Petapalooza to make Chestnut Hill a pet paradise

Posted 7/6/16

A photo from 2014's Petapalooza. by Lizzie Stricklin As we approach the dog days of summer, it may be hard to remember that our furry friends want to enjoy all the summer fun as well. Animal lovers, …

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Petapalooza to make Chestnut Hill a pet paradise

Posted

A photo from 2014's Petapalooza. A photo from 2014's Petapalooza.

by Lizzie Stricklin

As we approach the dog days of summer, it may be hard to remember that our furry friends want to enjoy all the summer fun as well. Animal lovers, therefore, should not miss out on bringing the whole family (two-legged and four-legged alike) to Germantown Avenue from noon to 3 p.m. on July 10 to celebrate pets of all kind at this year’s Petapalooza.

Petapalooza is an annual event that welcomes anyone with a love for animals. This event highlights local pet services and brings together numerous pet rescue and adoption agencies to find homes for dozens of cats and dogs. Germantown Avenue will be lined with booths hosting activities for people and pets alike, and dining in select Chestnut Hill restaurants will be open to pet companions as well.

“Chestnut Hill is a very pet-friendly neighborhood.” said Martha Sharkey, executive director of the Chestnut Hill Business District. “On any given day, you will see dozens of dogs with their owners walking throughout the community. We also know there is a real need for pet adoptions. Therefore, we decided to start an event including dog and cat adoptions and pet-friendly activities, including a Paw Reader, photo booth, water pools, dog training, caricaturists, pet vendors, and more.”

The event this year is being presented through a partnership of the Chestnut Hill Business District and the Weavers Way Co-op, both of which have hosted separate pet-themed events for the past few years. Now they are joining up to present the ultimate pet experience.

“As one of the most dog-friendly neighborhoods in the area, we hope that Petapalooza will continue to be an annual summer-time tradition in Chestnut Hill,” Sharkey said . “This fun event brings together all members of the community, from two-legs to four to enjoy a day of celebration and family fun – all for a good cause while supporting animal welfare.”

The event will feature local pet businesses and veterinary clinics, such as Weavers Way Pet Store, The Bone Appetite, Queenie’s Pets, Opportunity Barks, and the Chestnut Hill Cat Clinic. Visitors will be able to peruse these exhibitors’ services right on Germantown Avenue and perhaps take home a treat for their favorite cat or dog.

“We have more rescues and vendors participating than ever before,” said Sharkey.

Many of these businesses will also be donating a portion of their proceeds to the participating rescues. The 3000BC spa is also collecting pet supplies to donate to pet rescues, and will have a table outside of their location on Germantown Avenue during the event.

Petapalooza is also a great opportunity for visitors to add a new pet to their family or get their very first furry friend. Pet rescue and adoption agencies such as the PASPCA, Philadoptables, and the Humane League will be on site with rescued cats and dogs that can be adopted on the spot. These pets, coming from a total of 15 rescue sites, will be looking for responsible long-term homes and families to give them lots of love. Anyone who adopts a pet at Petapalooza will receive a $25 gift card to the Weavers Way Across the Way pet store to help supply them will everything necessary to care for a new pet.

In between visiting local pet supply stores and viewing the adoptable animals, kids and pets can both enjoy all the activities the day has to offer. Four-legged friends can have their futures foretold through a paw reading, splash around in the doggie pools, or try to sit still for a pet caricaturist. Children can also have fun with face painting, a moonbounce, and more. Dogs and their owners will be able to visit training exhibitions as well, with music from 101.1 More FM and food completing the fun and furry experience. Many of the activities will be free, and tickets will be available for a few special offerings. All proceeds raised by the activities will be donated to the pet rescues participating in the event.

Although Petapalooza may end at 3 p.m., the Chestnut Hill festivities are not yet over. Many Chestnut Hill bars and restaurants will be serving “Yappy Hour” specials after 3, including pet-themed treats such as the Puperoni Pizza at Cosimo’s and the Barkarita at the Grill at the Chestnut Hill Hotel. These restaurants will open their doors to dogs as well as their owners.

With its rich assortment of small businesses and intense love of pets, Chestnut Hill seems to be the perfect place to host Petapalooza.

“This event is special to our community because we are working so closely with several of our local businesses to make this event happen, including Weaver’s Way, 3000BC, Queenie’s Pets, and The Bone Appetite,” Sharkey said. “In addition, we place a strong emphasis on the pet rescues and adoptions, hoping many loving pets find a good home during Petapalooza.”

For dog and cat lovers alike, the Chestnut Hill Petapalooza will be sure to please pet lovers and families with its assortment of fun-filled attractions. Be sure to stop by Germantown Avenue on July 10 to experience the festivities and give the pets something to wag their tails about.

More information about Petapalooza can be found at www.chestnuthillpa.com.

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