One of Pinellas County’s fluffiest, cutest, and most beloved traditions is back. The 35th annual SPCA Tampa Bay Pet Walk takes place this Saturday, March 28, from 8 am to noon at SPCA Tampa Bay’s Largo campus (9099 130th Ave N), bringing thousands of humans and pets together in the name of charity and fun.
It’s free to register for the event if you want to participate, though a $30 donation with your registration scores participants a Pet Walk t-shirt, tote bag, pet bandana and leash. All festivities are free to attend, and even for those without pup, this is a party you don’t want to miss.
The SPCA Pet Walk supports thousands of animals in need
The sprawling event features live entertainment, pet costume contests, dachshund races in partnership with Florida Wiener Dog Derby, giveaways and food vendors before the walk starts at 10 am. The festivities continue until noon, with the pet-themed party providing entertainment for pets and humans of all ages. It’s truly a spectacle to see as hundreds of people and dogs join together. And if you’ve been thinking about adopting or fostering, this is definitely the event for you. Free registration is available here for those who want to participate in the walk itself, though no registration is required to stop by for the general celebration.
Of course, the event is only half the excitement. The key is what Pet Walk supports. It’s the biggest annual fundraiser for SPCA Tampa Bay, and it makes it possible for the organization to shelter, treat, and care for thousands of animals (of all varieties) every year.
The organization has already sheltered 3,189 domestic animals and 1,656 injured wildlife this year alone, which dramatically underscores the continued need for animal care resources in our community. And it isn’t just about giving the animals a shelter. Here’s a rundown of what SPCA Tampa Bay has provided just in the first two-plus months of 2026:
1,096 vaccines through clinics
60,414 pounds of pet food through food banks
769 spay/neuter services for cats
A local stalwart since 1940, SPCA Tampa Bay is the only non-profit animal welfare agency in Pinellas County that accepts all pets surrendered by their owners – any species, any size and any reason – and injured wildlife. The animals cared for on their 10-acre campus have their lives transformed and are given the opportunity to find their forever home (or return to the wild when injured).
The annual Pet Walk is a key to ensuring that care continues year-round and into the future. Learn more about the event here, and make plans to join in the fun this Saturday. Pro tip ahead of the action: free parking is available on the north side of 130th Avenue, directly across from SPCA Tampa Bay’s campus