What are the rules for euthanizing animals at Central Florida shelters?
Updated: 5:18 PM EST Feb 13, 2026
A family in Osceola County says their dog was euthanized an hour after it got loose and was picked up by animal control. What are the rules for holding an animal before it goes up for adoption or is euthanized?Each county is different. Here’s what they say: Osceola County Animal ServicesHolds stray pets for the legal hold period of three working days, after which time they are evaluated for potential adoptionThere could be medical conditions that are serious enough to make adoption inappropriate or impractical and in these cases, animals may be euthanizedMore from the county’s websitePet Alliance of Orlando Does not euthanize for time or space, only for severe medical or behavior issues.More from Pet AllianceSeminole CountyHolds stray pets not microchipped or wearing identification for five business days before they become property of Seminole County. MoreOrange CountyLake County Brevard County
A family in Osceola County says their dog was euthanized an hour after it got loose and was picked up by animal control.
What are the rules for holding an animal before it goes up for adoption or is euthanized?
Each county is different. Here’s what they say:
Osceola County Animal ServicesHolds stray pets for the legal hold period of three working days, after which time they are evaluated for potential adoptionThere could be medical conditions that are serious enough to make adoption inappropriate or impractical and in these cases, animals may be euthanizedMore from the county’s website
Pet Alliance of Orlando
Seminole County
Holds stray pets not microchipped or wearing identification for five business days before they become property of Seminole County.
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