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 May everyone! We had a busy and great May for the PCVMA. We went to the FVMA annual conference, were active with legislative dealings in Tallahassee, hosted the first annual pickleball/ country music festival for PAF, and tabled at the SPC Open House. The busier we are and the more people I meet, the more I am truly humbled to be your president. Please join us on May 19th for our next Bascom’s meeting with Zoetis. Have a great start to your summer!
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
December – Happy Holidays
PCVMA Meetings Scheduled for 2025:
April 10-13, 2025 – FVMA AC Bonnet Creek – Disney
May 19, 2025 – Zoetis RX Team – Bascom’s Chop House
June 16, 2025 – Zoetis DX Team – Bon Appetit – Dunedin
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 Meetings Scheduled for 2026
January – No meeting
February 21, 2026 – Pharmacy Dispensing and the Florida Laws and Rules – Marriott-Roosevelt
March 16, 2026 – TBVS THRIVE – Bascom’s Chop Hou
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
As another hurricane season approaches, it’s crucial to ensure both you and your pets are prepared for potential emergencies. Proper planning can safeguard your furry companions and alleviate stress during such events. Here are some steps to include pets in your hurricane preparedness plan:
- Create an Emergency Kit for Your Pet
Assemble a disaster kit tailored for your pet’s needs. Essential items should include:
- Food and Water: At least a two- week’s supply of pet food and bottled water.
- Medications: A two-week supply of any necessary medications, stored in a waterproof container.
- Identification: Current photos of your pet and copies of their medical records.
- Sanitation Supplies: Litter, disposable bags, and cleaning materials.
- Comfort Items: Favorite toys or bedding to reduce stress.
- Ensure Proper Identification – Microchip your pet and ensure the contact information is up to date. Additionally, use a secure collar with an ID tag that includes your current phone number and address. This increases the likelihood of reunification if you become separated.
- 3. Identify Pet-Friendly Shelters and Lodging – Not all emergency shelters accept pets. Research pet-friendly shelters, hotels, or boarding facilities along your evacuation route. Websites like pinellas.gov provide resources to locate such accommodations.
- Develop a Buddy System – Coordinate with neighbors, friends, or relatives to ensure someone can care for or evacuate your pets if you’re unable to do so. This collaborative approach adds an extra layer of security for your pets.
- Plan for Evacuation – Have a sturdy, comfortable crate or carrier for each pet to facilitate safe transport. Familiarize your pet with the carrier ahead of time to reduce anxiety during evacuation. Ensure you have leashes or harnesses readily available.
- Stay Informed – Monitor local news and weather updates to stay ahead of potential threats. Sign up for emergency alerts to receive timely information about evacuation orders and shelter openings.
- Keep Pets Indoors During Storms – Bring pets inside well before the storm arrives. Create a safe, quiet space away from windows where they can feel secure. Use soothing tones and provide distractions like toys or treats to help alleviate stress.
- Maintain Up-to-Date Vaccinations – Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are current, as shelters may require proof of immunizations. Keep copies of vaccination records in your emergency kit.
By taking these proactive measures, you can enhance the safety and well-being of your pets during hurricane season. Remember, your pets rely on you to keep them safe in emergencies, so preparation is key. For more information, please visit: Preparing Pets for Emergencies – Pinellas County
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
Join us for SPCA Tampa Bay’s CATSINO on Saturday, May 3 at Studio 131 in Largo. SPCA Tampa Bay’s first-ever Catsino will be complete with casino games, food, mocktails, a silent auction and, of course, kittens! Guests of all ages are encouraged to attend. All proceeds from the event will benefit SPCA Tampa Bay’s Foster Program and allow the shelter to continue to provide life-changing care to animals in need.
Cyndi Mitchell, DVM
Executive VP of Programs & Chief Veterinary Officer
Phone 727-586-3591 – Web spcatampabay.org
9099 130th Avenue North, Largo FL 33773
Tricia Gorham MA, CVT
Instructor in Charge
College of Veterinary Technology
St. Petersburg College | Veterinary Technology Center
727-302-6733 | Gorham.tricia@spcollege.edu
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.
Buy-in or for sale
1631 West Bay Drive, Largo, FL 33770
Great Clientele – Practice 50 years old.
Work only mornings but great opportunity for expansion.
Contact: Dr Lester Mandelker
Phone: 727-585-2007
To Whom it may Concern,
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.
