St. Petersburg College Veterinary Technology students held an adoption event for animals from the school at Pinellas Park’s Sixth Annual Bark in the Park Pet Expo on April 23. Visitors to the booth had the opportunity to interact with animals and learn about the college’s Veterinary Technology program.
The booth featured dogs, a chicken, a ball python and two bearded dragon lizards, all who were looking for new homes. Animal lovers enjoyed spending time with these adorable creatures and talking with the students who were minding the booth. Students also took time to tour the expo with the dogs up for adoption.
SPC student chatted with representatives from animal-related services at the expo including veterinary clinics, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the Pinellas Park Police Explorers. Their four-legged companions also had lots of opportunities to make new friends.
K9 Unit demonstration
One of the highlights of the day was a demonstration by the Pinellas Park Police K9 Unit.
An officer spoke to the crowd about the role of dogs in police work,and how K9 officers work together with their dogs to keep the community safe. He also explained to the audience how Pinellas Park Police dogs are trained to track suspects and missing persons, check for drugs, and protect their human partner. The audience was given a shock when, in the middle of the demonstration, a man snatched a woman’s purse. The police K9 dog instantly pursued him and brought him to the ground. The man was one of the Pinellas Park Police animal handlers demonstrating the K9 Unit’s ability to restrain a suspect without injuring him. After the demonstration was over, members of the public had the opportunity to meet the police dog and his handler and ask questions.
At the end of the day, many Pinellas Park animal lovers learned about the animal adoption program at SPC and the programs available at the Veterinary Technology Center.
Veterinary Technology, pet adoption programs at SPC
Learn more about the Veterinary Technology degrees offered and about the campus’s animal adoption program on the Vet Tech Facebook Page.