Adopt a cat or dog from a shelter and receive two tickets to SeaWorld or Busch Gardens

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is known for Shamu and thrill rides. And it’s also known for its rescue and rehabilitation of thousands of marine animals during the last 50 years.

The company’s message of conservation is apparent not only in its theme parks but also with its weekly national television show, “Sea Rescue.” Viewers of the show and visitors at the parks learn about the safety and care of orcas, dolphins, sea turtles and more.

But SeaWorld’s concern for animals also extends to the furry mammals many of us have as pets. Cats and dogs are the focus of SeaWorld’s Happy Tails program, which encourages the adoption of such animals from local shelters. The company promotes the everyday rescues by offering a thank-you gift of complimentary tickets to SeaWorld or Busch Gardens in Tampa.

For each cat or dog that is adopted from a qualifying shelter, the new owner will receive two free single-day admissions to a SeaWorld park or Busch Gardens. The shelters print the tickets at the time of the adoption, and they are good for any time during the following year.

Participating shelters in Central Florida are the two locations for the SPCA of Central Florida (2727 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL 32839 and 2800 County Home Road, Sanford, FL 32772). Near Florida’s Busch Gardens, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay (3607 North Armenia Ave., Tampa, Florida, 33607) is an approved organization. There also are affiliated shelters in Texas, California and Virginia.

Recent “pet parent” Kathy offered this commentary on the SeaWorld website: “My husband and myself recent adopted a 9-month-old golden/ lab mix (I think!). We are in love! She stole our hearts the minute we saw her. Isn’t it funny how that works? You just know as you’re walking along the rows of little faces, and then your eyes meet, and you just know they’re the one. We are so grateful for the service that the SPCA provides. We would never consider bringing anything other than a shelter pet home.”

SeaWorld and Busch Gardens have provided homes and a second chance at life for hundreds of abandoned and neglected animals. Considered by many to be untrainable, these adopted animals now steal the stage – and fans’ hearts – as stars in the parks’ popular shows “Pets Ahoy” in Orlando, “Pets Rule” in San Diego and San Antonio, “Critter Castaways” in Tampa, and “More…Pet Shenanigans” in Williamsburg.

On a related note, if you are traveling with your pet to Orlando, SeaWorld does have kennels where your furry friend can stay while you enjoy the theme park. The air-conditioned kennels are staffed from park opening until half an hour after it closes. Park guests are required to bring pet food, a copy of the pet’s shot record and an updated rabies tag. Guests also must return to walk their dogs during the day. The cost is $15 per day with a $5 discount for pass members.

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