Dr. Joel Murphy receiving the FVMA GOLD Star Award from Dr. Don Howell, FVMA District 4 Representative, and Dr. Julie Mosher, PCVMA President.
And
Dr. Murphy and his new Yeti Cooler he won in the FVMA PAC Fund raffle held at the June PCVMA meeting. Over $1,000.00 was raised toward matching PAC funds from the FVMA.
Thanks to VEG for donating the Yeti Cooler!
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President’s Message
Hello Pinellas Colleagues,
Happy July 4th PCVMA! We had a great June and the summer sure is flying by. Thanks to those who attended our June meeting at the lovely Bon Appetit. I hope to see you at our July Bascom’s meeting on July 14th. Don’t forget to invite your staff to the CE by the Sea meeting on July 30th- we expect it to be a great event like last year. I hope you all have a safe and happy 4th of July. Also, fingers crossed you don’t get 50 urgent calls on July 3rd for firework sedatives :)
Julie, Mosher, DVM
Dr.mosher@edgevet.com
PCVMA OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS 2025
President: Dr. Julie, Mosher, DVM (Edge Animal Hospital)
President-Elect: Dr. Kevin Kelly (Veterinary Emergency Group) (2024-25)
Past-President: Dr. Joel Murphy (Animal and Bird Medical Center of Palm Harbor)
Secretary: Dr. Sandra Truli Springer – (Truli Holistic Veterinary Services)
Treasurer: Dr. Don Howell (Midway Animal Hospital)
PCVMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Todd Bliss – (Bliss Family Veterinarian) (2024-25)
Dr. Megan Branham – (SPC College of Veterinary Technology) (2025-26)
Dr. Ernie Godfrey – (Pinellas Animal Hospital) (Life Member)
Dr. Jacqui Olson – (Animal Hospital of Dunedin) (2024-25)
Dr. Nia Rametta – (Coastal Animal Clinic) (2025-26)
PCVMA NEWSLETTER & PINELLAS ANIMAL FOUNDATION
Dr. Don Morgan – Donmorgansr@aol.com
PCVMA DUES – 2025
WOULD EVERYONE TAKE A MINUTE TO REVIEW ANY CLASSIFIED ADS YOU MAY HAVE POSTED IN THIS NEWS LETTER. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU WANT THEM REMOVED, OTHERWISE YOU MAY CONTINUE TO GET LOTS OF UNNECESSARY PHONE CALLS OR E-MAILS. ANY CORRECTIONS ARE ALSO WELCOME.
PCVMA 2024 MEETINGS AND EVENTS SCHEDULED
PCVMA Meetings Scheduled for 2025:
July 14, 2025 – Purina – Bascom’s Chop House
July 30, 2025 – Idexx & Hill’s – Veterinary Technician’s “CE By The Sea” – Holiday Inn Harbourside, IRB
August 18, 2025 – Elanco – Bascom’s Chop House
September 22, 2025 – FETCH – Bascon’s Chop House
October 13, 2025, Nutramax – Bascom’s Chop House
November 8, 2025 – Bowser and Catsino Ball – Belleair Country Club
December Happy Holidays
PCVMA 2026 MEETINGS
February 21, 2026 – Pharmacy Dispensing and the Florida Laws and Rules – Marriott-Roosevelt
March 16, 2026 – TBVS THRIVE – Bascom’s Chop House
PAF News
Three non-DVM office team members applied for hurricane assistance from the Foundation.
$1,500.00 from the Bowser and Catsino Ball was allocated and $500.00 was presented to each
recipient at their offices by Dr. Morgan. May their Holiday Days be a little brighter..
Donald H. Morgan, DVM
President
Pinellas Animal Foundation, Inc
10825 Seminole Blvd A-3
Seminole, FL 33778
Don Morgan, DVM
President – PAF
The Humane Society of Pinellas (HSP) is dedicated to reducing the rate of euthanasia in Pinellas County. Neonatal kittens are a particularly vulnerable population with more than 2,000 euthanized in Pinellas last year due to lack of resources. HSP is seeking the public’s partnership to drastically reduce this number through our Kitten Crusaders Program. Together, with the help of veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, shelter/rescue partners, and citizen foster homes, we can provide loving care to kittens in need. There are many ways to be a part of the solution! Please contact Amanda Audia, HSP’s Director of Operations at AmandaA@HumanePinellas.org to join the Crusade to save these precious animals and make a positive impact in our community!
Dr. Brenton Gallas
Medical Director
Humane Society of Pinellas
Pinellas County Animal Services News
“This past legislative session was particularly busy for animal welfare! Here is an overview of the three bills we have been tracking closely going into effect July 1, 2025:
- Trooper’s Law: SB 150 making it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a declared natural disaster or at any time in which a mandatory or voluntary evacuation order is in effect.
- Dexter’s Law: HB 255 strengthen penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and ensures offenders face appropriate criminal penalties. Dexter’s Law also creates Florida’s first animal abuser database to prevent abuse and protect communities. The database is managed by FDLE and will contain the name of individuals convicted of aggravated animal cruelty. It will go into effect on January 1, 2026, and updates every 48 hours.
- Pam Rock Act (Expands Current Dangerous Dog Regulations): HB 593 Owners must confine the dog in a proper enclosure, dogs declared dangerous are microchipped and spayed or neutered, an owner who attempts to remove the microchip can be charged with a third-degree felony, and owners must obtain at least $100,000 in liability insurance.
Now more than ever, lawmakers are understanding the importance of animal welfare to the overall health and well-being of our communities. Please continue to advocate for this type of progressive legislation in our field and reach out to me if there is a particular subject you would like to see explored during future sessions.
I hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July holiday!”
Jennifer Renner, B.Sc., CPM (she/her)
Interim Director – Community Outreach & Volunteer Program Manager
Animal Services – Pinellas County Government
12450 Ulmerton Rd – Largo, FL 33774
jrenner@pinellas.gov office 727-582-2636
SPCA Tampa Bay
SPCA Tampa Bay would like to invite you to become a member of our Women’s Annual Giving Society (WAGS)! As part of Pinellas County Veterinary Medical Association, you have already shown a true passion for animals. Becoming part of WAGS allows many opportunities to make a difference in the lives of homeless pets and wildlife, while celebrating the collective impact of female empowerment through philanthropy.
When you become a WAGS member you:
- Support SPCA Tampa Bay
- Grow your personal and professional network
- Receive a personalized WAGS name tag, quarterly issues of WAGS newsletter, and an invitation to the members-only Facebook group
- Participate in unique social and service events at SPCA Tampa Bay, behind-the-scenes tours & educational programs at our shelter
- Make a lasting impact on the lives of homeless animals and wildlife
We have two exclusive events coming up for WAGS Members and we’d like to invite you to attend and learn more! Please visit https://spcatampabay.org/wags/ to learn more about becoming a member of our Women’s Annual Giving Society.
KRISTEN DAVIS
Director of Marketing & Communications
Phone 727-499-0370
Web spcatampabay.org
9099 130th Ave. N. Largo, FL 33773
SPC SCHOOL OF VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY
PINNING AND AWARDS CEREMONY
On behalf of the PCVMA, Dr. Julie Mosher presented two $600.00 scholarships to
SPC students. The AS scholarship went to Penny Cooper-Jones (not pictured) and the BAS scholarship to William Smith. CONGRATULATIONS!
Tonight is a celebration of veterinary technicians — the individuals who show unwavering commitment, compassion, and skill every single day. Whether they’re providing critical care, comforting worried pet owners, or let’s be real- keeping the doctors in line, you are the ones who make a real difference in the lives of animals and people.
Veterinary technicians are the backbones of the hospital, a fact that has been made even more obvious as veterinary technicians are becoming harder to hire. It’s clear that without you, the veterinary field would not function as seamlessly as it does. Your knowledge of medical procedures, diagnostics, anesthesia, and so much more makes you an essential part of the veterinary team. You bring a unique blend of expertise and compassion to your work, and that’s something worth celebrating.
Tonight is about recognizing the countless hours you dedicate to your schooling and profession, the sacrifices you make, and the many lives — both human and animal — that you touch with your care. You are a vital link between animals and their owners, ensuring that every animal receives the best possible treatment, no matter the situation.
So, on behalf of the Pinellas County Veterinary Medical Association, I want to extend a sincere Congratulations to each and every one of you. Your contributions are invaluable, and your impact reaches far beyond what words can express. We are so incredibly proud of you, and we thank you for everything you do. Once again, congratulations, and may your passion and dedication continue to inspire and elevate the field of veterinary care for years to come.
Thank you and good luck on your new journey,
Julie Mosher, DVM
President – PCVMA
St Petersburg College students and faculty have just completed the spring semester and started the summer semester on May 19
We held our pinning ceremony on May 5th with over 40 BAS and AS graduates. We are very appreciative of the support from PCVMS in awarding two scholarships. One to Penny Cooper Jones an AS student employed by Blue Pearl in Clearwater, and Will Smith a BAS student employed by Coastal Veterinary Hospital in Dunedin.
Our student will be traveling in July to Costa Rica for our 20205 study abroad trip for wildlife rehabilitation and working with a sloth rescue.
Tricia Gorham, MA, CVT, FVTE
Academic Program Director
Veterinary Technology
St. Petersburg College
Seminole Campus
A LIST OF CERTIFIED VETERINARY TECHNICIANS AVAILABLE FOR RELIEF WORK
If the status of your classified ad has changed or you wish to include an ad in the PCVMA newsletter, please contact Dr. Don Morgan at Donmorgansr@aol.com or 727-397-7387 (PAF/PCVMA Office) or 727-410-7856 (Cell) for the next newsletter.
Also, if you change your e-mail address or practice location, please notify my in
order to continue to receive meeting notices and the news letter.
I am an Independent Relief Technician (CVT) that is licensed, bonded, and insured. I have over 28 years of experience with small animal, avian, and exotics. My main goal and purpose is to help clinics fill the gaps in staffing until they can find a permanent team member, or just allow clinics the ability to give their existing, deserving staff time off. Or to use that vacation time /PTO that expires at end of year (use it or loose it ) or for the daily call outs that happen 3 minutes before clinic opens.
Specialty Practice Listings and Referral
If the status of your classified ad has changed or you wish to include an ad in the PCVMA newsletter, please contact Dr. Don Morgan at Donmorgansr@aol.com or 727-397-7387 (PAF/PCVMA Office) or 727-410-7856 (Cell) for the next newsletter.
Also, if you change your e-mail address or practice location, please notify my in
order to continue to receive meeting notices and the newsletter.
Lester Mandelker, DVM, Fellow AAVPT
Offering veterinary services regarding pharmacology and therapeutics for complex cases that need assistance and more detail drug information and want to learn mechanism of action.
All referred cases will be seen on referral basis only and referred back to referring doctor. Expect a dialog and communication about such cases with a detailed discussion.
Call for info 727-585-2007 email Lestervet2@aol.com.
We are pleased to announce the opening of Veterinary Vision of Florida. Peter Mohoric, VMD, DACVO, who has been practicing as a veterinary ophthalmologist in the Tampa Bay area for 10 years, will now be available full time in multiple locations around the greater Tampa Bay Region. This is a full service ophthalmology practice, with cataract surgery now available.
Please contact, (813) 778-4953 – info@vetvisionfl.com – www.vetvisionfl.com
Locations:
Tampa – 1329 W. Fletcher Ave (Urgent Paws) – Monday and Tuesday
Lutz – 19727 State Rd 54 (Bliss Family Veterinarian) – Wednesday
New Port Richey – 7741 Congress St (Animal Hospital of Regency Park) – Thursday and Friday
I am available to perform specialty surgical procedures at your clinic. I bring the specialty OR to your clinic and strive to have minimal impact on your practice flow. I provide all disposables, power equipment, monitoring, instruments, implants, discharge instructions, and an anesthesia nurse. For more critical procedures I have a close relationship with Beacon Emergency Veterinary Hospital and can arrange surgery at that facility or transfer for overnight postoperative care if needed.
I have completed a one-year general rotating internship, a one-year surgical internship, and a three-year ACVS registered surgical residency and have been performing specialty surgery in the area for 10 years.
I am available to discuss cases and can also do consultations at your facility.
For more information, please email DrSawyer@SawyerSurgicalSolutions.com
Hospitals Seeking Relief Help
We are looking for Veterinary coverage for 1 full month.
We are a 2 doctor practice looking to cover time off for one of our Veterinarians. The relief is needed in the fall months of August, September, and October. It can be any time as long as the 4 weeks are consecutive. It would be a 4 day work week and every other Saturday.
Our hours for appointments are 9-5 week days and Saturdays are 8-3. We are fully staffed with well seasoned Technicians / CVT and assistants. We are located in Tarpon Springs on US HWY 19N.
If you can help, please email our practice manager Dorinda Odell at Dorindatah@gmail.com or call 727-934-0884 for more information.
Veterinarians Seeking Ownership and Practices for Sale
If the status of your classified ad has changed or you wish to include an ad in the PCVMA newsletter, please contact Dr. Don Morgan at Donmorgansr@aol.com or 727-397-7387 (PAF/PCVMA Office) or 727-410-7856 (Cell) for the next newsletter.
Also, if you change your e-mail address or practice location, please notify my in
order to continue to receive meeting notices and the news letter.
Seeking Externship
If the status of your classified ad has changed or you wish to include an ad in the PCVMA newsletter, please contact Dr. Don Morgan at Donmorgansr@aol.com or 727-397-7387 (PAF/PCVMA Office) or 727-410-7856 (Cell) for the next newsletter.
Also, if you change your e-mail address or practice location, please notify my in
order to continue to receive meeting notices and the news letter.
My name is Melissa Feldman; I am a rising 4th-year veterinary student at the University of Florida graduating in May 2017, seeking an externship at a private practice in St. Petersburg for 1-2 weeks in August. I have a Masters in Public Health, serve on the SAVMA Executive Board, am a published first author in Veterinary Quarterly, and have already completed eight months of clinical rotations during which I have completed over 30 spays and neuters. I can be reached at 305-926-8941 or melvet10@gmail.com.
