SPCA shutters Veterinary Center in St. Pete
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Tampa Bay has made the difficult decision to close its Veterinary Center in St. Petersburg, a facility that has provided critical services to pet owners since 2016. CEO Martha Boden described the decision as bittersweet, highlighting the center's role in spaying and neutering nearly 26,000 pets and conducting over 89,000 physical exams. As living costs in the area have risen, the SPCA recognized that many pet owners are in need of free or low-cost veterinary care, prompting a shift in their service delivery model. The 11,832-square-foot facility will be sold, with an assessed value of $2.
31 million, allowing the organization to double its initial investment and eliminate ongoing maintenance costs tied to an aging building. Boden noted that the SPCA is already implementing smaller, more targeted programs, such as vaccine clinics and grooming services, to better reach families in need. The organization is currently in talks to identify a buyer for the property, with proceeds expected to fund new community initiatives. This strategic move aims to address the changing landscape of pet care needs in St. Petersburg, where private practices are on the rise.
The SPCA's commitment to evolving its services reflects a dedication to enhancing the well-being of pets and their owners in the community.