Watch: More than 1,300 names in live drawing for rescue puppies

TAMPA — More than 1,300 names of prospective puppy parents are entered in a live drawing today for the chance to adopt one of the fluffy designer breed dogs rescued from a Tampa breeder in September.

Hillsborough County Pet Resources said only 250 of the more than 300 animals rescued from Trish’s All Breeds Pet Grooming can be adopted by today’s hopefuls. They first had to apply in person during a special event Sunday and pass a background check by Pet Resources staff.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers punter Bradley Pinion will draw names at random in a 4 p.m. raffle at County Center today, staff said. The event will be streamed live online on the Hillsborough County Pet Resources Center Facebook Page.

Winners from today’s drawing will receive a confirmation email Friday with an appointed time to see the dogs and select their pet during an “Adoption Day” event Sunday, Nov. 17, at the All People’s Life Center in Tampa.

To discourage new owners from putting the puppies back on the market, county commissioners approved a $450 adoption fee for puppies under 6 months old and a $300 adoption fee for the rest. Hillsborough residents will receive a $50 discount in hopes of keeping dogs in the community.

And for those not picked during today’s raffle, Pet Resources will provide a voucher for 50 percent off another “ready-to-go” dog in county shelters. All dogs will be micro-chipped, vaccinated, registered, and spayed or neutered.

All proceeds from the event will go back into Pet Resources coffers, mainly to help cover the costs of veterinary treatment required by the animals, officials said.

For more information about the rescue puppies, click here.