In many cases, cat adoptions are typically paced slower than those for dogs.

But in the case of the Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County, they nearly stand “paw to paw” in successful adoption rates. In fact, adoptions of cats and kittens showcased at the Petco store in Rolling Acres Plaza in The Villages are going strong entering their third year.
Recently, the store’s 100th cat adoption of 2018 was celebrated to the pleasant surprise of their unsuspecting adopter. On Nov. 14, Chantelle Hansen came in to finalize her adoption of Kiana, a one-year-old long-haired black cat. Kiana was part of the no-kill shelter’s November black cat reduced-fee adoption promotion.

Chantelle Hansen, center, is joined by HS/SPCA Adoption Outreach Coordinator Gloria Litman, left, and Petco Store Manager Melissa Joseph earlier this month when she adopted the 100th cat of 2018. Hansen and her new companion, Kiana, a one-year-old long-haired black cat, went home with a special gift basket filled with feline favorites.

But Hansen soon learned of the even greater reason to celebrate the day when HS/SPCA Adoption Outreach Coordinator Gloria Litman and Petco Store Manager Melissa Joseph surprised her with a special gift basket filled with feline favorites for her new furry family member.

“We’re grateful to Petco for its continued partnership and special events throughout the years,” said Joseph Sprague, HS/SPCA executive director. “Showcasing our cats here year-round and including dogs in their national adoption events bring another level of interaction with the community who may not travel to our shelter in Lake Panasoffkee.

“Our community here gets to interact with so many of our great animals ready to find a loving home and learn about the work we do.”

The HS/SPCA has a team of about 20 dedicated volunteers who receive applications and keep the cat housing area clean and enriched twice each day, year-round.

The Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County is a non-profit, no-kill shelter helping animals in need throughout Sumter County. Donations directly help to cover the cost of saving, treating and caring for neglected, abused and abandoned animals.

Learn more about the HS/SPCA at hsspca.org, call (352) 793-9117, see the organization’s Facebook page HERE or visit the shelter at 994 CR 529A in Lake Panasoffkee. Office hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Kennel pet viewing hours are Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-3:30p.m. and visitors are always welcome.