Animal Love in St. Pete

By Stefani Williams on November 16, 2012

When I shipped off to college back in August, I left behind one of the most important things in my life: my beagle. Lue is almost 11 years old and has been with me for over half of my life. I have made friends since I have been at college, but it is weird not to have someone that loves me unconditionally and never questions my motives by my side. If you are like me, and have left behind a furry friend, you might feel the need to experience some animal love. Or maybe you have never had one and are looking to see what all the fuss is about. I have rooted out some of the best places around St. Pete to get your fix. From interacting with them directly, to giving help to those in need, there are plenty of places nearby to support an addiction to animals.

 1. Volunteer

This one seems pretty obvious, but I know it can be difficult to get started or know where to go. The SPCA in Largo and Friends of Strays in St. Pete are both animal shelters that are always in need of volunteers, donations, and of course adopters. The SPCA is a bit of a drive, but they have a wide variety of animals, such as dogs, cats, pigs, rats, rabbits and guinea pigs. You can sign up to volunteer by contacting the volunteer manager through their website.  This gives you information about times that are available for volunteers throughout the week and how to be one. Friends of Strays is a little closer and also looks for volunteers. To sign up, you can go to their website and fill out an application.  The application can be turned in at the shelter, and tours are given every Monday and Friday from 10am-2pm. It is an easy way to spend time with animals and help them out, so don’t be afraid to sign up!

 Addresses:

Friends of Strays: 2911 47th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33714

Distance from Eckerd: 16 minutes

 SPCA: 9099 130th Ave N Largo, FL 33773

 Distance from Eckerd: 31 minutes

 2. Saturday Market

Every Saturday from 9am-2pm, there is a Farmer’s Market in Downtown St. Petersburg, with music, goods, food, and a lot of dogs. Dogs are welcome to attend as long as they are on good behavior, and there are even water bowls set out around the market for them to get a quick drink while browsing the stalls. A few of the stands sell items specifically for dogs, such as toys and treats, and I have even seen a stand advertising pet jewelry.  There is a wide selection of treats for the human companions as well, and a great way to spend Saturday morning.

 Address: 1st Av S and 1st St SE    St. Petersburg, Florida 33711

Distance from Eckerd: 10 minutes

 3. The Friends of Strays Thrift Shoppe

Photo credit: flickr.com user Mosman Council

The Friends of Strays animal shelter also runs a thrift store that is located in Pinellas Park. They have a variety of clothes, jewelry, books, etc., and all of the proceeds from the sales of these items goes towards helping the animals in the shelter. It provides them with food, medical care and other necessities. You can also donate money or items to be sold at this location. Every Saturday from 11am-2pm they hold kitten adoptions as well. It is a great place to go if you are looking for a thrift store, and the money goes to help animals in need.

 Address: 3660 Gandy Boulevard at US 19 N     Pinellas Park, FL 33781

 Distance from Eckerd: 17 minutes

 4. Animal House

Animal House is just down the road from Eckerd, and is a regular pet store, except it has some animals that I have never seen at one before. If you want a skunk, ducklings, hedgehogs or sugar glider, Animal House is your spot. Most of the animals are able to be held and the staff is usually friendly and can help you handle them.  Animal House also sells pet supplies at decent prices and can be nice just to explore and get to play with some animals, even if you can’t own one yourself.

 Address: 950 34th St N    Saint Petersburg, FL 33713

 Distance from Eckerd: 12 minutes

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