Brooksville, FL – As the coldest cold front of the season moves into Central Florida, Hernando County officials are urgently asking residents to open their homes to shelter dogs needing warmth and care.
According to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services, a prolonged cold front is expected to impact the region for more than a week, bringing overnight temperatures low enough to make shelter conditions stressful and uncomfortable for animals. While the shelter has protections in place, officials say foster homes provide a safer, warmer, and calmer environment during extended cold periods.
Animal Services officials say temporary fosters — even for just a few days — can make a life-saving difference. Dogs placed in homes experience reduced stress and anxiety, improved health, and often have a better chance of being adopted.
“Fostering provides warmth, comfort, and a safe place to rest,” the agency said in a public appeal. “You don’t need to commit long-term. Short-term fosters help free up space and protect animals during extreme weather.”
The shelter provides support to foster families, including food and matching households with appropriate dogs. No prior fostering experience is required, and staff members guide participants through the process.
Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services is located at 19450 Oliver Street in Brooksville, serving Hernando County and surrounding Central Florida communities, including the Tampa Bay region.
Residents interested in fostering are encouraged to visit the shelter in person or call 352-796-5062 for more information.
As colder-than-normal conditions settle in across the region, officials say community involvement is critical to keeping animals safe.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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