SPCA provides resources for Tampa Bay pet owners in need

TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) recently launched a community initiative to provide pet owners with resources for their animals.

The SPCA now hosts pet food banks, vaccine clinics and grooming clinics. The food banks provide free pet food for dogs and cats to Pinellas residents who may need some extra help feeding their fur babies.

"We offer free dog and cat food to members of the community who are in need of it. Our hope is that with the help of Pebbles Pet Food Bank we are able to help people to keep their pets during times of financial hardship," said Anita Rothenstreich, receptionist at SPCA Tampa Bay, in a statement.

The Pinellas food banks are:

Friends of Strays at St. Pete Free Clinic

• Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 8:30-11 a.m.
• Address: 863 3rd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
• The clinic recommends calling ahead to make sure food is available and bring a photo ID.

Hanks Bark Box

• Hours: 24/7
• Address: 6511 3rd Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33707

Humane Society of Pinellas

• Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Address: 3040 State Road 590, Clearwater, FL 33759

Pinellas County Animal Services

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Address: 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33774

SPCA Tampa Bay

• Hours: Tuesday, 2-4 p.m.
• Address: 9099 130th Ave N, Largo, FL 33773

SPCA Tampa Bay at Pasadena Community Church

• Hours: Second and fourth Thursdays of the month, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
• Address: 227 70th St. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33707
• The church requires participants to register with the human food pantry to receive pet food on a need basis. Bring a photo ID.

The Paul Balle Memorial Pet Food Bank, run by SPCA Tampa Bay at Hope Villages of America

• Hours: Tuesday, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
• Address: 700 Druid Rd, Clearwater, FL 33756
• Participants must register with the human food pantry to receive pet food. People are only eligible to come once a month. Bring a photo ID.

The non-profit also hosts community pet vaccine clinics at the Largo SPCA Tampa Bay shelter. Vaccines and microchips are $10 for cats and dogs or free with proof of government assistance. The next clinic is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 27, 2024, and spots are first come, first served. Those interested can register on the SPCA website.

For a complete list of SPCA Tampa Bay community resources, visit its website.