SPCA Florida and Talk Fusion Partner to Establish Emergency Shelter, Help Alleviate Burden of Hillsborough County Animal Services Medical Quarantine

LAKELAND, Fla., Nov. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- SPCA Florida, the state's leading animal welfare agency based in Lakeland, and Talk Fusion, a rapidly growing global Video Communication Company, announced today they are partnering together to establish an emergency shelter to assist with Hillsborough County's stray dogs. The dogs are currently unable to be housed at Hillsborough County Animal Services (HCAS) due to a medical quarantine caused by an outbreak of uncommon strains of respiratory virus that are treatable, but for which there are no vaccinations. Talk Fusion, an ongoing supporter of SPCA Florida and animal welfare, is donating to cover the cost of the tent, supplies, and staff time.

"We are so fortunate to have such a generous and compassionate business partner. Talk Fusion has come through again and again for animals in need. They are an asset to our community," said SPCA Florida's Director of Animal Care and Medical Services Adam Lamb.

"This is a great example of partnership, as many facets of the Animal Community are working together for a great cause. It serves as an example for future cooperation to help those that are most deserving, the animals," said Talk Fusion Founder and CEO Bob Reina.

According to Lamb, the dogs will be housed in a temporary tent within SPCA Florida's large dog exercise yard at 5850 Brannen Road South in Lakeland. As with other emergency animal shelters there will be separate areas for isolation, intake, and kitchen/food prep as well as the general main stray holding area. HCAS is providing kennels.

"SPCA Florida has our full support and we applaud their efforts for working with HCAS to save lives," said Hillsborough Community Veterinary Medical Society Vice President Dr. Christy Layton. Lamb said the organization also has lots of Hillsborough rescue groups rallying to help.

The dogs will still be processed through HCAS intake and then transferred to SPCA Florida's facility. Following standard shelter intake protocol, all animals received will undergo a medical evaluation and consistent monitoring, and steps will be taken to keep all cleaning and care of HCAS animals separate from SPCA Florida's kennels to reduce any risk.

"This is a great opportunity for our organization to demonstrate its mission of building humane communities throughout the state, and working together to elevate the standards of animal welfare," said Lamb.

HCAS should be able to receive the animals back within 10 days. Those who wish to support SPCA Florida's efforts can donate online at www.spcaflorida.org. For additional information on please call HCAS at (813) 744-5660 or SPCA Florida at (863) 646-7722.

About SPCA Florida
Founded in 1979, SPCA Florida exists to eliminate animal suffering and engage the entire community in the welfare and well-being of animals. SPCA Florida will help and heal 70,000 dogs and cats through its McClurg Animal Medical Center and provide direct care for 6,500 animals through its Adoption Center this year. Ani-Meals, which provides food and medical care for animals of homebound families, helps thousands more dogs and cats each year.

Contact:
Jessica Lawson
Community Relations Manager
O: (863) 577-4607
C: (386) 986-8093
[email protected]

SOURCE SPCA Florida