Pet Walk: Know Before You Go

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We’re counting down to the 30th Annual Pet Walk and the big event is only a couple days away! After a year hiatus in 2019 and an entirely virtual event in 2020, this year’s event is the first in-person walk SPCA Tampa Bay has held in a while and we thought it’d be helpful to share some pointers for making this walk your best ever.  

WHEN TO ARRIVE 

Pet Walk officially kicks off at 8:30am with opening announcements at North Straub Park (NOT Vinoy Park). Get there early to score a good parking space or take public transportation. Remember if you are planning to enter the costume contest it starts pretty early at 9am so register by the stage as soon as you arrive or register ahead of time online here

PARKING 

Street parking around the perimeter of North Straub Park will be blocked but we’re offering free parking and transportation from North Shore Aquatics Lot. Service runs 7:30am until event end. Here is the full list of options.

  • Limited free and paid street parking around downtown  
  • FREE Parking at the North Shore Aquatics Parking Lot at 799 Bay Shore Dr NE with a complimentary shuttle to the event 
  • PAID parking at Sundial St. Pete Garage at 117 2nd ST N. 
  • PAID parking at the MAACM Garage – 350 3rd ST N. 

ENTRANCES 

MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ATTENDANCE & TEMPERATURE READINGS WILL BE TAKEN AT ALL ENTRANCES!

Pursuant to Pinellas County Order No. 21-3, the whole event footprint will be enclosed. Read our entire COVID-19 Safety Plan. These are the Entrances / Exits at which every attendee’s temperature will be taken upon entry:

#1: At the Pedestrian Crosswalk by 4th Ave NE and Beach Dr. NE

#2: At the Corner of 5th Ave NE and Beach Dr. NE

#3: On Bayshore Dr. NE at the Pedestrian Crosswalk south of the Ferry (closest to MFA)

FOOD 

Due to COVID-19 safety precautions we will not have human food vendors at this year’s event. What we do have is a beautiful event location surrounded by some of the best dining in St. Pete! If you raised $25 and wear your 2021 Pet Walk t-shirt you get a 10% discount at The Annex located right next to the park! There are also some great dining options along Beach Blvd and within the new St. Pete Pier.  

ROUTE 

The 1.5 mile Pet Walk route starts beside North Straub Park on Bay Shore Drive NE and takes you south past the new St. Pete Pier to Demens Landing. Walk times will be staggered to decrease crowding. You’ll receive your walk time slot at registration. 

BRING 

Sun gear! Sunblock, sunglasses, sun hats – whatever else you need to comfortably enjoy a day outdoors in Florida Spring. We’ll have water for everyone and baby pools for your pups to cool off in. A crowd-friendly pup (if you have one), a sturdy non-retractable leash, poop bags and walking shoes. Bring anything else you might think will accent your walk –  flags, signs, bubbles, silly hats and cat ears. Also very important, masks are required within the event. Please be sure to wear yours. 

THE SCHEDULE 

8:30am It’s PET WALK TIME! Registration opens  

8:45am Opening announcements 

9:00am Power Design Pet Costume Contest – Register here 

10:00am Walk starts – staggered start from 2 locations: Stage Exit and Entrance / Exit at Bayshore Dr NE

11:30am Closing remarks