Sign up for Pets-a-Palooza's pet walk and parade
Do you want to walk your pet for a good time and good cause? Individuals and families can register now to join the Pet Walk and Parade, a highlight of Anderson Animal Shelter's Pets-a-Palooza festival Sunday, Sept. 18. The festival will be 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mooseheart Child City & School, off Route 31 between North Aurora and Batavia.
In addition, Anderson invites walkers and any residents to create their own fundraising web page to seek additional funds that will further benefit the shelter's life-saving programs for homeless animals.
The Pet Walk and Parade is part of Pets-a-Palooza, a family- and pet-friendly party that celebrates the joy of animal companions. While a registration fee is required to participate in the Pet Walk and Parade, the rest of the event is free. With lots of happy feet and paws, the easy 0.8-mile walk starts at 12:30 p.m. Walkers have a chance to collect goodies along the route while meeting new furry and non-furry friends. Costumes aren't required, though walkers and dogs are encouraged to embrace the festive spirit of the day. The route is wheelchair-accessible, and dogs must be leashed.
"The Pet Walk and Parade is a fun and festive way to bring together people of all ages to celebrate pets. It's all about happy people and happy pets," said Beth Drake, executive director of Anderson Animal Shelter, which marks its 50th anniversary in 2016. "Pets-a-Palooza is also one of our shelter's largest fundraising events of the year, allowing us to help save more animals and provide the medical care, support and love for all our adoptable pets until they can find forever homes."
There are two options for participating in the Pet Walk and Parade:
• Individual/family walker only: Convenient, online advance registration is available now through Saturday, Sept. 17 at 5 p.m. An individual walker registration is $25. A family (up to four people) is $75, with $10 for each additional family member. Register at www.andersonanimalshelter.org/PetsAPalooza. Onsite registration also will be available for an additional $5 fee.
• Individual/family walker and fundraiser: Anyone can also create their own fundraising web page to seek donations from family and friends that will further benefit the shelter. An individual walker who raises a minimum of $25 will receive a free Pet Walk and Parade registration and free Pets-a-Palooza T-shirt. A family of four who raises a minimum of $75 will also receive a free family registration and free t-shirts for up to four persons. The fundraising page is easy to set up and share with others. Go to www.andersonanimalshelter.org/PetsAPalooza to register and get started with a fundraising page.
In addition to the Pet Walk and Parade, Pets-a-Palooza will feature free pet contests and demonstrations throughout the day, as well as pet- and-human themed merchandise for sale. Local businesses will have booths, and Anderson, along with other rescue groups, will have dogs and puppies available for adoption. The Mooseheart Child City & School campus also offers the perfect location for packing a family picnic or enjoying food that will be available for sale.
An adopted pet and Anderson foster caregiver "reunion" is also planned. Anderson alumni pets that lived in a foster home before being adopted may have the chance to reunite with their Anderson foster caregiver and any pet siblings that may be in attendance.
Pets-a-Palooza is made possible with the support of event sponsors and advertisers, including: Petco Foundation, Autumn Green Animal Hospital, Blue Buffalo, Batavia Animal Clinic, Cleveland Veterinary Clinic, Costco Wholesale, DePaw University Canine Campus, Nova Communications, Orchard Road Animal Hospital, Pepsi Beverages Company, Perfectly Posh, Pet Supplies Plus, Sam's Club, School of Art, and Scott Queen State Farm Insurance.
Sponsorship, advertising and vendor opportunities are still available. More information about the festival, Pet Walk and Parade, sponsorship and vendor options can be sniffed out on Anderson's website, www.andersonanimalshelter.org/PetsAPalooza, or contact the development department at (847) 697-2880, ext. 25.
Anderson Animal Shelter, 1000 S. La Fox Road in South Elgin, collaborates with public and private organizations and individuals to shelter, care for and promote the adoption of homeless, stray and unwanted companion animals. It is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and does not receive any federal or state funding. The shelter advocates for the compassionate and humane treatment of these animals through direct care, humane education and community outreach programs.
For information on adoption, volunteering, donation drives and membership opportunities, visit www.andersonanimalshelter.org, email info@andersonanimalshelter.org or call (847) 697-2880.