Pet Services in Lake Magdalene

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.

Pet Safari is a one-stop shop for animal lovers. In addition to matching patrons with new companions in the form of puppies, birds, reptiles, exotic rodents, and kittens, the haven helps humans to stock up on essential pet sundries and accessories, from the American-made Grandma Mae's natural dog food to translators that deduce the family cat's exact level of disdain for humanity.

The store also runs as an educational endeavor with its Adventure Outpost, which educates the public on exotic rainforest creatures such as white-tufted marmosets and agouti pacas.:m]]

Mark and Sheryl McEachern, owners of the Woof Gang Bakery location in Lutz, opened their shop in hopes it would become a place where pet owners enjoy visiting with their furry friends. "We plan on knowing all the neighborhood dogs by name," Mark says. Bubblegum-pink walls and a chandelier hanging from the ceiling give the shop the feel of a clothing boutique, though displayed trays of dog biscuits and homemade canine cakes leave no doubt as to the store's intended clientele. Helping pet owners provide holistic food for their animals is a priority at the shop, with plentiful dog- and cat-food choices in natural and grain-free varieties. The McEacherns also stock their shelves with chew toys and accessories, perfect for doggy birthday gifts or house-training recognition ceremonies.

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.

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.