— Pet Prevent a Litter (PALS) of Central Texas, Grande Communications and the city of San Marcos will host the 8th annual PET FEST at San Marcos Plaza Pavilion Park on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Other major sponsors of PET FEST include Invisible Fence Brand, Stokes Construction, Petco and CFAN.

The park is located at 401 East Hopkins Street, along the San Marcos River. Admission is free, but it is requested that attendees bring a donation of dry pet food.

This is a celebration of all pets, large and small. Properly restrained animals with nice manners are invited.

Those looking for a pet might consider the variety of adoptable animals from area shelters and many rescue groups which will be on hand.

The celebration will also include a silent auction.  Also on hand will be the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.

The Pet Fest 5K Run/Walk begins prior to the festival at 8 a.m. Dogs are welcome to race in the competition with their runner companions. The all-ages Fun Runs will start at 9 a.m.

Come visit with the San Antonio's Spay-Neuter Assistance Program San Antonio crew at the SNAP mobile clinic.

 Tours will be offered so residents can see how SNAP spays and neuters animals to fight animal overpopulation.  SNAP will also have giveaway goodies, items for sale and information on spay-neuter and animal wellness topics.

Family friendly events are planned throughout the day.

The San Marcos High School Color Guard will present the American flag during the National Anthem, followed by the Blessing of the Animals, conducted by Rev. Bruce Wilson.

Service animal demos by the Texas Hearing & Service dogs and the San Marcos police K-9 unit will be featured. Trick dogs, dancing dogs and even a dancing miniature horse will perform. There will also be special children’s train rides, face painting, moon jump, slide and other exhibits.

There will be contest and prize opportunities for pets of all kinds



Schedule of Contests

(All times are approximate)

• 1 p.m. Best Trick Contest

• 1:30 p.m.  “A Kid’s Best Friend” Costume Contest. (human age 16 and under)

• 2 p.m. “Team Work” Costume Contest (three or more in team. Can be mix of dogs and people)

• 2:45 p.m. “My Name Should Be in Lights” Costume Contest (human age 17 and over)

• 3:15 p.m. Pet/Guardian Look-Alike Contest

• 4 p.m. Weenie and Chihuahua Races  

 

PET FEST is PALS’ largest fundraiser of the year.  In addition to generating donations, the purpose of the event is to create public awareness for the needs of animals, promote responsible pet guardianship and celebrate the human-animal bond.

PALS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to help end pet overpopulation and homelessness in Central Texas through educational and spay/neuter programs.

PALS helps pets and the people who love them by distributing free sterilization vouchers to residents of Hays and surrounding counties who cannot otherwise afford to fix their pets.

 More information can be found on the PALS website, www.preventalitter.com.