Orange County Animal Services

Orange County Animal Services Check out all of our pets online at www.ocnetpets.com!

**HARLEY A570168**A few months ago, our officers received a call about a dog that was tied up to a truck in a car lot, w...
07/02/2025

**HARLEY A570168**

A few months ago, our officers received a call about a dog that was tied up to a truck in a car lot, with no food, water or shelter, and no owner in sight. Our officers responded, and found a huge, scary looking dog tied to the back of an empty box truck. Surprisingly, this big lug was extremely sweet and friendly, and even a little bit shy. He had a microchip, and that’s how we discovered his name and age.

Meet Harley, a sweet but intimidating seven year old senior.

We had hoped to reunite Harley with his owner via his microchip, but unfortunately that proved to be a dead end. Harley has now been here with us for over three months. When he first arrived, he was quiet and shy, and shared his space with other dogs easily. He’s a big dog, but he was respectful and even a little playful. With staff he was goofy, gentle, and would seek out love hungrily. Harley was also a big hugger, and loved being close to people. But as it happens, time at the shelter can affect the hearts of even the best of dogs.

The sweet Harley that we met tied to that truck has now become frustrated, moody, and intolerant of other dogs. With people he is still sweet, but nowhere near as affectionate as he once was. Harley’s become more and more aloof, preferring to spend his yard time alone, sunbathing in the pool, and not really seeking out our affections. He reacts strongly to other dogs around him, as if he’s tired or annoyed of all their noise. Whatever strength that got him this far is fading, and sadly we think he has started to lose hope.

Our hearts ache for this sweet giant. We don’t know what happened in his past to lead him here. But we know he has suffered, and deserves so much more in his senior years. He was sleeping outside on garbage and truck parts when we found him, when he should have been hogging up a soft bed in a warm home. Harley deserves kisses, hugs, long walks and longer naps. He deserves to close out his story spoiled absolutely rotten, and surrounded by love.

Let’s get him seen.
Let’s get him home.

**ENZO A567703**Sometimes we can just look at a dog, and know they have lived a long and not so happy life. But every no...
07/01/2025

**ENZO A567703**

Sometimes we can just look at a dog, and know they have lived a long and not so happy life. But every now and then, we meet a dog who’s heart is so big and spirit is so strong, a true survivor, and we just know, this dog is going to make it. This dog is going to change someone’s life.

This is Enzo.

Enzo is a seven year old senior, and was brought in as a stray from another county back in March. Sadly he was dumped in our parking lot when the finder was told he had to bring Enzo back to that other county. We took him in, and were initially relieved that this sweet dog had a microchip. We thought for sure we’d be able to reunite him with his owner. After several days of phone calls and tracking down the microchip, we discovered Enzo had been rehomed several times, had been in other shelters, and had finally just been abandoned. No one was coming for this big gentle boy. Enzo was now an OCAS dog.

Though all we know is he’s been in and out of homes and shelters, Enzo doesn’t seem to be affected by his past. He is sweet, intelligent, and shares his space with other dogs readily. He’s a bit unsure in playgroups, and can be a little overbearing. But in a kennel with another dog, he shares his space like a gentleman.

We don’t know why he continues to be overlooked. People pass by his kennel and they just don’t see him. So we’re hoping this post will show him in a different light. We want everyone to see what we see. A sweet, calm, intelligent senior that has had a rough life, but greets each day with an open heart and a softly wagging tail.

Let’s get him seen.
Let’s get him home.

**POPPY A569950**Every day the shelter receives emails and calls by the dozens, asking for two things: little dogs and p...
06/27/2025

**POPPY A569950**

Every day the shelter receives emails and calls by the dozens, asking for two things: little dogs and puppies. And we get it. Puppies are adorable, and little dogs are just easier to deal with when it comes to living in apartments with size and breed restrictions. Who wants a 60lb dog when you can have an 8lb one ruling your home?

This is Poppy, a stray that has been at the shelter for over 60 days. Our vets put her at 2-3 years old, and weighing in at 60lbs of solid muscle, Poppy is not the dog for everyone. She is energetic and strong, loves to fetch, loves to run, loves to jump and play. She gets along with other dogs, and seems calmer around them. With people, Poppy can be a bit on the shy side, taking her time to warm up. But once she does warm up, she is nothing but 60lbs of mush.

Poppy also seems to be highly intelligent, and takes well to simple training and commands. She will literally fetch a toy all day if you let her, loyally bringing it back to whomever threw it, waiting patiently for her next run. She is quiet, and doesn’t seem to be bothered by much going around her. We don’t know anything about her past, but we know at some point in her life, someone loved her, and kept her healthy and strong.

So if she is so perfect, why does she continue to be overlooked? We think maybe it’s her size. When Poppy stands up on two legs, she is tall and a bit intimidating. Maybe it’s her strength? She is very strong, and can easily knock a person or child over without trying to. Maybe it’s her RBF (resting big-dog face)? She has beautiful dark eyes and a very intense glare, so maybe that look is just scaring would-be adopters away.

Our volunteers and staff love her, so hopefully, seeing her in a different light will help her get adopted. We definitely see the potential in this big sweet beautiful dog, and we think for some lucky family, she is going to be an amazing companion.

Let’s get her seen.
Let’s get her home.

**Dog abandoned by humans, found in van seeks fresh start.**On February 20 our team responded to a request for assistanc...
06/25/2025

**Dog abandoned by humans, found in van seeks fresh start.**

On February 20 our team responded to a request for assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. A dog had been observed abandoned in a van at the Cayjo Peruvian Restaurant on Old Winter Garden Road in Orlando. The van and dog were first observed by a restaurant employee around 10 a.m. that morning and were sadly unclaimed by the time evening rolled around. Our Animal Services Officer responded, and that’s where we met 3-year-old Mason A565295.

The officer’s report states: “There was a large piece of wood which confined the dog to the rear portion of the van. The area read at 68.2 degree Fahrenheit using a temp gun. The area was full of miscellaneous objects and did not provide a smooth surface for the dog to stand, sit or lay in. The rest of the van was in a state of disarray with ample debris throughout. One of the middle, driver side windows was broken and had exposed shards of glass.”

Attempts to locate Mason’s owners were unsuccessful. He’s now been in our care for the four months since that episode.

Unsurprisingly, Mason was fearful when he first arrived. He’s still struggling to trust people, and we don’t blame him one bit. Those on our behavior team have taken a particular interest in him. Our Behaviorist Savanna recently spent some time with Mason noting: “[I] pulled A565295 for office decompression time. [I] laid out a comforter and some toys. A565295 was well behaved throughout the day in the office. A565295 would greet any and all staff with a loose/wiggly body and allowed full handling. A565295 loves stuffed animals and will carry them around to show them off (has not destroyed any). A565295 shows signs of being housebroken as he holds it in the office. A565295 listens very well and will drop items when given a verbal "nuh uh". A565295 would benefit from foster placement as he tends to do much better once out of the kennel environment.” We’ve attempted to find a foster home for him, but no luck so far.

Mason has done well with other dogs in the shelter environment.

Mason has been marked a “project pet” at the shelter, a program that allows him to receive extra time and attention from volunteers. A volunteer recently noted: “Mase is a lovely, sociable guy who should be initially approached and handled slowly and given time to adjust to his handler. He has exhibited signs of being abused (he may cower somewhat if his handler performs over-the-head movements). He is pleasant and affectionate and enjoys his treats, taking them with ease. He may occasionally splay down next to or in front of his seated handler to accept treats and/or snuggle a bit. When passing kennels on his way out, he will sometimes stop to “eye up the occupants” but does not react negatively to them and goes on his way with a little tug by his handler. No problem returning to his kennel.”

Mason does display “kennel reactivity” here, which means he fiercely protects his space with behavior that can appear aggressive - barking, lunging at the kennel front. It has deterred guests from wanting to meet him, as they anticipate it is reflective of his behavior in other situations.

We’re hoping by sharing his story we can appeal to someone who will look past his kennel presentation, take him out to a play yard and take the opportunity to get to know him, and see the dog he can be with a bit of love. Mason has so much potential, and we’re asking you to see him for what he can be, not just his history.

If interested in being charmed by this boy, please come visit our shelter today.

**CAMP SCOOTER**Today, we had the privilege of meeting some future animal lovers and advocates at Orange County’s Camp S...
06/24/2025

**CAMP SCOOTER**

Today, we had the privilege of meeting some future animal lovers and advocates at Orange County’s Camp Scooter. These kids were amazing, and were very interested in everything we had to teach. Responsible pet ownership and care always starts with the very young, and we know these kids are going to grow up to be incredible and loving pet owners. Some of them already are pet owners, and were more than happy to tell us about them.

All the kids welcomed us warmly, and many of them asked thoughtful and insightful questions. We informed them of the role of animal services in the community, as well as the importance of the shelters, fostering and adopting. We’re hoping that outreaches like this one have an impact on these young minds, and make a difference in our growing county.

If interested in scheduling a visit with your summer program, please email us at [email protected]

**WINSTON A569926**This handsome fellow is named Winston, and he has heterochromia. Heterochromia in dogs simply refers ...
06/23/2025

**WINSTON A569926**

This handsome fellow is named Winston, and he has heterochromia. Heterochromia in dogs simply refers to the condition where a dog has different colored eyes, and on Winston, the effect is absolutely stunning. He has one dark brown eye, and one light blue eye, giving him a very distinct look. Surprisingly, not too many people seem to notice it, as Winston has been with us for months now with very few interactions.

Winston is one of those dogs that flies under the radar here at the shelter. He’s sweet, energetic but not in a crazy way, gets along with other dogs and is an absolute playgroup rockstar. At a little over a year old, Winston is still just a puppy, and can be shy and nervous when getting to know new people. But once he warms up, Winston is affectionate and gentle, and eager to jump into our laps.

So why does he continue to be overlooked?
We just do not know. There are dogs here at the shelter that pass the days quietly, sometimes sadly, just watching the world outside the bars. They lay still in their beds as their kennel mates get adopted. They wag their tales softly when someone stops, looks in, and then sigh when they just as quickly walk away.

Maybe it’s because no one can tell what breed Winston is.
Maybe they think something is wrong with his eye.

Whatever the reason, it seems the only attention Winston gets these days is from volunteers and staff.
We’re hoping to change that.

Let’s get him seen.
Let’s get him home.

Meet Nugget (A568440) – A Sweet Soul Ready for His Forever Home! Nugget's journey hasn't been easy. This gentle, loving ...
06/22/2025

Meet Nugget (A568440) – A Sweet Soul Ready for His Forever Home!

Nugget's journey hasn't been easy. This gentle, loving pup came to the shelter as a stray, where he struggled to adjust — shy, timid, and unsure of the world around him. It was clear he hadn’t experienced much love or comfort before. But now, thanks to a kind foster home, Nugget is finally learning what it means to be safe, cared for, and most of all — loved.

He wants nothing more than to be close to his humans — he’ll sleep on your foot, wait patiently for affection, and melt into your touch when he gets it. He’s truly a love bug galore.

✨ Here’s what makes Nugget extra special:

Potty trained

Crate trained

Learning leash manners like a champ

Super smart and food motivated 🍖

Picks up commands FAST (He learned to sit in just two tries!)

Puppy energy and loves to play!

Great with other dogs – would love a playmate

Nugget would thrive in a home with someone who works from home or has time to spend with him. He needs a little patience as he continues to grow his confidence, but once he trusts you, you’ll have a loyal shadow for life.

He’s come so far in foster care — now all Nugget needs is you.
If you think you’re the perfect match for this sweet pup, please email [email protected] or share to help Nugget find the loving home he deserves!

**SENIOR PET ALERT** This is Bruce (A572805), thirteen years old, and struggling at our shelter. We don’t know much abou...
06/19/2025

**SENIOR PET ALERT**

This is Bruce (A572805), thirteen years old, and struggling at our shelter. We don’t know much about him, as he was abandoned by his family during a fire. They left him behind, and never came back. We were called in when people noticed an old, emaciated dog wandering around the property, but hiding from everyone. Bruce was brought in to our shelter: a calm old man, riddled with scars and tumors, shy but friendly, and absolutely starving.

What we do know about Bruce is that he’s been through a lot, and his eyes tell the story better than we could. At thirteen, he is in rough shape, and we know his time is limited. We also know it’s a lot to ask of anyone, but still we are reaching out, pleading, hoping for someone special to fill Bruce’s remaining days with love.

It’s heartbreaking to see him in his kennel, day after day, laying quietly on his bed. Bruce is incredibly quiet and calm, and most people walk right by his kennel without noticing him. Every now and then he’ll get up and greet staff, and we’ll lay a soft blanket out in the yard so he could get some sun. Bruce seems to enjoy his yard time, and will close his eyes and sigh when you pet him. Sometimes, he’ll fall asleep out there, soaking up the quiet, the sun, and the love we give him.

So this is us, hoping to reach that special person. Because Bruce shouldn’t spend the winter of his life in a shelter. Bruce should spend his days and nights surrounded by soft blankets and cool sheets. He should be napping in the sunlight every day and every night, he should be covered in hugs and kisses from a family who loves him, and who couldn’t even imagine leaving him behind. We’re hoping to find someone who will make the last months of his life the best months of his life.

Let’s get him seen.
Let’s get him home.

**CATTOO DAY**Adopt a cat and get a tat!Our friends at Golden Tarot Ink Club are once again hosting Cattoo Day. This is ...
06/18/2025

**CATTOO DAY**

Adopt a cat and get a tat!
Our friends at Golden Tarot Ink Club are once again hosting Cattoo Day. This is an absolutely amazing event, showcasing not only the talented tattoo artists, but also OCAS foster kittens that are available for adoption. This is the seventh year in a row that we take part in this incredible event, and year after year it is a great success.

Let's try and make this year's Cattoo Day even more memorable. Join us this Sunday, June 22nd, from 11am to 2pm at their tattoo shop at 3784 Howell Branch Road, Winter Park. For more information, click on their page, or just swing by and check it out for yourself. You might just leave with some new ink, or add a tiny new member to your family.

**DIAMOND A569052**So many dogs are judged simply because they do not get along with other dogs. Immediately they are ov...
06/17/2025

**DIAMOND A569052**

So many dogs are judged simply because they do not get along with other dogs. Immediately they are overlooked at the shelter because they react negatively to other animals. Who wants a dog you can’t take to the dog park? Take to visit your friends or family that has dogs? Or take to the park or the pet store?

The sad truth is, dogs aren’t born this way. These are behaviors that are taught and learned, and often times encouraged by irresponsible owners. Some dogs aren’t properly socialized, or are kept isolated their whole lives. They are often used for breeding, used as guard dogs, and before long, these normally social animals can become aggressive and aloof. And in a shelter environment, these dogs are incredibly hard to find homes for.

This is Diamond’s story.

Though she does not look it, Diamond is a senior at seven years old. She is strong, healthy, muscular, and we’ve overheard people say that her cropped ears give her an almost menacing look. We were called after her owner was arrested, and the apartment complex noticed the covered dog crate on the balcony with Diamond inside. We don’t know if she was kept there at all hours, we don’t know if she was ever socialized or if she was neglected. All we know is that when Diamond first arrived at the shelter, she was angry, aggressive, and extremely difficult to handle. She couldn’t be around other dogs, but slowly and shyly, she began to warm up to staff.

Diamond has been with us for almost three months, and though still shy and careful, she has learned to enjoy her yard time with staff and volunteers. She can be gentle, affectionate, and very sweet. Diamond loves her treats, and absolutely adores playing in the pools. Still, we have not been able to pair her with another dog. At her age, we think this may just be how she wants to be. She’s not chasing dogs or starting fights: she doesn’t mind seeing other dogs in other yards. But if a dog invades her personal space, she will show teeth and scare them away.

Sadly, we think this may be the only reason she continues to be overlooked. We know in a home, with the right person, she’d be a snuggle bug, a blanket hog, a binge buddy, a treat bandit, and a kiss stealer. We know a different Diamond, and we hope someday, someone else will take a chance to get to know her too.

Let’s get her seen.
Let’s get her home.

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2769 Conroy Road
Orlando, FL
32839

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