Pet Pal Animal Shelter

To the person who thought that Lotus wasn’t “Worth It”-the last laugh is on you. Yesterday Lotus was adopted by a wonderful family, complete with a beautiful home , other dogs to play with, a yard to run in and unconditional love. Lotus is proof that every animal deserves a second…and sometimes even a third one.

Good luck Lotus-it’s your time to bloom!

         Pet Pal Veterinary Clinic

  Low Cost Spay/Neuter Services 

      APPOINTMENTS ARE NECESSARY

Every year millions of animals are surrendered to shelters-only half make it out. PLEASE be a responsible owner and spay/neuter your pets.

Prices

Cats

Male (neuter)                 $35

Female (spay)                $40

DOGS

 Male (neuter)                  Female (spay)               

2- 20 pounds   $75           2-25 pounds      $90            

21-40 pounds   110         26-50 pounds     110

41-80 pounds  125          51-75 pounds     140          

81-120 pounds 190         76-100 pounds    170

                                         Over 100 pounds   220

By Florida law, all animals must receive a rabies vaccination.  The additional fee for a rabies vaccine is $13.00.  An exam fee, which has been discounted for $20 will also be charged (exam fee will be waived for feral cats). Other vaccinations are not required but we do recommend that you consider having these services done for the health and well being of your animal.

You come home from a long day at work and your dog is ready to greet you with kisses But wait-what’s that smell? Yep it’s Fido’s breath. If you could bottle that scent, there would be no need for home security systems. One whiff and the crooks would be running! But what about the underlying problems? Dental disease affects up to 80% of pets over the age of 3 and, just like humans, there can be serious consequences to poor dental health; Tartar and any affected areas contain a multitude of bacteria that can travel to other parts of the body. Luckily, dental disease progresses in stages. If caught early, you can prevent further damage. Dental cleanings are available at Pet Pal Veterinary Clinic and appointments can be made by calling (727) 328-7729. Contact our clinic today-your dog will breathe a sigh of “non-fish smelling” relief!

In the summer, the heat inside cars and trucks heats up quickly. When the temperature outside is 85, the temperature inside the vehicle (even with the windows slightly open) can reach 102 in ten minutes. Within 30 minutes, it can reach 120 degrees. An animal in a closed vehicle will develop heatstroke and eventually, its brain will literally “cook”.

Is you are thinking of taking your dog out with you and leaving him in the car while you just run a simple errand-DON’T.  If you see an animal in heat distress in a car, notify a law enforcement official IMMEDIATELY and then call Pinellas County Animal Services (727) 586-2600. It is against the law (Ord No. 92-15s 11,3-10-92) and violations are punishable by Criminal Penalty and/or Civil Penalty.

Pet Pal Veterinary Clinic, located at 1900 34th Street S., St. Pete, has recently expanded its hours of operation. The clinic is now open Monday through Friday from 9-5 and Saturdays from 8-12.
Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling the clinic at (727) 328-7729

The clinic is also please to introduce its newest staff members, Dr. Natalie Long, DVM, Dr. Camille Andrews, DVM and Sandy Levy, CVT.

April showers bring May flowers and, unfortunately, QUITE a few unwanted animal pregnancies. We can’t blame our animals for what comes naturally to them but we must be responsible for their actions. Spaying and neutering your pets will NOT make them fat and lazy and will NOT make them meek and shy. What it will do is reduce the over population of unwanted animals in Amercia, many of whom are euthanized. Even if your pet has a litter and you find homes for all of them, each of those pets takes a potential home away from other homeless pets waiting in a shelter. In addition to this, there are also significant health benefits for your pet.

Benefits of Spaying and Neutering 

Prevents pregnancy and the complications arising from pregnancy and delivery

Eliminates the heat cycle in females

Prevents unwelcome males from trying to seek out your female pet in heat

Reduces the urge to roam. This makes it less likely that you will lose your pet, which in turn makes your pet less likely to contract a disease, get in a fight, get injured, or become a victim to cruelty, poison, or traffic.

Reduces or eliminates the possibility of disease in the reproductive system.

Reduces the distracting and destructive behavior associated with the male’s efforts to get out and find a mate

Eliminates testicular tumors and reduces prostate gland problems.

In cats, neutering may stop or reduce marking behavior (territorial spraying of urine).

Reduces the urge to fight.

There are many organizations, including Pet Pal’s Veterinary Clinic, that provide low cost spay/neutering services. You owe it to your animal.

 So spay and neuter-it makes them even cuter!

Someone saw this 4 month old pit bull puppy floating in a canal in St. Petersburg on Wednesday, and pulled her out.
Around her neck was a leather collar covered in feces, which was tied to a thick chain, a lock, and an electric cord. This was no accident.
The pup was brought to Pet Pal Animal shelter where she seen by our veterinarian and was found to be emaciated, dehydrated and suffering from severe demodex mange. Her body is covered in sores and she can barely open her eyes. And yet, when we took her outside for this picture, she wagged her tail. Even after all she has been through, she still has faith in humanity. So when we were asked if she was worth treating, the answer was most definately yes.
Lotus, as she is now being called, suffered for the first four months of her life. With the help of our staff, volunteers and that special good samaritan, she will never have to suffer again.

Dogs are naturally social beings that thrive on interaction with human beings and other animals. A dog kept chained in one spot for hours, days or even longer, suffers immense psychological damage. When kept continuously chained, an otherwise friendly and docile dog,  becomes anxious and often aggressive. Additionally, tethering a dog is physically dangerous for the animal. Devices used to restrain dogs often get tangled, leaving the potential for choking and other serious injury. In many cases, the necks of chained dogs become raw and covered with sores due to the dogs’ constant yanking and straining to escape confinement. Dogs have even been found with collars embedded in their necks, the result of years of neglect at the end of a chain.

A new ordinance passed on May 4^th, 2010 (Chapter 14, Article II) in Pinellas County makes it illegal to tie or chain a dog for long periods of time. If you know someone who violates this ordinance, contact Pinellas County Animal Services at (727) 582-2600 and  help  BREAK THE CHAIN!

Puppies and kittens have the “cute appeal” but I’ll let you in on a secret…older animals rock!!! Why you ask? Well, let me put it this way…

#8 We are WAY over the chewing phase. #7 We generally walk better on a leash. #6 We have fewer accidents -pleeease-how juvenile!! #5 We are already familiar with people, other dogs, etc. #4 You know what you’re getting when you adopt an older dog #3 We  really aren’t THAT old-1 canine year doesn’t really equal 7 human years-heck we’re just hitting our prime! #2 Some else has already done the training for you and…the #1 one reason for adopting an older dog-If you adopt us, we will love you for life-and that’s a promise!