Humane Society of Tampa Bay timeline
Leading the Way Into the Future
For more than 100 years, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay has been dedicated to ending animal homelessness and providing care and comfort for companion animals in need. Scroll through the milestones that built the organization.
Milestone 02
1920s
A Home for the Mission
A property and two-story house at 3607 N. Armenia were bequeathed, and the animal shelter began operations from the place that would become central to HSTB history.
Milestone 01
1912
A Humane Beginning
Humane Society of Tampa Bay was established, beginning more than a century of lifesaving work for animals and families across Tampa Bay.
Milestone 03
1960s
Building Capacity
The second shelter facility was built, giving the organization more room to care for companion animals in need.
Milestone 04
1980s
Room to Care
The facility was expanded for kennels, improving the shelter’s ability to house and support animals while they waited for homes.
Milestone 05
2000
Accessible Spay/Neuter Care
HSTB opened a low-cost spay/neuter clinic, expanding access to essential veterinary services for the community.
Milestones 06 – 08
2004 – 2008
Three commitments in five years moved the shelter from rescue toward prevention and community care.
2004
No-Kill for Space
The shelter became a “No-Kill for Space” facility, strengthening its commitment to lifesaving outcomes.
2007
A Community Lifesaving Effort
HSTB joined the ASPCA Mission Orange initiative, a community-wide effort focused on saving more animal lives.
2008
Affordable Wellness
An affordable wellness clinic opened, helping more families access preventive care for the animals they love.
Milestone 09
2012
Full-Service Veterinary Care
HSTB opened the affordable, full-service veterinary hospital combining spay/neuter and wellness services.
Milestone 10
2014
AAHA Accredited
HSTB became the first non-profit veterinary hospital in Florida to be accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association.
Milestone 11
2020
A New Animal Shelter
HSTB moved into the DeBartolo Family Animal Shelter, a 50,000 square foot facility designed to increase capacity and save more lives.
Milestone 12
2025
Expanding Access to Care
A 10,000 square foot expansion will be added to the Claude and Lydia Mell Animal Hospital to increase capacity and assist more families in need.
Milestone 13
2026
Growing Into Pinellas
Humane Society of Pinellas merged with HSTB and now operates as the Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s Pinellas Campus.