In Pinellas County, a notable upgrade has been celebrated at the local Animal Services shelter, complete with air-conditioned kennel buildings and a brand-new medical hospital. The project, bankrolled by Penny for Pinellas funds, not only provides a respite from the summer heat for our four-legged friends but also amps up the capacity to withstand severe weather. Notably, the renovation has prepared the buildings to potentially withstand up to a Category 4 hurricane, according to a recent statement by Pinellas County.
These improvements also aim to quickly find permanent homes for the thousands of animals that pass through each year. New features include larger kennels and a speaker system set up to serenely play music, thanks to donations from The Clouden Family and local businesses. “These improvements keep them safe, comfortable, and happy while they stay with us,” said Board of County Commission Chair Brian Scott.
The adjacent former St. Pete College Veterinary Technology Building has been transformed into the new medical hospital, giving the staff updated quarters to deliver first-rate on-site care. This expansion is not just a luxury but a necessity, as the staff already performs thousands of medical treatments annually. The new space boasts an additional surgery table, a radiology room for in-house X-rays, and an improved recovery environment for the animals. “This state-of-the-art facility provides our medical team with new tools, new equipment, and new capabilities to further that mission,” Jennifer Renner, the Director of Pinellas County Animal Services, conveyed to Pinellas County…