Pet Pal Rescue

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 passion for animals and desire to make a difference, they began taking animals from shelters, bringing them directly into their homes, and then finding permanent homes for each and every one of them. By 1988, they organized Pet Pal Rescue as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Pet Pal operated in the Orlando area until August 2002 when it was relocated to Pinellas County under the direction of its present Board of Directors and officers: Jennifer Forlizzo McCraw , President and Executive Director, Stacy Nelson, D.V.M., Vice President and Secretary and Sandra Rawlins, Director and Founder.

Our mission is to rescue dogs and cats, from animal shelters, that may otherwise be euthanized due to time limitations, illness, injuries or lack of socialization and training.

We are also dedicated to educating the public about the pet overpopulation crisis, the importance of spaying / neutering and responsible pet ownership.

Unlike other local animal shelters we do not accept any owned or stray animals. In order to be most effective we decided to concentrate our attention and resources on one segment of the animal problem; those in shelters and facing euthanasia. After visiting the animal shelters, we realized that these animals need a second chance at life and our goal is to provide that opportunity for as many of these pets as possible.

The sad fact is that during our weekly visits to animal shelters we are able to rescue only a fraction of the animals in need. It is heartbreaking to discover that the animals we can't rescue are almost always euthanized.

Pet Pal Rescue invests hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars on rehabilitating the animals we rescue. Most are either sick, injured or require specialized training. Unfortunately, the adoption fee does not cover our actual out-of-pocket expenses for surgery, medications, food etc. Being a non–profit 501(c)(3) organization we rely solely on donations, bequests, or grants.

Thank you for taking an interest in helping our four–legged friends and Pet Pal Rescue.

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