Dogs, cats and Pinellas County Animal Services staff celebrate opening of air-conditioned kennel buildings and new medical hospital
The staff and animals at Pinellas County Animal Services are staying cool this summer thanks to the completion of two renovations at the shelter funded by the Penny for Pinellas, including the addition of air conditioning in the kennel buildings and the opening of a new medical hospital.
The renovation of four kennel buildings added air conditioning and new larger kennels. The project also strengthened the buildings to be able to withstand a Category 4 hurricane.
The kennels also received a new speaker system to play relaxing music thanks to a generous donation from The Clouden Family of Consumer Energy Solutions, Tidal Builders and BCI Integrated Solutions.
“Thousands of animals come through this facility each year and almost all of them are looking for somewhere to call home,” Board of County Commission Chair Brian Scott said. “These improvements keep them safe, comfortable and happy while they stay with us.”
The medical hospital, located in the former St. Pete College Veterinary Technology Building next door to the existing Animal Services facility, allows the medical staff to deliver first-class care on site.
The larger medical space comes with an additional surgery table that will allow Animal Services to host more community spay and neuter events. The new radiology room gives the medical team access to perform X-rays that previously had to be outsourced. Plus, the new facility provides additional spaces for animals recovering from surgery or other illnesses to do so in more optimal conditions like darker, quieter rooms with improved medical isolation.
The new shaded play yard allows the animals to get outside time without being in the sun.
“Our medical team performs thousands of medical treatments every year to support our mission to improve animal welfare across the county,” Pinellas County Animal Services Director Jennifer Renner said. “This state-of-the-art facility provides our medical team with new tools, new equipment and new capabilities to further that mission.”
As part of the ceremony, BCC Chair Scott presented State Rep. Linda Chaney a key to the county for her advocacy for animal welfare at the state level.
This event coincides with DOGust 1, the unofficial birthday for shelter dogs since many of them have unknown birthdates. The best birthday gift for our shelter dogs is a safe, welcoming home. Throughout the month, PCAS is waiving adoption fees. Anyone interested can see available cats at Pinellas.gov/cats and dogs at Pinellas.gov/dogs.