Pet Services in East Lake-Orient Park

Pet apparel ranges from $15 to $40, and toys start at $6. Fetch. Fur. Love. also carries organic dog snacks ($6–$12), holistic and natural goods ($15–$70), and gourmet bites ($1.75–$3.50). Lather up Fido and save on pricey trips to the groomer with pampering products ($2–$15), or reclaim your side of the bed and invest in your pooch's own sleeping spot ($35–$250). Lavish a neglected mutt, spoil your god-puppy, or dote on the canines at your weekly PAWS meetings.

A mechanic opens the hood of a car, inspects vital fluid levels, and carefully removes a four-week old kitten. Now known as Mercedes—named after her former automotive residence—she is a permanent resident of South Tampa Puppy Palace. Pet owners, dogs, and cats may spot 2-year-old Mercedes wandering throughout parts of the large facility, whose webcam-equipped boarding suites (for cats and dogs), dog runs, and play yards have the capacity for more than 150 animals. The facility's custom-built saltwater pool gives pups a 20'x30' tub to splash around in without their owners worrying about chlorine's potentially harmful effects on coats, skin, and tails' wagging patterns. The play yards also feature canopies under which dogs can cool off with fans and misters.

Led by manager Tiffanie Ivins, a former veterinary technician, South Tampa Puppy Palace's personnel include a retired veterinarian and a handful of experienced groomers. All the staffers use their extensive training in canine CPR and interpreting body language to carefully supervise dogs' playtime and prevent unwanted ear nibbling. In an effort to help dogs without permanent homes, South Tampa Puppy Palace also assists three area rescue groups by offering foster care to pups still waiting to find loving families.

Dangling leaves drape over trails that cut through foliage and over trickling streams. More than 30 horses navigate these pathways with both riders of all skill levels on their backs as the certified guides of In The Breeze Horse Ranch lead the way. Founded in 1993 on a pastoral plot of land in Hillsborough County, In The Breeze teaches riding lessons, takes guests for treks, and hosts parties for up to 500 people on its grounds. Owner Lynda Fowler has spent more than 30 years teaching horsemanship and 21 years of curating children's camps during school breaks. She also hosts a series of seasonal events for riders.

Red Fox Stables' experienced equine lovers bring together human and horse for relaxing trail rides, enlightening lessons, and equestrian camps for kids. During trail rides, riders steer their four-hoofed vehicles through the Alafia River Corridor Preserve, keeping their eyes open for passing deer, armadillos, and other wildlife. Horse whisperers match riders to their mobile half based on gender, height, and age, providing helmets that riders 18 or younger must wear.

During lessons, lone rangers or small groups get hands-on training in grooming and tacking before seizing the reins themselves on the riding area and trails. The stables’ seasoned instructors record each lesson on video, allowing students to track their progress and search their gentle steed's expressions for signs of true love. Red Fox Stables also caters to horse-oriented youths with camps and birthday-party specials, during which kids interact with equine residents and enjoy horse-related crafts and games.

Since 1988, the staffers at Pet Supplies Plus have welcomed millions of furry critters of every stripe—from llamas and monkeys to potbellied pigs—into their animal-friendly stores in Pinellas Park and Clearwater. They design their shop so that both pets and their owners can easily navigate the inventory of more than 10,000 items. Wide aisles give leashed pups enough room to roam, colorful signage keeps shoppers moving in the right direction, and low shelves allow dogs to sniff out their preferred brand of rawhide chew. A self-serve dog wash enables guests to scrub their canine companions' coats to a youthful, puppy-like shine, whereas grooming services enlist professionals to tackle tougher jobs, such as brushing out matted fur or convincing dalmatians to stop mixing white and black after Labor Day.

As groomers with more than 20 years of experience and proud "pet parents" of four dogs, husband-and-wife team Mike and Tammy Vasquez strive to provide a comfortable, cage-free environment for animal lovers and their four-legged companions. Their lengthy menu of grooming options ranges from full-service scrub-downs to a simple bath and brushing, and teeth cleaning and breath-freshening treatments cater to pups with an insatiable appetite for french onion soup. After grooming appointments, owners can stock up on their pup's favorite holistic food and treats in Bark Life's fully stocked shop while Fido fetches a specialty collar to complement his new 'do.