Scams are out there, from romance schemes to rental fraud. With that in mind, here is what experts say to look out for when finding a reputable dog rescue.

Orange County Animal Services is warning owners of lost pets that scammers are impersonating the shelter to try and take victims' distress to the bank.

Today for “Trooper Steve on Patrol,” we get to meet an Orange County shelter dog named Trooper Steve!

We are back at Orange County Animal Services to feature 6-year-old Sky!

Twenty-three dogs and two cats were seized from a single residence in Orange County, what the sheriff’s office said was its largest year-to-date animal confiscation.

Orange County Animal Services will keep custody of a small dog that was found inside a hot car in the parking lot of SeaWorld Orlando last month.

Ozzy the dog, who was spooked by fireworks and hit by a car before being found by Ocoee police, has been reunited with his family thanks to a microchip, according to Orange County Animal Services.

The best day of the month is when we get to go out On Patrol and find a family for an animal in need. We're back out at Orange County Animal Services today visiting a special fur baby.

Due to a dog testing positive for Strep Zoo, Orange County Animal Services has paused intakes and adoptions.

We are back out at Orange County Animal Services trying to find Pretzel a home.

A Winter Park-based business has pledged to cover all adoption fees at a beloved shelter dog's pool party this weekend.

A shelter dog that was in urgent need of help is now with a rescue after appearing on Trooper Steve on Patrol this week.

As of Friday, May 17, more than 200 dogs and 100 cats were at Orange County Animal Services.

Orange County Animal Services announces it has reached capacity amid a streak of high-intake days worsened by recent confiscation cases of animals being kept in poor living conditions.

I think it’s pretty obvious at this point, my favorite day “On Patrol” with you guys is any day that we get to feature a dog or a cat that needs a home.

Orange County Animal Services raised the alarm to make the public aware of a nationwide scam now possibly targeting owners of lost pets in Central Florida.

Orange County Animal Services has reportedly become “overwhelmed” with stray dogs, what’s prompted the shelter to ask that the community steps forward.

The Orange County Animal Services announced plans to host “Pick Nick Saturday,” an adoption event aimed at finding its longest resident dog, 3-year-old Nicholas, a home.

A lost dog separated from her family seven years was found in a Central Florida hotel and reunited with her owner, according to a heartfelt post by the Orange County Animal Services.

Orange County Animal Services posted to its Facebook page Friday, discussing the hundreds of animals stored at the shelter and asking local residents for support.

Orange County Animal Services is asking people to save cats the right way.

This is the first time the shelter has utilized billboard services to highlight any animal at the Orange County Animal Shelter.

Orange County Animal Services announced Saturday that Tonka was adopted by his new family. To make things even better, the family adopted their new four-legged family member on National Adoption Day. ***ORIGINAL***A dog that has spent more than 200 days in the Orange County Animal Services shelter is in need of a forever home. [TRENDING: Gov: Vaccine coming to Florida ‘relatively soon’ | CDC: Avoid Thanksgiving travel | Georgia presidential race recount results]“Tonka is a handsome boy, who can definitely turn on the charm,” said Diane Summers, manager for Orange County Animal Services. If you are interested in making Tonka yours, email the shelter at animalservices@ocfl.net to get more information.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The coronavirus pandemic has impacted much of 2020, but Orange County Animal Services says it’s marking the year as a successful one as they celebrate their highest live release date yet. The agency was able to release 10,032 animals from its shelter this year, which equates to about 88% of its impounds. [TRENDING: How to turn off Facebook election reminders | Big rig with police lights pulling over drivers | Voter Guide 2020](Orange County Animal Services) (Copyright 2020 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.) Shelter representatives are calling this an impressive feat, as the 51-year-old animal shelter is Orange County’s only open-admission shelter. (Orange County Animal Services, 2020) (Copyright 2020 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – If you’re looking to bring home a new cat or two, Orange County Animal Services has dozens that were recently rescued from a hoarding situation and are now looking to meet their match. A total of 47 felines were removed from a manufactured home in the Conway area on Wednesday and are now at the shelter. [TRENDING: Newlywed couple killed in plane crash | Ballot for dead wife meant to ‘test system’ | FSU president tests positive for COVID-19]“This began with an act of concern for these cats, with the resident bringing a few of them inside,” Orange County Animal Services manager Diane Summers said. We hope that anyone seeing this that may be in a similar situation can take heed and seek out assistance now.”Dozens of cats were recently rescued from a hoarding situation. (Orange County Animal Services)Some of the repossessed pets are friendly and outgoing while others will need more time to adjust.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orange County animal shelter put out a call to the community Monday seeking help after receiving 40 cats from a single home over the weekend, many of the felines are Siamese, according to Orange County Animal Services. While the homeowner was at first hesitant, they ultimately turned over the animals peacefully, according to officials. Scenes from the home where 40 cats were surrendered to Orange County Animal Services. (Image credit: OCAS) (WKMG 2020)Scenes from the home where 40 cats were surrendered to Orange County Animal Services. Animal Services was able to place 15 of the cats in foster care, including four who have already been adopted.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. The Florida Department of Health Orange County issued a rabies alert for the region near Hendry Drive and Okaloosa Avenue Monday, according to a news release. The alert is in response to a cat that tested positive for the disease. The FDOH issued the following guidelines and advice pertaining to the rabies alert:All pets should have current rabies immunizations. If bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water, seek medical attention, and promptly report the incident to Orange County Animal Services (407) 254-9150. For general questions pertaining to animals, contact Orange County Animal Services (407) 254-9150.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orange County Animal Services closed Sunday after three staff members tested positive for the novel coronavirus. “Out of an abundance of caution and concern for the health and safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors, we are temporarily closing to the public,” a statement on the OCAS Facebook page read. The building has been sanitized and staff will continue to follow increase sanitation standards, the post read. OCAS is still accepting stray pets but asks anyone coming to the shelter to stay in their vehicles to minimize contact. It’s unclear when the shelter will reopen to the public.

According to the PAO, heartworm disease is caused by a parasite, a type of roundworm that lives inside the heart and blood vessels of the lungs. Symptoms are subtle and easy to miss, but as the number of heartworms increase, the symptoms of coughing, lethargy, exercise intolerance, lack of appetite and weight loss become more apparent. The American Heartworm Society says that heartworm infections are increasing across the U.S. In Central Florida, Orange County Animal Services is reporting 80 percent increase in positive dogs entering its animal shelter. There is no approved heartworm treatment for cats so prevention is the only answer.