Twenty volunteers from seven local Publix stores gather together after assisting in deep cleaning and sanitizing the Pinellas County Animal Services shelter.
LARGO - Forty-four employees from Pinellas County Animal Services recently spent the day deep cleaning and sanitizing the shelter. Twenty volunteers from seven local Publix stores assisted the Animal Services employees with deep cleaning of the shelter and animal control trucks during an eight-hour day.
While most Pinellas County offices were closed for in-house training Feb. 18, the Animal Services shelter opened its doors to volunteers the day before for in-service working.
Following the cleanup, the volunteers received a tour of the shelter by Dr. Caroline Thomas, director of veterinary services. Volunteers were also able to assist with the daily exercises of the shelter dogs.
“It is great to know that the community supports the local county shelter and is willing to help clean and sanitize to keep the animals healthy,” said Kelli Becraft, volunteer coordinator for Animal Services. “The day of cleaning could not have been done without the help of Publix employees and volunteers.”
Pinellas County Animal Services is located at 12450 Ulmerton Road in Largo. Normal hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the adoption center closing at 4:40 p.m. Rabies vaccinations are administered on Thursdays between 1 and 4 p.m. Special Saturday hours to reclaim a lost pet or to drop off a pet are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Starting April 1, the shelter’s hours of operation will be Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the adoption center closing at 5:30 p.m. Saturday’s hours will be expanded to 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and services will include adoptions. The facility is closed Sunday and holidays.
For news on how to adopt, donate or volunteer, join Pinellas County Animal Services on Facebook. To learn more about the shelter, visit Animal Services webpage at www.pinellascounty.org/animalservices or call 582-2600. The lost or found pets hotline is 582-2604.
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