5 minute read
BARKTOBERFEST 2024
SO FUN, IT’S SCARY!
by Eloise Lautier
Start picking out costumes for you and your fourlegged friend and join other dog lovers on October 27 for the Pensacola Humane Society’s (PHS) 2024 Barktoberfest celebration.
It’s the biggest and best pet-friendly festival on the Gulf Coast, serving as one of the most entertaining, silly and educational events of the year. Best of all, there’s no admission fee. The fun starts at 10 am and continues until 4 pm under the shady oaks of Seville Square in downtown Pensacola.
Barktoberfest is the second largest fundraiser for PHS and draws huge crowds of animal lovers each year. PHS is proud to showcase Barktoberfest’s major sponsors this year, including the Ice Flyers (Title Sponsor) and Milton Animal Hospital (Leader of the Pack). Other major sponsors include Animal Hospital of Pensacola, Ballinger Publishing, Cat Country, East Hill Animal Hospital,
Fishbein Orthodontics, Johnstone Supply and Veterinary Emergency Referral Center. Cat Country’s Mel McRae, half of the Cat Pak’s Morning Show, will be the emcee for the entire day.
What to Expect:
Attendees of the Pensacola Humane Society’s Barktoberfest can a fun filled day of excitement for both dogs and their owners. Show off your pup’s skills in the Best Trick Contest or dress up together for a chance to win the Doggy/Owner Look-alike Contest. Get creative with your canine’s costume and compete in the Best Costume Contest or let your speedy pooch race in the small dog races. Capture memories with a photo of you and your furry friend, and challenge your dog to tackle the obstacle course, ball pit, or treat walk. The event will also feature face painting, K9 demonstrations, a petting zoo and plenty of other activities for all ages to enjoy.
Founded in 1943, PHS will soon celebrate its 82nd anniversary. The organization became a no-kill facility in 1988 and has since received numerous rewards and recognition from national animal rescue associations. Today, PHS works cooperatively with Escambia County Animal Shelter and Santa Rosa County Animal Shelter.
PHS has developed an excellent working relationship with the Jacksonville Humane Society, one of the foremost animal rescues in the entire country. Members of the PHS staff have undergone state-of-the-art training at Jacksonville Humane Society, giving them a unique perspective and fresh ideas that help PHS fulfill their mission. Additionally, PHS is actively involved with Everett Animal Welfare Group by providing their fully-equipped Tag and Release van to safely transport community cats for spay and neuter services.
There’s no such thing as an ordinary day at PHS. The staff are prepared for the unexpected as each animal arrives with a different history, requiring medical care, love and reassurance. Here are a few of their accomplishments:
PHS cares for an average of 100 animals on site and in foster homes. In June, they successfully managed a surge to nearly 200 animals in their care.
Since June 2023, PHS have had 764 adoptions. In August 2024, PHS is already approaching 100 adoptions, marking one if its biggest months yet.
To date, PHS has assisted with 645 cat spay/neuter procedures by providing transport to surgical clinics through a partnership with Everett Animal Welfare Group.
PHS provided 7,500 pounds of dog and cat food through their Pet Pantry to people in need, allowing for nearly 30,000 meals since October 2023.
Since August 2023, PHS has assisted Escambia County and Santa Rosa County animal shelters by transferring 143 dogs and cats to its shelter for care and adoption.
In May 2024, PHS reopened their surgical suite and to date, have completed 210 surgeries/alterations on animals in their care.
The result of all this hard work is a 97.9 percent save-rate (as of August 31, 2024).
With an army of dedicated volunteers and a well-trained staff of 22, including vet techs and veterinarians, PHS provides the best possible care and endless love for homeless, abandoned and neglected animals.
Did you know that volunteering with animals can help you as much as it helps the animals? Petting and cuddling pets has been shown to reduce blood pressure and increase levels of serotonin and dopamine. There are many different opportunities awaiting volunteers. PHS trains volunteers, and volunteers choose their own schedule and duties.
PHS has an active foster program which gives the animals a chance to get a break from shelter life and become more adoptable. PHS provides fosters with food, bedding and toys, and also pays for the animal’s medical expenses. If you would like to become a PHS Foster, you can sign up at their volunteer booth at Barktoberfest.
Recently, PHS was commended by Best Friends, the nation’s largest sanctuary for homeless animals, as a no-kill shelter by exceeding a 90 percent save rate for cats and dogs in 2023. Florida Leaders in Lifesaving recognized PHS for ‘Best Use of Marketing’ in the Petco Love Statewide Mega Adoption Event this past spring.
Help PHS continue to provide innocent animals with the love and care they need as they wait for their fur-ever homes. Join the fun and celebrate PHS’s love for dogs at Barktoberfest on October 27 at Seville Square. It’s a tail-wagging good time for you and your best four-legged friend!
For more information about Barktoberfest, email barktoberfest@pensacolahumane.org. Learn more about the Pensacola Humane Society at pensacolahumane.org.
