Pet Pal Animal Shelter, formerly known as Pet Pal Rescue, was founded in the early 1980′s by two women when they realized the high number of animals that were being euthanized due to pet overpopulation and neglect. Driven by their desire to make a difference, they began taking animals from shelters and finding permanent homes for them. By 1988, they organized Pet Pal Rescue as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Pet Pal Rescue was located in the Orlando area until August 2002, when we moved to Pinellas County. In 2008, Pet Pal built a low cost spay/neuter clinic, and in 2009, we expanded our services and changed the clinic’s name to Pet Pal Veterinary Clinic. At the clinic, we offer exams and procedures at affordable rates to the general public, aiding the fight to reduce the number of pets that are relinquished to shelters each year. Under the direction of Executive Director Scott Daly, Pet Pal has stayed true to our mission as we continue to educate the public about the importance of spaying and neutering their pets and responsible pet ownership.

Thousands of unwanted cats and dogs across the Tampa Bay area end up in animal shelters each year and a high percentage of these animals are euthanized. Shelters that euthanize (kill shelters) do so out of necessity; there is simply not enough room or resources to house all of the animals. No-kill shelters, on the other hand, will provide long-term care and homes for animals, but are limited in the number of animals that they can accept. Pet Pal Animal Shelter, classified as a no-kill shelter, will NOT euthanize ANY pet unless one of the following circumstances are present:

1. The animal is terminally ill and it is deemed compassionate to end its suffering.
2. The animal has aggression problems that cannot be corrected.

In both instances, euthanasia will only be considered upon the advice of our veterinarian and experienced behavioral specialists and after all treatment options have been exhausted. Therefore, with rare exceptions, any animal for which we assume responsibility will be cared for at our shelter until a permanent loving home is found.

In order to be most effective, Pet Pal Animal Shelter concentrates our attention and resources on one segment of the animal problem: those in shelters and facing euthanasia. These animals need a second chance at life and it is our goal to provide that opportunity for as many of these pets as possible.  Therefore, the shelter does not accept strays. Pet Pal Animal Shelter invests hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars rehabilitating the animals we rescue. Unfortunately, the adoption fee does not cover our actual out-of-pocket expenses for surgery, medications, food etc. As a non–profit 501(c)(3) organization, we rely solely on donations, bequests, and grants.