Pet Pal Animal Shelter & Control: Pet Adoption Hours 2026
Use this page as a quick action guide for Pet Pal Animal Shelter in St. Petersburg, Florida. It covers adoption hours, fees, same-day adoption rules, what is included, landlord and vet checks, resident-dog meet-and-greet, surrender limits, lost/found pet routing, and Pinellas County Animal Services.
Important distinction: Pet Pal is a nonprofit rescue/adoption shelter. It does not take in strays. For lost, found, animal-control, cruelty, bite or public-safety concerns, use Pinellas County Animal Services.
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Pet Pal Adoption Hours and Best Arrival Time
Pet Pal’s official hours are simple, but the practical rule is to arrive early enough for introductions, paperwork, landlord/vet checks and resident-dog meet-and-greet if required.
| Day | Official shelter hours | Best adoption move | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM-4:30 PM | Arrive early and bring all decision-makers. | Animals are not held and adoptions are first-come, first-served. |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM-4:30 PM | Good midweek visit window. | Call first if you are traveling far. |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM-4:30 PM | Bring rental and vet information ready. | Landlord and veterinary care may be verified. |
| Friday | 11:00 AM-4:30 PM | Check available pets before the weekend. | Popular animals may move fast. |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM-4:30 PM | Arrive early; expect more visitors. | All household members may need to meet the animal. |
| Sunday | Closed | Check online listings only. | No regular shelter visit. |
| Monday | Closed | Prepare documents and questions. | Visit Tuesday if the animal is still listed. |
Adoption Fees and What Is Included
These are the official fee categories listed by Pet Pal’s Adoption FAQ.
| Adoption type | Official fee | Included / check before leaving |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | $250 | Spay/neuter, microchip, vaccinations, vet clearance; dogs leave with leash, martingale collar and one-month heartworm/flea preventative. |
| Dog in The Pit Project | $75 | Ask whether homeownership or breed-related housing rules apply to the specific dog. |
| Cat | $50 | Spay/neuter, microchip, vaccinations, vet clearance and feline leukemia/feline AIDS testing. |
| Cat carrier | $8 if purchased at shelter | All cats must leave in a carrier. Bring your own or purchase one at the shelter if available. |
| Dog crate | Optional purchase | Pet Pal strongly recommends crating dogs during the initial getting-to-know period and says crates may be available for purchase. |
| Food, litter, preventatives | Not sold as routine supplies | Pet Pal says it does not sell flea/heartworm preventative, pet food, cat litter or litter boxes. |
Pet Pal Adoption Micro-Steps
Pet Pal’s process is same-day and first-come, first-served, but you still need the right household, landlord and vet information ready.
Check current pets
Open the adoption listings. Write down the animal’s name and type. Pet Pal says its website is updated daily, but some pets may appear before a photo is posted.
Visit during open hours
Go Tuesday-Saturday between 11:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Pet Pal says it does not make appointments and does not hold animals.
Meet the animal
You will be introduced to the animal and given one-on-one time in a visiting room for dogs or cat room for cats.
Complete the one-page application
The adoption counselor asks for basic details such as name, home address, phone number and email.
Prepare landlord and vet checks
If you rent, Pet Pal needs to contact your landlord. Pet Pal also verifies veterinary care for other animals in the household.
Bring household members
Pet Pal asks that all members of the household meet the animal. It does not adopt animals out as gifts.
Bring your owned dog if needed
Dogs need a meet-and-greet with your owned dog after your adoption application is approved.
Finalize and go home prepared
Ask about booster timing, heartworm follow-up, feline testing, microchip registration, county license and first-week setup.
Important Pet Pal Adoption Rules
These rules answer the questions searchers usually have before driving to the shelter.
No holds
Pet Pal says it does not hold animals. If a pet is important to you, visit early.
No appointments
Adoptions are same-day and first-come, first-served during open shelter hours.
No gift adoptions
Pet Pal says it does not adopt animals out as gifts. The real adopter and household should be involved.
Housing matters
Renters need landlord contact approval. Certain breeds may need to live in an owned home.
Dog introductions
If you already have a dog, a dog-to-dog meet may be required after application approval.
No out-of-state adoptions
Pet Pal’s FAQ says it does not adopt out of state.
Lost or Found Pet in St. Petersburg / Pinellas County
Pet Pal does not take strays. For lost/found pet reporting and reclaim, use Pinellas County Animal Services and still check local shelters and online tools.
If your pet is lost
- Search close first: yard, sheds, under vehicles, nearby porches, alleys and familiar walking routes.
- Update your microchip company with current phone, address and alternate contact.
- Keep the county license tag information current so a finder can help reunite your pet faster.
- Visit local animal shelters in person, including Pinellas County Animal Services if your pet may have been picked up.
- Use Petco Lost Love / Finding Rover, Facebook Lost and Found Pets of Pinellas County, Nextdoor and local posts.
- If you see your pet listed by Pinellas County, email animalrequests@pinellas.gov or call 727-582-2600, option *8, with the animal number.
If you found a pet
- Make a reasonable attempt to locate the owner before assuming the animal is abandoned.
- Safely confine the pet away from traffic, your pets and small children.
- If the pet has a tag, do not remove it. Record the tag ID and call the phone number on the tag.
- Have the pet scanned for a microchip if possible.
- Post the found pet’s photo and location through Petco Lost Love and local lost/found groups.
- If the owner cannot be found, call Pinellas County Animal Services at 727-582-2600 or bring the pet to 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33774.
Animal Control: Pet Pal vs Pinellas County
Do not call a rescue shelter for an emergency animal-control problem. Use the public agency route.
| Need | Official route | Phone / address | Use for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adoption or Pet Pal shelter question | Pet Pal Animal Shelter | 727-328-7738 405 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33712 | Adoptable dogs/cats, fees, adoption process, shelter questions, owner-surrender capacity. |
| Animal concerns | Pinellas County Animal Services | 727-582-2600, option 4 | Animal concerns, enforcement, neglect, abuse, ordinance and public-safety issues. |
| Customer service / found animal number | Pinellas County Animal Services | 727-582-2600, option 8 or option *8 when directed | Found reports, reclaim questions, animal number follow-up and shelter customer service. |
| County shelter visit | Pinellas County Animal Services | 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33774 | Lost/found pet inspection, reclaim and county shelter services. |
| Immediate danger to people | Emergency services | 911 | Bite in progress, dangerous animal emergency or immediate human safety threat. |
Owner Surrender and Stray Animal Rules
Pet Pal is a small rescue shelter with limited kennel and medical capacity.
Owner surrender
- Pet Pal says it will accept owner surrenders if it has room.
- Capacity depends on kennel space and each animal’s medical needs.
- Call 727-328-7738 before attempting surrender.
- Prepare vet records, vaccine history, spay/neuter details and behavior notes.
- Be honest about bites, fear, medical needs, dogs, cats, kids and handling.
Strays
- Pet Pal’s FAQ says it does not take in strays.
- Use Pinellas County Animal Services for found or stray dog/cat reporting.
- If the animal is injured, dangerous or causing a public-safety issue, call the public agency route, not the rescue adoption desk.
- If safe, post a found report and microchip-scan the animal before moving it far from the found location.
Pet Pal Animal Clinic: Useful After Adoption
Pet Pal’s adoption FAQ says the adoption folder includes a complimentary exam certificate to Pet Pal Veterinary Clinic. Confirm any appointment rules directly with the clinic.
| Clinic detail | Official information | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Clinic name | Pet Pal Animal Clinic | This is separate from the shelter address. |
| Address | 1900 34th Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711 | Use clinic for veterinary services, not shelter adoption browsing. |
| Phone | 727-328-7729 | Call for appointment and service questions. |
| General hours | Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM; closed 12 PM-1 PM for lunch; Saturday 8 AM-12 PM | Doctor exam, vaccine clinic and medication pickup windows can differ. |
| Doctor exams | By appointment only | The clinic page references a deposit for appointments; confirm current amount before booking. |
Before You Leave Home
Pet name, all household members, ID, payment, landlord contact, vet reference, resident dog if needed.
Bring a cat carrier or be ready to buy one at the shelter if available.
Photos, microchip number, county license, tag number, last-seen location and shelter-check plan.
Call first, prepare vet records, behavior notes, medical needs and honest intake details.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption availability
Hi, I saw [animal name] on the Pet Pal website. Is this animal still available today? I understand animals are not held and adoptions are first-come, first-served.Renter adoption
Hi, I rent my home and want to adopt [animal name/type]. What landlord information do I need to bring so you can verify pet approval quickly?Resident dog meet
Hi, I already have a dog. If my application is approved, should I bring my dog for a meet-and-greet today, and what should I bring?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing from [street/city]. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip]. Has a matching animal arrived, and should I also contact Pinellas County Animal Services?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [exact location]. The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive]. Should I call Pinellas County Animal Services or bring the animal to the county shelter?Owner surrender
Hi, I need to ask whether Pet Pal has room for an owner surrender. I have vet records and behavior notes. What information should I send before bringing the animal anywhere?Map: Pet Pal Animal Shelter
Use this map for adoption or shelter visits. For lost/found animals or public-safety animal concerns, use Pinellas County Animal Services first.
Official Pet Pal and Pinellas Links
The important details are summarized above. Use these official pages for live availability, current hours and final confirmation.
Pet Pal Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Pet Pal Animal Shelter located?
Pet Pal Animal Shelter is located at 405 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33712.
What is the Pet Pal Animal Shelter phone number?
The official Pet Pal Animal Shelter phone number is 727-328-7738.
What are Pet Pal Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Pet Pal lists shelter hours as Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM, closed Sunday and Monday.
How much does it cost to adopt from Pet Pal?
Pet Pal lists adoption fees as $250 for dogs, $75 for dogs in The Pit Project and $50 for cats.
Does Pet Pal hold animals?
No. Pet Pal says it does not hold animals. Adoptions are done same day on a first-come, first-served basis.
Do I need an appointment to adopt from Pet Pal?
No. Pet Pal says it does not make adoption appointments. Visit during open shelter hours.
What is included with a Pet Pal adoption?
Pet Pal says animals are spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. Dogs over six months receive a heartworm test, cats are tested for feline leukemia and feline AIDS, and dogs leave with a leash, martingale collar and one-month heartworm and flea preventative.
Can renters adopt from Pet Pal?
Renters may apply, but Pet Pal says it needs to contact the landlord. Certain breeds may need to live in an owned home.
Does Pet Pal take stray animals?
No. Pet Pal’s FAQ says it does not take in strays. Use Pinellas County Animal Services for lost, found or stray animals.
Who do I call for Pinellas County lost or found pets?
Call Pinellas County Animal Services at 727-582-2600. Their lost/found page lists option 8 for customer service and option 4 for animal concerns.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
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Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.