Some of the biggest challenges facing Hillsborough County can seem so divisive or costly they might be with us forever, like modernizing transportation and ending the scourge of opioid addiction.
But there's one chronic problem that can be made much smaller if just a few hundred households answer the call: Emptying the county's animal shelter of stray dogs, cats and other pets.
There's never been a better time than now - now through Tuesday, anyway, the final days of a weeklong national campaign to find homes for 10,000 shelter animals by making adoptions free of charge.
At the Hillsborough County Pet Resources Center, that's a savings of at least $20 and as much as $175, depending on how far along in the adoption process an animal has progressed. The cost is being underwritten through the Utah-based Best Friends Animal Society, motto: "Save Them All."
To be sure, the cost of adoption has never been a major barrier to any thoughtful person considering taking in a stray. No one should adopt an animal with cheap entertainment in mind. They are not disposable
Consider these annual spending highlights from the most recent owners survey by the American Pet Products Association: Routine veterinarian visits $474 for a dog, $245 for a cat; surgical visit, $474 for a dog, $245 for a cat; and food for either one, $235.
That's not counting vitamins, treats, kennel boarding, toys, and an often-hefty pet deposit for renters.
Still, the gimmick of no-fees adoption is drawing greater attention to the plight of stray pets, and at the time of year when animal shelters here and nationwide are typically bursting with them.
To borrow a pitch from the car dealers, the prices are low - and selection has never been better.
You can see the appeal in a visit this week to the Pet Resources Center - people attracted by the no-fee deal lining up even before the doors open then moving slowly from cage to cage in search of the animal or animals just right for them.
More than one visitor, moved by the wagging tails and tongues, mused about walking away with all of them.
Hoarders, though, need not apply, and they wouldn't need to if those households on the brink of getting a new pet would see this as an opportunity to take the plunge. If money is an object, just consider it an investment in a better life.
The bond between people and their pets can increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness to the owners, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes. And some of the potential health benefits are quite specific: Decreases in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and feelings of loneliness, along with increases in opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities, not to mention socialization.
Tampa, especially, is a great place to own a pet, in the judgment of those who rank cities for such things. With about 60 pet-friendly restaurants and nearly three dog parks per 100,000 people, Tampa fell just outside the Top 10 in a survey of 25 major cities, according to a survey published by the Huffington Post. Tampa ranked No. 3 in a list developed by Wallet Hub.
Most households in the United States have at least one pet, the CDC says. If you're feeling left out, check the selection at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/pets and head down to the Pet Resource Center on Falkenburg Road. They're open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. six days a week, closed every Monday and also Wednesday for the July 4 holiday.
You'll be richer for it. Especially if you show up by Tuesday.