Martha Boden
Largo, Florida
I'm CEO of SPCA Tampa Bay, which is an open admission shelter in Pinellas County, Florida that admits more than 8,500 animals per year. SPCA Tampa Bay accepts all pets surrendered by their owners and sick or injured stray animals. Owners are required to make an appointment but no fee is charged for admission, though donations are strongly encouraged.
The organization’s mission is to improve the community by promoting humane care, preventing animal cruelty and reducing pet overpopulation. Community services include animal cruelty investigation, lost/found pet assistance, animal admission and ambulance transport for sick/injured strays. Located on 10 acres in Largo, SPCA programs include pet adoption, free pet behavior help, Sniff University training for dogs and cats, children’s summer camps and more.
In addition to my responsibilities with SPCA Tampa Bay, I'm the Hamster Expert contributor to Small Animal Channel and I serve in volunteer roles with the following animal welfare groups:
- Society of Animal Welfare Administrators (SAWA) Executive Member
- Florida Association of Animal Welfare Organizations (FAAWO) Secretary & Board member
- Managing & Ending Overpopulation Wisely Now (MEOW NOW) Vice-Chair