Haddonfield is going to the dogs on Saturday, March 21, but in the best way possible.
Downtown Haddonfield will celebrate all four legged-friends with pet-related promotions, adoption opportunities and pet-friendly activities during Haddonfield’s first ever Pet-a-Palooza charity event from noon to 4 p.m. The event will feature an opportunity to adopt a dog and/or cat in Kings Court from the Camden County Animal Shelter.
“Haddonfield is a very pet friendly town. A lot of the storeowners have pets that are residents in their stores and allow pets in stores. We encourage everyone to get out with his or her animals and come to town. It will be so much fun,” Partnership for Haddonfield Marketing Committee chair Kathy Gold said.
Live music will be performed throughout the day, and a pet parade will commence at Haddy Lane beginning at noon. Downtown Haddonfield shop owners who regularly have their pet mascots present during business hours will lead the parade. Pet costumes are welcome to add to the fun, but are not required for the parade. Parade participation is open to the general public. Interested pet owners are asked to register at www.downtownhaddonfield.com/events/pet-palooza-parade-registration/, or at Ahead of the Pack, located at 207 Kings Highway East.
Some downtown Haddonfield shops and eateries will donate a percentage of their proceeds made during Pet-a-Palooza to the CCAS, so everyone is invited to pack up their pooches, start their spring shopping and contribute to a charitable cause. A list of stores donating to the shelter can be found at the downtown Haddonfield website.
“A lot of the stores are donating a portion of their day’s profits, and it is voluntary.
“When someone makes a purchase in the store, a portion of the proceeds will go to the animal shelter,” Gold said.
Founded by the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1997, the CCAS has been fighting to reduce the overwhelming stray/unwanted animal population in the county. CCAS is an open admissions shelter and takes in more than 6,000 companion animals from 17 municipalities in Camden County every year. CCAS provides Camden County with low-cost spay and neutering options. By providing the service at such a low cost, CCAS hopes to reduce the number of stray/unwanted animals in the county.
“The day will be so much fun. Most people, I would say, love animals, and it is for a great cause. This event primarily is to give back to the animal shelter, our furry friends and ultimately have a fun community event,” Gold said.
If you don’t make a purchase at a downtown shop but still want to donate to the CCAS, you can do so at the Kings Court adoption booth, or bring pet items such as sheets, blankets, towels, beds, food and toys to designated stores, which can be found at DowntownHaddonfield.com.
In the event of rain, Pet-a-Palooza will take place Sunday, March 22 from noon to 4 p.m.
“Come and enjoy the town, bring your pet, walk around see the town, stores and friends, and enjoy the fabulous downtown that we’ve created,” Gold said.
