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Sheriff highlights sharp rise in shelter live‑release rates as new vet expands services
Summary
The Hernando County sheriff and shelter staff told commissioners the county’s shelter has sharply increased live‑release outcomes and expanded medical services, including more than 1,000 surgeries since the new veterinarian arrived. Officials described partnerships, volunteer growth and plans for further capital improvements.
The Hernando County sheriff updated commissioners on a months‑long turnaround at the county animal shelter, saying the facility now has a much smaller population, more volunteers and a near‑record live‑release rate.
Sheriff (speaker 8) introduced Captain John Cameron of the Special Operations Division, who told the board the shelter had taken in 1,970 animals since Jan. 1 — including 868 dogs and 924 cats — and adopted out 1,230 animals during that period. “As of our last STARCOM session, our live outcome rate was 98.28 percent,” Cameron said. He credited volunteer recruitment, standardized staff training and partnerships with nearby rescues for the improvement.
Veterinary services lead Dr. Tiffany Bogart described how new record‑keeping software, expanded surgery capacity and a week‑long TNVR (trap, neuter, vaccinate, release) schedule are reducing long‑term shelter stays. “I have performed over 1,000 surgeries since I’ve been here,” Dr. Bogart said, and she described plans for public vaccination clinics and expanded externships with veterinary programs.
Commissioners pressed staff about capacity, intake and whether the shelter was turning away surrenders. Cameron said the shelter prioritizes public‑health and intake practices consistent with industry standards and that nearly all animals at the shelter that are able to be adopted are now spayed or neutered before leaving. Several commissioners also asked about capital plans for additional kennels and a proposed intake/isolation building; staff said they are coordinating rezoning and grant opportunities.
County officials said they will continue recruiting donors and volunteers and explore grant funding for capital improvements. The sheriff and shelter staff invited commissioners and the public to tour the facility to see the changes firsthand.
