RESCUE PINK

As founder of Rescue Pink, I have been volunteering and partnering with Pinellas County Animal Services since 2009 and also help other local shelters/organizations such as the Humane Society of Pinellas and Meow Now with media needs and fundraising.

My goal with Rescue Pink is to help reduce the number of euthanasia and homeless animal by promoting and paying for spay and neuter as well as helping seniors, veterans and low-income people with vet bills so they can keep their pets. Rescue Pink has helped approximately 600 dogs and cats between getting them fixed, vet care, fostering or rehoming in the past 6 years. We were honored to be featured on Bay News 9's Everyday Heros: http://ow.ly/lDDk50GeusH

I also work on animal welfare law changes. I initiated the anti-tethering law ordinance change in Pinellas County in 2014. With the help of PCAS Director Moe Freaney and Renee Rivard from the League of Humane voters, it was updated to include no unattended tethering.

In 2017, I worked with Pinellas County Animal Services Director Doug Brightwell on updating the ordinance to include stricter breeder requirements, mandatory registration of breeders, yearly inspections, and registering pet sales with the county. The law also banned sales of dogs/cats at flea markets and public places, which was a huge victory for the animals.

I worked with Dunedin City Commissioner Moe Freaney to initiate the ban on retail dog/cat sales (animals from puppy mills) in the city of Dunedin, which passed unanimously July 2018.

I was the recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for volunteering over 4,000 hours at Pinellas County Animal Services, which included walking dogs, fostering, and starting/running their Facebook page for 6 years.

Rescue Pink works on donations, so any help is appreciated! We hope to continue making a difference in the community.

Elizabeth Olson
Founder, Rescue Pink