C.A.R.E.
Our Mission
At Critter Adoption and Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.), our mission is to reduce the number of homeless and unwanted dogs and cats through adoption, sterilization, and education. We believe every living being deserves to be loved and provided a second chance at life.
Our Story
Founded in 2000 by Dr. Hal Ott, D.V.M., and a group of passionate community citizens, C.A.R.E. was born from the desire to save healthy animals from being euthanized in Hillsborough County. For 25 years, we have worked as a 501(c)(3) no-kill charity, relying on the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of our supporters to keep our doors open in Ruskin, Florida.
How We Care
Our shelter operates as a volunteer-driven environment where animals receive 365 days of care. Our dogs enjoy daytime exercise and socialization in outdoor kennels, weather permitting, while cats roam in large, age-segregated rooms with access to screened lanais. Through our commitment to transparency and responsible care, we ensure every animal is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before finding a new home.
Your Partner in Adoption
Adopting is a big decision, and we take the time to understand each pet’s behavior and individual needs to ensure a perfect, lasting match. Because we prioritize the best fit for both you and the animal, we carefully review applications to create successful partnerships rather than relying on a first-come, first-served approach. We invite all household members to meet our pets, as the more we observe interactions, the better chance of a happy, life-long connection.
Connect With Us
Are you ready to change a life? We invite you to browse our available pets online or visit us in Ruskin between Tuesday and Saturday, 10AM to 3PM. Together, we can write the next chapter of our rescue story.
- Clean facilities
- Dedicated volunteers
- Operational friction and perceived rudeness
6/18 - C.A.R.E. breaks ground on new animal shelter
By LOIS KINDLE lekindle@aol.com After six years of research, planning and fundraising, the Critter Adoption and Rescue Effort has finally
