The 3rd Annual Plenty of Paws: A Valentine Dog Event will take place Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, from 1–4 p.m., centered at Pinellas Ale Works with additional activities held at the Clay Center of St. Pete and Wild Roots. The three-hour, family-friendly fundraiser is organized to spotlight adoptable dogs from regional rescues and generate financial and community support for their work.

Hosted by the nonprofit account @acutienamedstewie, a registered 501(c)(3), Plenty of Paws assembles multiple shelters and rescue groups under one coordinated schedule to facilitate in-person meet-and-greets between prospective adopters and animals currently in foster care or shelter kennels. Pinellas Ale Works will serve as the primary check-in point for participants and visitors before they move between the Clay Center and Wild Roots, where animals will be showcased across the venues.

Visitors can expect adoptable dogs from Limbo Chihuahua Rescue, Heidi’s Legacy, Humane Society of Pinellas, Pet Pal Animal Shelter and Compassion Kind, among other local rescues taking part in the afternoon’s programming. The format emphasizes visibility for adoptable pets and provides each participating organization an opportunity to explain adoption processes, medical histories and behavioral needs to potential adopters. Community events like Plenty of Paws contribute to higher pet adoption rates by optimizing display methods (e.g., crating dogs), offering free or low-cost adoptions, and using incentivized volunteers to engage visitors effectively.

Plenty of Paws’ slate of activities includes the returning favorites: dog kissing booths and photo opportunities, a raffle and a PAWSOME silent auction, plus a selection of local vendors. Organizers say the event’s layout is designed to make moving from table to table straightforward for families and adopters, and volunteers from the participating groups will be available to answer questions and help match dogs with appropriate homes.

Community events like Plenty of Paws, which showcase adoptable dogs, contribute to higher pet adoption rates by optimizing display methods (e.g., crating dogs), offering free or low-cost adoptions, and using incentivized volunteers to engage visitors effectively. The in-person model used at Plenty of Paws is intended to increase direct interactions between animals and people — a practical step rescue groups say can accelerate placements.

Beyond the immediate adoption opportunities, organizers emphasize that community support takes many forms. Pet owners and supporters who cannot adopt can still help local rescues by fostering animals, donating supplies or funds, and volunteering for tasks such as socialization sessions or adoption counseling. The event also provides a platform for rescues to recruit volunteers and list specific needs to attendees. Animal shelters continue to contend with persistent challenges in promoting adoption, organizers note.

Animal welfare organizations continue to contend with persistent challenges in promoting adoption, organizers note. Common challenges include financial constraints such as high veterinary costs and inflation, housing restrictions that limit the number or size of pets households can take on, and adopter concerns about shelter animals’ health or behavior. Events like Plenty of Paws are positioned to address some of those barriers by increasing transparency, answering questions on-site and reducing the friction of meeting animals in a community setting.

Tickets and event details appear on Eventbrite, where interested community members can find updated lists of participating rescues, vendor lineups and raffle or auction information. Organizers encourage visitors to check the official event page before attending for the latest schedules and any changes to venue assignments.

For residents of St. Petersburg and the surrounding area, the Feb. 7 event offers a concentrated opportunity to meet multiple rescue organizations and view a cross-section of dogs available for adoption in one afternoon. Supporters and prospective adopters should plan to arrive at Pinellas Ale Works for check-in and then circulate between the Clay Center of St. Pete and Wild Roots to engage with animals and volunteers throughout the 1–4 p.m. window.

Plenty of Paws returns for its third year with a Valentine’s theme intended to highlight the bonds between people and pets while raising funds and awareness for the region’s animal welfare network.

Source: Original reporting available via the event’s public listing and organizer materials on Eventbrite.