Pets

Open Dawn to Dusk. Separate play areas for dogs over 45 lbs and under 45 lbs.

Shaded, 6,300 square foot fenced area divided into two play areas for small dogs and large dogs. Renovated in 2021.

SPCA Florida provides caring, compassion and hope to homeless animals, SPCA Florida has both cats and dogs for adoption, and is also home to a full service veterinary clinic to serve your pets.

Donations can be dropped off at the Adoption Center during normal business hours. Wish list items include:
Dog and cat beds
Used blankets and towels can be repurposed for animal crate beds.
Distilled Water, Rubbing Alcohol, Glass Cleaner, Trash Bags (all sizes), Household Rubber Gloves (all sizes), Latex Gloves (all sizes)
Kitty supplies – litter, toys, food, treats
Dog supplies – dry puppy food, dog food, biscuits, Nyla Kongs, Peanut Butter for Kongs (regular, NOT sugar free), Dog Leashes, Collars & Easy Walk Harnesses

The Dog Park is located a few hundred yards north on the Auburndale Trail from the trail head. It is situated to the left of the trail.  It features exercise and play equipment for your pet. The park is separated for small and large dogs. Doggie clean-up products are provided, i.e. bags and disposal receptacle.

This dog park in Bartow is brand new in 2020. It has separate play areas for dogs under/over 25 lbs.

Diogi Dog Park is located at Loyce E. Harpe Park on Carter Road. It includes two fenced play areas for off-leash play, one for smaller dogs and one for larger dogs. There is a covered picnic table on each side, with walking trails nearby for on-leash walking.

Dog Leg Woods is located in south Lakeland on Cleveland Heights Blvd. It has two separate play areas for off-leash play. A large section of the park is shaded, and there is also a large grass area for the dogs to run.

Lake Crago Dog Park in north Lakeland has separate spaces for large dogs and small dogs (under 45 lbs), as well as a restroom for humans. Open Dawn to Dusk.

Polk County Animal Control provides a variety of services to our community. Animal Control Officers investigate bite cases and dangerous dog cases, pick up sick or injured dogs or cats, quarantine animals, and provide pet adoptions for healthy pets.

ANIMAL SHELTER + LOST PETS: Some lost/found pets are taken to the Polk County Animal Shelter. You can check for your lost pet by visiting the Polk Pets website or visiting the shelter during their business hours.

PET ADOPTION: The Polk County Animal Shelter has dogs and cats of many sizes and breeds available for adoption! You can visit the website to view the animals currently available for adoption, or visit and look for yourself, animals change daily and adoptions are on a first come, first served basis. (They do not spay and neuter existing pets– visit our Pets Guide for local vets)

RABIES TAGS: Polk County Ordinance requires all dogs or cats four (4) months and older to have a rabies vaccination and a valid license tag – these can be obtained on the Animal Control website or at the administration office.

ANIMAL BITES + NUISANCE WILDLIFE: Polk County Animal Control officers respond to dangerous dogs, animal attacks, and other animal calls involving a bite or attack to a human or an animal, particularly those dealing with raccoons, bats, foxes, and other possible rabies carriers. Visit the website or call for more information on dangerous dog statutes.

DONATIONS: The Polk County Animal Shelter gratefully accepts any and all material and monetary donations intended for the health and comfort of the animals housed in our shelter. Material donations can be any household items such as: old towels and linens, dog and cat beds, pet toys, old dog and cat transport crates, bird and small animal cages, newspapers, etc. The veterinary staff is always in need of workable gently-loved medical equipment, bandages, and other medical supplies. You’d be surprised at what can be adapted to help the animals in our care.

Visit the website for a full list of FAQ’s regarding Polk County Animal Services.