UPPER FREEHOLD – The 2017 Animal Rescue Adopt-A-Thon will be held at the Horse Park of New Jersey, Route 524, Upper Freehold Township, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 4 (rain or shine).
The organization’s mission is to help local businesses, animal rescues and the community come together for a successful animal adoption and networking event, according to a press release.
The 2016 adopt-a-thon featured 52 vendors and 57 animal rescue groups. More than 40 dogs, cats, birds, horses and small pets were adopted, according to the press release.
This year’s event will share the Horse Park with the Pony Club Horse Show trials. At this time there are 60 confirmed rescue groups and 62 confirmed vendors. There will be demonstrations, workshops and activities throughout the day for people of all ages.
The Kid’s Zone will have games, pony rides, a petting zoo, a photo booth and more.
Alikatt’s Rabbit Hopping Agility will show off their skills with shows and instruction about rabbit behavior training. Cold Blooded Encounters will bring reptiles for children to interact with and learn about.
The food vendors will be Rudi’s Catering, Try Vegan, Nina’s Waffle and Ice Cream, Vesuvio’s and American Way Catering.
“The Star-Spangled Banner” will be sung by Ava Giglia of Red Bank Performing Arts, leading up to “Strut Your Mutt!” during which representatives of the rescue groups can parade the dogs they have available for adoption.
There will also be a rescue horse showcase for individuals interested in adopting an equine, according to the press release.
To see a list of rescues and vendors, visit www.animalrescueadoptathon.com
Proceeds from the June 4 event will be split among Vet-I-Care, All Paws on Board Inc. and the Horse Park of New Jersey, according to the press release.
Vet-I-Care is a nonprofit charitable organization committed to helping families secure the resources required to provide specialty and emergency care for their pets.
All Paws on Board is a new small animal rescue group based in Monmouth and Ocean counties. All Paws on Board works with children to teach proper pet ownership and responsibility.
The Horse Park of New Jersey is a 185-acre facility that opened in 1988 with the aim of providing a venue for diversified equine interests from throughout the region.
