It's time for the 2009 Fall Pet Adoption Expo featuring over 50 shelters and rescue groups under one roof with hundreds of adorable and deserving pets. A huge variety of dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs and more will be showcased in an effort to find forever homes.

In observance of Veteran's Week, Hillsborough County Animal Services and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay are offering "Pets for Vets!" Members of the military may subtract a dollar for each month of their service from pet adoption fees during the EXPO event. Even newly active military will be extended special discounts so that those who pledge their life may save a life. "Pets For Vets" adoptables will be adorned in red, white, and blue bandanas or collars.

To promote felines, Hillsborough County Animal Services and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay will also offer the general public half-price adoptions on adult cats during the EXPO event.

Adoption fees at both shelters include spay/neuter surgery, micro-chipping, rabies vaccination, and one-year County pet registration/tag. Adopters should bring valid photo identification, renters' pet policy, and proof of current address. Cash and checks are generally recommended, but some pet rescue groups allow credit cards.

Special guests at EXPO include Raymond, mascot for the Tampa Bay Rays. Dozens of vendors will also participate with spay/neuter information, humane education, volunteer programs, dog-training tips, ask-the-vet, grooming, pet products and food concessions.

Admission to the event is free, but donations of pet food will be accepted to deter animals from being surrendered to shelters in the economic downturn.

The 2009 Fall Pet Adoption Expo is the fifth such event sponsored by ASPCA® Mission: Orange since the outreach program began in 2007. Its goal: to increase adoption and lower euthanasia of homeless animals. Tampa/Hillsborough was chosen as one of only four target markets in the nation, and its success has become a benchmark. Local partners for ASPCA® Mission: Orange are: Hillsborough County Animal Services; the Humane Society of Tampa Bay; and No More Homeless Pets - Hillsborough.

For health and safety reasons, please do not bring currently owned pets to this event.

For more information, call (813) 744-5660 or log onto www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices