I hope this message finds you well. I am writing an official complaint to bring to your attention some significant concerns I have about a recent unacceptable adoption experience at the Polk County Animal Shelter.
Recently, I adopted a Dalmatian from your shelter on 5/26/26, ANIMAL ID # A1267396
While I am grateful to have this dog as part of my family, the process and the subsequent health issues have raised some serious concerns.
When I initially contacted the shelter about adopting the Dalmatian, I was informed that he was available and could be taken home the same day. However, upon my arrival at the shelter, after over an hour drive there, I was unexpectedly informed that due to an upcoming adoption event at the strawberry festival fair grounds, the dog would not be allowed to be adopted by me that day and would be sent to the adoption event for someone else to adopt him there. No one could give me the day he would be there. This was not only completely senseless and confusing but also frustrating to both me and the other customers in the waiting area, especially since I had driven a considerable distance and confirmed he’d be available for adoption, the dog was already showing signs of “happy tail” and I would think the shelter would have the animals best interest at heart, as in getting him adopted to the correct home…
Moreover, after finally being able to bring the dog home, thanks to me knowing a long standing employee there, it became apparent that he had significant health issues, including a cough which was noticeable the second we left the shelter. He began vomiting and became extremely lethargic. Unfortunately, my vet discovered the dog has pneumonia and parvovirus, which I am now spending a significant amount of money just hoping he survives. While I understand that I signed a waiver acknowledging responsibility for the dog’s health after adoption. I believe the shelter could have taken more precautionary measures—such as a quarantine period after he was returned by a previous adopter—to ensure that he was healthy before placing him back up for adoption. This has caused exposure to my other dogs and furthermore has infested my house for at least the next year. This shelter is supposed to be a trusted staple in our community with the dogs best interest in mind. I am quite disappointed in your staff and procedures for protecting these dogs and the adoptive parents other resident dogs. Trusting the shelter, I took him to families house who also have dogs. So now they also are on high alert. I am also having to explain this whole thing to both my young children ages 5 and 3.
Furthermore, I also contacted the animal control around 10:30am on Saturday 5/30/26 to inform them of the situation with the dog I adopted so that they can take proper precautions. It was my understanding that there was no worry to quarantine any animals or stop any of the major adoptions that took place on Saturday at the strawberry festival fair ground which may have infected dogs at the facilities who joined you, other dogs who were adopted, and their family which is very concerning for anyone who adopted a dog that may have been exposed. As well as the family who originally adopted this dog and brought him back to your shelter, were they contacted and informed their other pet may have been exposed? This is a very serious illness in which dogs may loose their life over.
My entire experience with this shelter has been absolutely awful. I believe there has been much negligence at this shelter. This Dalmation should have been quarantined with this awful cough originally and re-vetted after his first adopted returned him.
I do not expect any help from you all with this situation. What I am expecting is to raise awareness to those in charge of this facility. I understand the kennel is over whelmed with dogs and cats but this is unacceptable from the way I was told I couldn’t adopt a dog that’s on adoption isle because he’s going to an event to be adopted instead to now knowing he had pneumonia in your kennel and then Parvo is the cherry on top. I am disgusted to say the least. The Polk County Sheriff’s office investigates and ultimately puts people in jail for negligently selling sick dogs but yet here we are with our own “trusted” shelter.
I am so glad I was able to adopt this dog out of your facility and save his life because clearly animal control was not capable of giving him the care, compassion, and due diligence this dog deserved.
Sincerely, a concerned animal advocate, Sarah
The Dalmatian is now passed…. I am out over $1300 in vet bills, plus adoption fees, supplies, etc. I have two young kids to explain why their “Marshall” ( paw patrol inspired) is now dead. My kids are 3 years old and 5 years old. I am livid.
This is very sad. This is exactly why PCAC is the highest kill shelter in the state of Florida. Our county deserves better. While the new director is trying to make some positive changes this needs to be addressed immediately
Sarah, I am so sorry for your loss and that your young children are going through this.
It is very similar to what happened to another family around December, a case that was featured on Fox News.
Just because a contract was signed does not mean what happened is acceptable.
Lack of quarantine to many feels quite neglectful.
Thank you for speaking up about this.
Sarah My heart breaks for you and your family and for Marshall and for all the other dogs that may inevitably suffer. This is another valid reason why this so called shelter should be taken over by people who know what is involved in running and maintaining an animal shelter. I am so sorry for this unnecessary and tragic loss.
First my condolences for your entire family…there are no words.
I stand with you on the disgraceful and disgusting way (s) in which the safety and wellbeing of all the animals are being handled. When I first learned of the all the ONGOING issues I was in disbelief. I couldn’t believe that our SHERIFF, GRADY JUDD would allow such things to take place in his beloved Polk County but have since become VERY AWARE. Unfortunately I am not in a position to do much about any of it from a legal standpoint, however, I would be willing to sign a petition or the like if it would help. The entire POLK COUNTY authorities, commissioners etc and should be held ACCOUNTABLE for the lack of action in caring for these pets, for their deceptive actions, lies, lack of compassion among others. The Polk County Shelter and ALL THOSE INVOLVED in aiding to the despair and destruction of these animals that they CLAIM they care for ought to be fined, arrested and thrown in cages to suffer as they have done to the animals that they don’t care for. I’m disappointed and disgusted with this county and all those who are in a position to do something GOOD for the well being of ALL the animals placed there. They are ALL GROSSLY IMCOMPETENTto say the least. Thank you for filing the complaint! Love to your kids who are grieving for the loss of the beloved “new” pet.
Hi Robin Thank you for your condolences. feel free to reach out to me
Whoever works at that shelter is clearly out to get a paycheck. These people don’t care except to get rid of these poor gentle souls. I’m heartbroken to see what he’s has happened. I hope karma gets these people.
SHERIFF, GRADY JUDD SHOULD BE ASHAMED that he would allow such things to take place in his beloved Polk County . I would be willing to sign a petition or the like if it would help, The entire POLK COUNTY authorities, commissioners etc. should be held ACCOUNTABLE for the lack of action in caring for these pets, for their deceptive actions, lies, lack of compassion among others. The Polk County Shelter and ALL THOSE INVOLVED
SHERIFF, GRADY JUDD. INSTEAD OF LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT PLACK FOR BEING THE BEST, SHOW US THAT YOU REALLY ALL IN ALL AREAS.
I’ m so sorry for your loss, maybe the authorities should be contacted, in order to change the policies. People like me and us that love dogs and animals feel they should be protected and like some people say “ They are just dogs” No, they are not just dogs they have feelings and they become family members . God help us and them . Thank you for stepping up and let the public know . Many blessings
Grady Judd is responsible and should be held accountable before the next election!
I’m so sorry for your loss. I adopted a dog with parvo when I was barely 18 and spent a horrific amount of money to cure him. I was so fortunate. We don’t seem to have a problem jailing, feeding and housing nonviolent, petty criminals, with bails so high they won’t get out for months, but we don’t care a bit for these poor animals.
Please don’t think ANYONE in PCSD gives a hoot about these animals, if they did it wouldn’t be such an issue.
I think this is the biggest crime in Polk County and puts a stain on our name across the state and probably the country. Maybe we should fix this problem. I’m pretty tired of SHERIFF GRADY JUDD’s chats at the podium about everything but this, and this looms over us every day.
The employees are no doubt underpaid and overworked, although that doesn’t excuse them. Probably afraid they’ll lose their jobs if they speak up.
Horrible!! You should sue the shelter, the county and Sheriff Judd. No one, and especially children, should go through what you’ve endured. My heart aches for you.
Sarah, this is a horrendous story and one that just breaks my heart. This so called “rescue shelter” needs to be reevaluated and inspected, with the sick animals properly treated before any further releases to any family. Your
Dalmatian was so beautiful and your poor children to have to see their new buddy lose his life is unfathomable.
This, also makes for a bigger problem, as people go to adopt a pet there, people turn over their pets there thinking they are going to have a chance of a new family and people think it is safe. This is one of the reasons I do not
got to shelters to get a pet and many reading this may have second thoughts for doing that as well and that is sad
and tragic for the poor animals waiting for their forever home to come and save them from the environment of
these places before the overcrowding gets so bad, they are euthanized through no fault of their own. The whole
thing is a terrible mess so this kind of issue with all the available vaccinations out there, these animals should be
analyzed and given the proper shots to keep this from happening. There should be quarantine areas for new
arrivals as well. I could go on and on but I am praying that something will be done to stop this from ever hurting
a wonderful family looking to adopt a sweet, deserving pet for themselves and their children. God bless you and
comfort you and your family during this tragedy. <
This place should not be allowed to stay in business. It makes me sick to hear what’s going on there. The poor animals don’t deserve to be treated like that. We have a sheriff that cares about getting the criminals off the streets, but apparently doesn’t care about the poor defenseless animals.
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary wanted to build a multi million dollar shelter here in Polk County. However, GradyJudd said no because the people from bBest Friends would be the running it and he would have no control over it.
SHERIFF, GRADY JUDD SHOULD BE ASHAMED that he would allow such things to take place in his beloved Polk County . I would be willing to sign a petition or the like if it would help, lies, lack of compassion among others. The Polk County Shelter and ALL THOSE INVOLVED
SHERIFF, GRADY JUDD. INSTEAD OF LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT PLACK FOR BEING THE BEST, SHOW US THAT YOU REALLY ALL IN ALL AREAS.
Are you referencing the SPCA? In Lakeland?
No- the SPCA in Lakeland is a wonderful adoption center. Our son works there in the K-9 unit and he has told me all the wonderful ways they care for these dogs. They even take them to a trainer if they have behavioral issues to help overcome them so they can get adopted. They quarantine ALL dogs that come in to ensure the health of the other animals. They get played with and loved on each day, even buy water toys for them. Our son even checks out different dogs on Saturdays for play dates. I am completely impressed with the care and concern these sweet pups receive. This is a top notch adoption center and I totally recommend them.