just to have them there.

I’ve been reaching out more lately. I go to certain volunteers right when they arrive. I don’t know why, but something inside me says maybe this is the moment. I’m not sure what I’m waiting for. Maybe comfort. Maybe home. Maybe both.

I know I could be someone’s perfect cat. I just need someone who understands that love can take a little time to grow - after all you don’t see the bloom on the vine right away - yeah I’m the bloom. I just want someone to give me a chance. They won’t regret it. I’m Otis. I’m still waiting. BUT- I’m ready.

MEET OTISTHE WAY TO MY HEARTPART 2All the volunteers here are wonderful to me, one named Cathy, brings me freeze-dried t...
06/24/2025

MEET OTIS
THE WAY TO MY HEART
PART 2

All the volunteers here are wonderful to me, one named Cathy, brings me freeze-dried treats. I love those. She speaks softly to me while I snack, and sometimes she sneaks in a pet or two. I let her - after all she brought me a special treat. The pets feel so good, I think - I hope - she knows I’m grateful.

I like wet food too, especially the gravy. I’ll admit it–I’m a gravy guy. When someone sits with me and just talks while I eat, I feel like they see me- I’m not just another shelter cat. I’m me. I’m Otis.

Sometimes when no one expects it, I’ll just walk over and plop myself down on their lap. They laugh every time. I like that. It makes me feel like I belong - even if it’s for a little while.

I want connection. I really do. I’m not always sure how to hold onto it. I get overwhelmed sometimes, like maybe it won’t last, and I pull back. But if someone’s patient… if they understand I’m trying… I know I can be the best cat they’ve ever thought of having.

FREE ADOPTIONS THIS WEEKEND AT THE SHELTER! PS. YARD SALE ON SATURDAY!Meet our great adoptable dogs & cats & consider a ...
06/23/2025

FREE ADOPTIONS THIS WEEKEND AT THE SHELTER! PS. YARD SALE ON SATURDAY!

Meet our great adoptable dogs & cats & consider a foster-to-adopt tryout!

June 27-29
994 CR 529A, Lake Panasoffkee, FL






MEET OTISA QUIET STARTPART 1I’m Otis.I don’t like to talk about the past too much, but I’ll tell you this - Where I cam...
06/23/2025

MEET OTIS
A QUIET START
PART 1

I’m Otis.
I don’t like to talk about the past too much, but I’ll tell you this - Where I came from I was the odd one out. The other cats didn’t care for me, and I don’t know why. I never caused trouble. I just wanted peace and a soft place to land.

That’s how I ended up at Animal Services. My owner said it was because the other cats picked on me. I was confused and honestly, a little sad.I didn’t know what I had done wrong. I didn’t stay at animal Services very long. A few days later, on March 27th of this year, I went to live at the Humane Society of Sumter County.

The shelters were a big change. New smells, new sounds, new people. I kept to myself at first, I still do sometimes. Something in me wants to trust again, even though I don’t know how. I watched everything, stayed quiet, and waited.

People here treat me well. They give me space, which I like. I move at my own pace. That seems to make them happy. They say I’m mellow. Easygoing. One of the volunteers called me a “Treasure.:” I’m not sure what that means, but she smiled when she said it, so it must be nice.

06/21/2025

6/21/25 While 2-year-old Otis, a black mouth cur mix has only been at Humane Society of Sumter County since 6/12/25, he spent 294 days at Animal Services. Today he got to go on a field trip to the farmers market and a volunteer's house.

Before leaving the shelter this morning, he was walked by the Catty Shack to see if he was cat reactive. There was one kitty laying out on the catio, but Otis paid no attention to it.

He was completely silent in the car. His leash manners are decent and with practice he'll be very good. He was very inquisitive at the market, using his nose almost constantly. He did not feel the need to p*e on everything, lol. We took him over to World of Beer while staff was getting ready to open and they gave him some water and lots of attention.

We walked around the square and he wanted to meet every dog he saw. A number of people came to see him, and he was very friendly towards everyone. He showed that he's had some training by sitting on command and offering a paw. With enticement, he started to learn the "down" command and everyone cheered for him.

We took him back to the house to relax a bit. He checked out our lanai, found a rope toy to play with and I also worked on recall training with him, which he picked up very quickly. He is very trainable.

At noon, we went back to World of Beer to get some lunch and a pup bowl of hamburger, rice and carrots for Otis. We found out he likes to chew on ice cubes. I switched his leash from his collar to his harness, and he was a much better walk. After finishing, we made our way back to the car and returned him to the shelter.

Otis is a friendly, playful youngster who would be great with a family. He sure would love to find his forever home and bring someone years of happiness.

See you all tomorrow at Petco on 600 US-441 from 11 am to 1pm!We will be bringing our dynamic duo: Batman and Robin and ...
06/20/2025

See you all tomorrow at Petco on 600 US-441 from 11 am to 1pm!

We will be bringing our dynamic duo: Batman and Robin and our goofy boy, Ed! Come on by and say hi to them. If adoption is not in the foreseeable future, one can always foster to give them a break from the shelter! Talk to one of our staff tomorrow to explain how beneficial it can be.

Interested in adopting, fostering, or volunteering; please go to our website: http://hsspca.org

🐾✨ Mega Adoption Event & Yard Sale! ✨🐾 We’re participating with ! FREE ADOPTIONS June 27-29th! AT THE SHELTER! 994 CR 5...
06/19/2025

🐾✨ Mega Adoption Event & Yard Sale! ✨🐾 We’re participating with ! FREE ADOPTIONS June 27-29th! AT THE SHELTER! 994 CR 529A, LAKE PANASOFFKEE

Join us *June28th* for a day of fun, furry friends, and fantastic deals! 🎉 We’re hosting a Mega Adoption Event alongside a *big yard sale* to help find loving homes for our adorable pets. 🏠❤️

You'll find everything: animal toys and items and clothing and even human items !! — all proceeds will go towards helping pets in need. 🛍️🐶🐱

>>>📍 LOCATION: Our Shelter! Plan a visit! *994 CR 529a Lake Panasoffkee (only 12 minutes from Fenney!)*

SIMBA:I’M READY FOR MY FOREVER AFTERPART THREESo now here I am- four and a half years old, wiser than a puppy, sweeter t...
06/19/2025

SIMBA:
I’M READY FOR MY FOREVER AFTER
PART THREE

So now here I am- four and a half years old, wiser than a puppy, sweeter than sugar, and ready. Ready for my forever.

I don’t need much. A comfy spot to nap, some gentle walks, maybe a dog friend or two, and someone to love. I’ll give you tail wags, loyal cuddles, polite manners, and a whole lot of heart. I love men, I love women, I love cats and dogs. Honestly I just love- love.

Sometimes, when the day winds down and the sun starts to set, I dream about my new home. I imagine someone walking through the shelter door and seeing me- not just my pretty coat or my gray chin- but the goofy, gentle, loving boy who once hid in a corner, but now shines like the sunrise.

I don’t want to say I’m perfect [okay, I am kind of perfect], but I know I’m the kind of dog who makes life better. I’m the quiet boy, the quiet joy sitting on the couch, the steady trot beside you on a trail, the soft nuzzle after a long hard day.

I’M SIMBA, AND I’M WAITING FOR YOU!!!

Attention: on July 22nd come by for a ‘Pup Cup’ at our Culver’s in Wildwood! Join us from 5-8 in the Drive-Thru (or insi...
06/18/2025

Attention: on July 22nd come by for a ‘Pup Cup’ at our Culver’s in Wildwood! Join us from 5-8 in the Drive-Thru (or inside if no pups), and we will donate 10% of all sales - Nothing to show, every order counts! Mark your calendars 🗓️
*PS - first 100 pups get free toys! See you there!
- Desiree & Antony, owners

SIMBA:COUCH TIME ANDCANINE PLAYDATESPART TWOAt Dana’s house, I’m not just “the shelter dog”- I’m part of the family. I ...
06/18/2025

SIMBA:
COUCH TIME AND
CANINE PLAYDATES
PART TWO

At Dana’s house, I’m not just “the shelter dog”- I’m part of the family. I climb up on the couch, get cozy, and soak up the good life. Once he had a visitor come over. I was quiet for a minute, then I warmed right up- I greeted them politely, like the perfect host. No barking, no chaos- just a pleasant welcome, and a gentle lean in before I wanted to sit on their lap.

Back at the shelter, I discovered something magical: playgroups. Oh how I love them! Big dogs, small dogs, bouncy dogs- I love them all. I especially adore the little ones. I’m gentle with them, and I let them boss me around a little. It’s just so much fun to run and romp and then flop in the grass like a goofball. I may have a little gray on my face, but don’t let that fool you- I can keep up with the young pups any day of the week- I’m only four and a half. I’m in my prime.

I’m also a champion walker. Seriously, ask anyone. You won’t catch me pulling on a leash or zig-zagging all over the place. Nope. I walk like a dream. Side by side with my person, tail wagging, just enjoying the moment. People say I’m a joy to walk. I say they’re lucky to have me leading the parade [with manners of course].

Volunteers always smile when they see me coming. I hear them say things like “He’s such a good boy” or “ He has come so far” I really have, you know. I used to be afraid of everything, but now I believe in good things again. I believe in people again.

SIMBA:THIS IS MY STORYPART ONEHi there! I’m Simba. Yes, like the lion- but I’m not royalty, just ridiculously good-loo...
06/17/2025

SIMBA:
THIS IS MY STORY
PART ONE

Hi there! I’m Simba. Yes, like the lion- but I’m not royalty, just ridiculously good-looking. I’m a Redbone, Akita, Coonhound mix, tall and sleek with a golden coat and a little bit of distinguished silver on my chin. Just think of it as nature's way of giving me a touch of wisdom. Or flair. Probably both.

I wasn’t always this confident. When I first arrived at Animal Services on November 1st, 2024, I was heartbroken. My family loved me very much, but they had gotten older and couldn’t keep up with me anymore. I didn’t understand why I was being left behind. I curled up in the back of my kennel and didn’t want to come out. Everyone there tried to make me feel better- but the world felt too big and too different.

On March 17th, 2025 I was brought to the Humane Society of Sumter County. This was another new place to learn my way around. I was afraid and withdrew again. I was shy. I stayed quiet and still, unsure of what was expected of me.
But slowly, with every kind word, gentle pat, and tasty treat, I started to feel like myself again.

I have met so many amazing volunteers, one called Dana, takes me home with him sometimes, and I get to sit on his couch like I’m a king- fitting don’t ya think?
Dana has a dog too, and guess what? We get along great. I let them take the lead, of course. I’ve got really great manners- I’m not pushy at all.

We extend our sincerest gratitude to our donors who support our growth, and Mr. & Mrs. McLaughlin have provided exceptio...
06/16/2025

We extend our sincerest gratitude to our donors who support our growth, and Mr. & Mrs. McLaughlin have provided exceptional generosity with their $10,000 donation to our Capital Campaign! Thank you so much!

Address

994 CR 529A
Lake Panasoffkee, FL
33538

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm

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