Sumter County Animal Control

Olivia Farren

2024-05

This animal shelter is so so cruel it’s unreal. They complain that they have no room for animals but yet don’t post them. then they have to kill them because they aren’t being adopted. Also may I add those animals get FED ONE TIME in the morning and that’s all. The dogs that are labeled “aggressive” don’t even see grass. They don’t go outside whatsoever they are locked in kennels 24/7 then wonder why they are crazy and aggressive. The staff are very immature and do not care for these animals. Also may I say animal control has been seen dumping animals. This shelter either needs shut down or a come to Jesus. It’s sick.Oh and again they say they aren’t a kill shelter but I worked there and they put down innocent animals all the time. Exactly why I quit it’s disgusting the dogs are starving.

G F

2024-03

My experience here has been stellar. I went in on a Sunday recently and spoke with the good people here and I was taken on a tour of the different dogs. Me personally I did not want a puppy I wanted an adult. So we took the tour and I was given the backstory that was known on different dogs. I had to go back to one ultimately. That was Hans. Such a handsome lad. He is very high energy and I'm about it. Hans is a healthy dog. Good weight and even in a shelter, obviously loved. Now he is with me and loved as well. Thank you team Sumpter Animal Services.

You don't need to know

2024-04

I have so much I want to write about Sumter County Animal Control, Yes I am not using my real name due to my own privacy & protection. I am not sure how the employees are even qualified to work in an animal environment after what I have seen go on at Sumter County Animal Services & how they a operate as an ethical animal control with services they supposedly provide which they absolutely DO NOT! Their staff is not educated very well with animal practices, if they are it is extremely minimal. To put it mildly the right hand isn't communicating with the Left hand, that's putting it nicely. One employee says one thing, then another employee will say, I don't know who you spoke to and so on, the blame gets passed around to endless confusion until the potential adopter gets the run around, upset & leaves, Animal services like to play games with residents of Sumter CountyYou hear the animal shelter is full of adoptable pets, however they don't care about the general public wanting to adopt shelter pets, if they did they would be adopting animals out to qualified homes more than what they do. Why do you have to be a Sumter County resident to adopt a pet if you are capable and qualified to take care of a shelter pet especially if every pet(s) are being spayed & neutered, one reason is the employees intake an animal that they want instead of waiting a limited time for that pet(s) to be adopted by a Sumter County resident because only residents can adopt (their rule), not all the employees are Sumter County Residents!!! Now Now rules are rules...right, guessing it doesn't apply to employees. So the rules only applies to Sumter County Residents but not Animal Control employees? Animal Services really needs an in charge Qualified Animal professional(s) to help clean that place out of people with barely any compassion, if they have any the employees surely don't show it, some of the employees need to ride on down to the Bushnell Wal-Mart & pick them up a good personality or humble themselves immensely.Fun Fact: City of Bushnell Mayor's dog has ran around a Bushnell plaza with NO LEASH & Bit two different people, animal control DID NOTHING!!A dog attacked a person walking two small dogs in Lake Panasoffkee, killed on of the small dogs, AGAIN animal control DID NOTHING!!Neither dog was quarantined even if they were UTD with Vaccinations, the dogs are supposed to be quarantined for a limited time.Posting on Facebook says we have a trap and release program for cats, after a citizen seen an animal control officer (using that as a loose term) throw a cat from their truck, does anyone know if there was a public announcement about the so called trap & release to keep the rat population down? The residents of Sumter County want to know!Seems as though Animal Control still cant seem to get it together! Sumter County residents deserve better treatment from animal control.

Camille Marino

2020-05

In 2008, I adopted my first dog, max, from this animal control; he died earlier this year followed by his little sister, jazz, a month later. So, from adopting, to weekly visits to find a new companion for jazz, to most recently, fostering, I have pretty extensive experience.Every single person with whom I've interacted at sumter animal control really cares about matching the right animals with the right people. They see unimaginable horror every day and are the last chance for many of society's victims. Plus, all adoptions are FREE. So I LOVED the fact they showed up for a surprise inspection before approving my applications. I never expected to adopt again, but fell in love with my foster puppy. Every time I called with a question about him, they were patient, helpful, professional, and friendly.Instead of taking the puppy to my vet when he was sick, I brought him in and they immediately took him to their vet -- free! I brought him back for all his boosters and hated having to leave him for 2 nights to get neutered. But that's policy and it's done to protect the dogs -- if irresponsible people let them eat before surgery, the animal can die. So while I HATED being separated, I LOVED and respected all the effort that went into making sure my puppy was healthy and adoptable. Only then was I allowed to adopt Freddie and bring him home.There are so many people I'd like to publicly thank for everything they do but I don't know their names. But Margaret who tried to find jazz a new companion, to the officer who did the surprise visit, to officer osiris (that might not be her right name) who took care of Freddie every time I brought him in, too officer Tuttle who was mostly at the desk, to everyone at this office who works every day to give animals another chance, you all earned my complete respect and gratitude. Thank you!I've just glimpsed some of the recent, really bad reviews. Seriously? Animal control -- prison for dogs -- exists to clean up the problems created by people through abuse, neglect, and pure selfishness. Just walking through the kennels crushes my soul; I don't how these people do what they do every single day without losing their minds. Instead of being so selfish, everyone who complains needs to ask themselves what they can do personally to make things better for these animals.

Melissa Bermudez

2022-05

I adopted Ace aka AK, from the sumter county animal shelter, he is a wonderful addition to our family, the staff were very professional and friendly!!!

Kimberlyn Baxter

2023-08

After two examinations, blood work & x-rays, the doctor was unable to diagnose my dog's illness and sent us home with meds, which I understand. But when I called twice to tell the doctor my dog was getting worse, I couldn't talk to the doctor or even get a call back, and was told the doctor was very busy. The next afternoon the office, not the doctor, called me but we couldn't wait and had already gone to another veterinarian for care. I would not recommend this office due to their poor customer service.Though my dog's health is more important to me than the cost of the treatment, it is worth mentioning in this review that the prices quoted to me on the phone were significantly less than what I was charged at the end of the visit.

T Withallmyheart

2023-07

Love this service and team. There is no doubt they care for their animals. I made an apt to meet a dog they had posted on Pet Finder. There was a glitch and they were not aware I was coming when I called to verify the pup was still there. The dispatch got me connected to the tiny office where adoptions take place. These folks called the foster mom and asked her to come right down with the pup. And she did! I fell I love of course!The SCAC team were super patient even though they were within minutes of closing. I was able to take the pup out to the play yard and make some quick connections. They explained and facilitated the adoption process. They took good care of my little boy pup in the 2 weeks they had him after he was dumped there by his previous owner. SCAS neutered him , and started him on all his vaccines, dewormed him and applied Simperica Trio.I am sooo grateful to this team. They have 280 dogs at the shelter. Please, if you are looking for a new furry friend, stop by there. They also take donations of toys, doggy games, and peanut butter. Just order on Amazon and have Amazon drop it off at their address! They will be so grateful.

Mark Fallace

2024-04

I have adopted a few dogs from them and they were the sweetest dogs I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

Willow Hilbert

2023-12

I just drove an hour and a half round trip to pick up medicine for our cat’s eye who we fostered from here a few weeks ago. When I got back into town and opened the bottle both tubes of medicine were completely empty

Jane Dalton

2023-05

We were looking for a dog to adopt and with a rather small dog at home I was concerned about bringing in a large dog. We visited one day and really didn’t see anything that would be a good fit for us. We got a call the next day saying that they might have a dog that was being spayed when we were there to look. We went and so glad we did. We have the best smaller size hound dog. She is so smart, lovable and obedient. The staff that helped us were professional and wonderful. Also, she came to us vetted and free of charge. Thanks to all.

KC

2021-05

I have nothing but kind words to say about the Sumter county animal control. The staff is so incredibly kind and really cares about all the animals. The facilities are clean and the pups are amazing. We brought home our new furry best friend from here. Her name is Suzie, and she already had all of her shots, vaccines, and was spayed. These people truly just want to find the dogs a good home. I recommend them to everyone I talk to!

AJ RIOS

2021-05

Found a beautiful dog to adopt. Staff was nice and assured me I was the only one looking at him or to even show him. “You’re first in line” is what I was told by a staff member. Filled out an application with an approval a few hours later. I returned to pick up the dog that I fell in love with and was then told he had someone put a hold on him the previous day and they are getting him in a few days. Not only was I told he was guaranteed mine upon my application being approved which it was within a few hours. The dog has to sit in a dirty cold kennel waiting for someone who might want him next week. Meanwhile there is someone ready to give him an amazing home right now. Not only is “ sorry we didn’t know” a poor excuse. They clearly don’t have the animals best interests at heart. So many dogs needing homes and this is how you treat caring and qualified adopters. Meanwhile I’ve used an entire day of my time traveling to a place over an hour away multiple times to check in because they don’t answer their phones on the weekend. What a joke. The only reason you have a star in your rating at all is for doing a great job giving people a false sense of hope and excitement along with making the process to give a dog an amazing home difficult. Someone can neglect and surrender there dog to you in minutes but I can’t give him a second chance at life.

Tina Robinson

2022-05

I adopted my first dog from a kennel today. I have had other dogs that were rescue but not from a kennel. I was so impressed, the kennel was clean, and the area’s that they walk the dogs were so nice. I had a wonderful girl that helped me ( I am sorry I forgot her name. ). She was very honest and I have a beautiful new baby. Phil in the office was great !! They were helpful and both of them answered all my questions and gave me all the information on my new girl Moo. Thank you for making my day ! I highly recommend this beautiful place. Sincerely Tina Robinson

B J

2024-04

Terrible website and only DOG listings in strays area. It is infuriating honestly. There seems to be no effort to help cats

Gabrielle Mcghee

2022-05

We visited this shelter today after finding a dog on Petfinder we liked. The staff are very kind and helpful, both on the phone and in person. They have an overwhelming amount of animals to care for and are doing a great job! The viewing and adoption process was very smooth, and we are pleased with how healthy and well kept the dog we adopted is -- much better than other shelters I have seen! I definitely recommend this facility.

Kalese Cody

2023-06

If I could give this place a 0 I would, I have never spoke to more incompetent adults in my life. I explained my situation and they wanted nothing to do with me because I'm not a resident(I live in marion) I just wanted information for someone who is elderly and lives in Sumter Co. She has been getting the run around. I can see why she was frustrated, it was like running in a circle.

izzy b

2023-05

So my friend found a very friendly cat near there house and they took them to the shelter so she could hopefully find a good home and they said if she doesn’t get adopted in 24hours that they drop her off within a mile of there house??? Wouldn’t waste my time at a place that doesn’t actually care about animals. I’d take my business else where and support a shelter that doesn’t dump animals.

Teresa Burr

2018-05

During Hurricane Irma we took refuge at the South Sumter High School pet friendly shelter with our two cats and one dog. Sam and her staff from Sumter County Animal Control were outstanding. She kept everyone's pets safe during the whole ordeal. By the end of the first day she knew most of the pets by name. Just wanted to say thank you to Sam and her staff for making a stressful time a little less stressful.

Johnny Spencer

2023-05

We took our dog Dolly she was 17 years old miniaturedachshund it was a sad day but the staff was very nice and caring. Just want to say thank you

Anonymous

2024-01

Not a very professional place the staff is not very knowledgeable with the animals they have the facility is dirty and it's a KILL shelter

K D Pauly-Gugliuzza

2018-05

They won't let you in to look at the dogs. You cannot take pictures of their dogs or their kennels. They are hiding everything!!! They only give dogs 7 days to live, or else they are euthanized. They never post pictures online of the stray animals that they take in. You have to go look in person, by the time the person gets there, their pet could be dead. They don't allow any volunteers to go there. Nobody knows what goes on behind their closed doors. Terrible place for animals.

agatha mantanes

2019-05

SHAME ON YOU....As some of you may have already heard, Sumter County Animal Control picked up a small dog. I'm told they put the dog in the wrong cage and at some point, it got out of the cage and the truck.When I PM'd the owner about where the dog was picked up, this was her response."Front of our house, he was at end of driveway and kept going back and forth looking for us cause we just left. Mark Anderson didn't put him in proper holder cage, he put him in for larger animals with big openings. He is 6 lbs but has long legs. He is very little only looks bigger cause of his hair. He should have been put in cat holder or small dog holder cage. He is so important to my disabled son. My son has not slept and has cried and threatened to run away to find his best friend Tagg. We have put 400 plus miles in 2 days driving the route he took looking for Tagg. He was in much less danger here at home than being lost after jumping from moving animal control truck. We are seeking legal help and news interview. We never want this to happen to another family or a loved pet."Sumter County has not reached out to the owners even after the owners have reached out to them. They don't have a clue where the dog could have gotten out. It appears they haven't even tried to find the dog they lost. They have not put out an APB so others can look for this dog.This is the county that someone got up at a BOCC meeting and said they would like their dog to go if it ever got lost. In what universe do you live that you want your pet to go to a place that could care less when they lose a dog????There is a BOCC meeting at Colony Rec Center on the 23rd. Everyone needs to be there and speak out! The county commissioners ARE responsible for this! We pay our taxes to our county. For as much as The Villages has grown, we should have a state of the art Shelter. The county doesn't even have trucks to contain the animals they pick up.To be honest, just getting them to drive out of their way to pick one up is like pulling eye teeth. Don't ask me how I know this.Please post your thoughts and share.Image may contain: plant, dog, outdoor and natureImage may contain: 1 person, smiling

Jorge Toro

2023-12

Amazing kennels great customer service I would surely adopt from them any time

Felicity Lowrance

2023-05

Amazing service! I’m from out of town and dealing with a other county pound couldn’t of been easier because of the front receptionists. Everyone was very kind and understanding about everything. Their pricing is reasonable, their customer service is impeccable and they are just honest animal lovers. Thank you!

Autumn Schnabl

2021-05

They picked up our dog on 07/16/20. I'm thankful she was in there and not roaming the streets. They were very nice about the situation, and were also very clean! Their policies are very understandable as well.

Larry Redwine

2021-05

I have called Animal Control in Sumter County to help me give up a German Shepherd, due to Health reasons. I left my information with the assistant who said she would give it to the Director, and she would give me a call. They have not called to this date.They cannot pick and choose the animals.I feel MS Bumstead needs to be fired and replaced with someone that wants to do the job!Thank you

Kimberly Neville

2019-05

What an absolutely horrible place. Our puppy got out by accident on april 7th at around 3pm while we were out for no more than 15 minutes. Animal control came and picked him up OUT OF OUR YARD. At first we were relieved because we thought he was safe. We called and called but never got an answer back until the next day. Then, they informed us that he had been caught but supposedly "jumped out of the cage in the back truck" while being transported to the shelter. Turns out, our baby was put in a full grown dog cage when hes only 7 pounds. He got out of a hole in the top corner. We have been searching everywhere for our dog, with zero help from animal services. I hope to God that nobody brings their dogs here. Take your pet to the humane society, not this monstrosity of a place.PLEASE GO TO KIMBERLY TOLA ON FACEBOOK TO SEE THE AD FOR OUR MISSING PUP. WE NEED TO BRING HIM HOME.

Kelsey Rieger

2018-05

I called to complain about the three jack russels across the street which are OUTSIDE DOGS who bark all through out the night.I am a stay at home mother and I’ve lived here for two years. They have never given these dogs a bath, their hair is completely gone from scratching it off. Everytime a flea bites them they bark... which is every few minutes.I called to make a complaint at 3am And the lady acted like I was tomenting the dog to make it bark🤦‍♀️

Elizabeth Kimball

2020-05

Came in to save a dog that had been surrendered. Saw on the sign in sheet that the previous owner had surrendered the dog, just two days prior. The guy at the computer said there were no records of the dog ever being surrendered there. Seemed completely unwilling to help.

Kris Marrs

2019-05

The fact that they wait 7 days is a miracle. I read that one lady turned her dogs in at another shelter, changed her mind went back an hour later and they were dead. People criticize this place but we dont know what goes on with the large amount of stray dogs running loose. Until you're in their shoes we shouldn't pass judgement and I don't agree on the 7 day hold . I don't agree that any animal should be put down.