PAF History

History of the Pinellas Animal Foundation

The Pinellas Animal Foundation (PAF) was created in 1983 as a joint effort, with the Pinellas County Veterinary Medical Association, to enhance the awareness of the pet-human bond and to provide pet education for the Pinellas County pet owners. The PAF is a non-profit organization bringing the veterinary and local community together in providing educational and service programs for not only pet owners, but all the residents of the county.

Presently the keystone programs are the Pet Professor and Pet Loss Support. Over the years since 1983, the Pinellas Animal Foundation has implemented many different programs and services. 

The Veterinary Office^SM Exhibit at Great Expectations 
is still active and enjoyed by many.

Picture eager children absorbed the sights and sounds of a real veterinary office through a simulated hands-on experience. Children have an opportunity to view real x-rays, help injured stuffed animals and examine microscope slides of fleas, ticks and parasites. Although no live animals are part of the exhibit, kids can pretend to conduct an animal’s veterinary examination using toy cats, dogs, stethoscopes, thermometers and scales. This permanent exhibit helps to alleviate children’s apprehensions about a pet’s visit to the doctor while teaching them that good medical care is part of being a good friend. A fabulous first encounter for our future veterinarians and veterinary technicians too!

The brand new Veterinary Office re-opened at Great Exploration in St. Petersburg in April 2006. When this exhibit was at Great Explorations, The Hands On Museum, that was located at the Pier in St. Petersburg, over 90,000 children enjoyed the experience.