Former/current employees - if you're afraid to sign your name, you can do so anonymously or come up with an alias to protect your identity from the company. Your signature matters!

With deep concern and heavy hearts, we, as a community, come together to initiate this petition. Based on accounts shared by pet owners and former employees, numerous concerns have emerged regarding the care at Bay Paws Pet Resort, which has locations across the Tampa Bay Area. These concerns, particularly those that have led to the loss or harm of pets, represent a profound breach of the trust that families place in these facilities.

One particularly heartbreaking incident that has shaken the community involves the tragic death of a dog who reportedly suffered heatstroke after being left in a yard without sufficient shade or water. While it is said that ownership placed the blame on a single employee, many feel that this reflects a broader issue within the management structure. Several steps, including proper supervision and internal checks, could have prevented such an outcome. What is even more troubling to some is the suggestion that employees at other Bay Paws locations were not informed about the incident, learning about it only through the news and social media.

Unfortunately, this is not the only story raising questions about the safety and care at Bay Paws. Another deeply saddening account describes the tragic situation of a vulnerable senior dog—who was blind and deaf—suffering a severe attack during a walk at the Ybor City location and was degloved by a dog known to be aggressive. According to those familiar with the event, the dog was injured so gravely that euthanasia became necessary. Some feel that management’s response to this, including the continued employment of the staff member involved, has further undermined trust in the facility

Concerns have also been raised about several other serious incidents, including pet escapes at the Trinity location, where dogs reportedly got loose, with one nearly being hit by a car while the staff slowly walked after it. At the Clearwater location, reports have circulated that several pets have died in their care this year. 

Some have expressed concerns that the lack of shade at the new location reflects a troubling pattern. According to accounts from those familiar with the situation, it is believed that shade was not initially provided for the outdoor daycare and potty yards during Florida's peak summer months, reportedly due to cost considerations. Employees reportedly raised concerns about the impact on pet safety and comfort over several months, which ultimately led to the issue being addressed. To some, this has raised questions about whether financial priorities are being placed over the well-being of the pets in their care.

Watch this video of unsafe ratios and lack of supervision in daycare. 

In addition to concerns about pet care, there are growing worries about the internal culture at Bay Paws. Some have shared accounts of inappropriate behavior, including reports of racial insensitivity from a department manager, which have not been addressed to the satisfaction of those affected. In another alarming account, there was an altercation between two employees that escalated to violence, with one individual allegedly following a co-worker home and discharging a firearm. It has been reported that staff were not informed of this situation until it became more widely known among employees, and no notice was provided to customers regarding potential risks, despite the shooter remaining at large.

Many of these stories, which have circulated among former employees, have remained largely unspoken until now. A culture of silence is said to exist within Bay Paws, where former employees feel discouraged from communicating with current staff about their experiences. However, recent attention in the media has created an opportunity for individuals to share their concerns more openly, and we believe it's time for a broader conversation.

This petition is not an attack on Bay Paws but a call to examine and address what many in the community feel are systemic issues within the company. We urge city leadership in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties, as well as animal welfare organizations, to investigate these concerns and take necessary steps to ensure the safety of both pets and the people who care for them. As Bay Paws prepares to open its fourth location in Wesley Chapel, we hope that the lessons from these past incidents will lead to changes that restore the community’s faith in the facility. Please sign this petition to make sure no more lives - animal or human - are subjected to such negligence and disrespect, and to demand that those responsible are held accountable. 

Former/current employees - if you're afraid to sign your name, you can do so anonymously or come up with an alias to protect your identity from the company. Your signature matters!