Christiana de Leon holds on to her dog Marilyn, dressed as a butterfly, during last year's PetFest at San Marcos Plaza Park. Daily Record file photos by Denise Cathey
Pet Fest: Barks in the park
Come enjoy the 16th year of celebrating animals and saving their lives at Pet Fest.
This event benefits Prevent A Litter of Central Texas (PALS), an organization that strives to end pet overpopulation and pet homelessness by promoting responsible pet ownership through educational and spay/neuter programs, pet food pantry, cat rescue and adoptions.
Mark your calendar for Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at San Marcos Plaza Park, 401 Hopkins Street.
The day will begin with the opening ceremonies. At the event, there will be the blessing of the animals, animal parades, live music, a silent auction, merchandise and food vendors, kids’ activities, arts and crafts, a pet costume contest and a K9 demonstration.
The annual dog races are a fun way to for pet owners to show off their speedy four-legged friends and win prizes.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their pets – and costumes are also encouraged. The costume contests and races will take place throughout the day with the entries for pet costume, pet trick, theme and the sit and stay competition. In addition, there will be a meet and greet the homeless pets from shelters and rescues who are waiting to be adopted.
Pet Fest is a free event, but a donation of pet food would be greatly appreciated by organizers.
PALS has been working in the area for over 25 years. Please come out and help support PALS so they can continue their incredible program. Besides that, you will make an important difference by saving a life. This is a wonderful celebration of all pets. All proceeds go directly to PALS, and contributions are tax-free. To see the full schedule, visit the Prevent a Litter website.
Currently, the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter is at capacity for adoptable dogs and cats and is extending a $1 adoption special for both cats and dogs through the end of October.
“All pets at the shelter are adoptable for only $1 and all adoptions come with the pet’s spay or neuter, kennel vaccinations, rabies vaccinations, microchip and city license,” said Jeff Caldwell, director of Neighborhood Services. “This is the perfect time to make an addition to your family and provide a forever home for one of these special animals.”
For more information contact the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter at 512-805-2657.
Peyton Kellogg reaches out to pet a cat up for adoption from the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter at their booth at Pet Fest.
Sponsors for this year's Pet Fest include Grande Communications, Blue Sky Mortgage, K9 Waterworld, Frost Bank, Frandy Oaks, Tickle-Blagg, Beyond Grooming, Pets and Moore, Mochas and Javas.
For more information, check out the Facebook page.