Paws and pedestrians will pound the pavement to support shelter animals at Arlington’s largest pet-centered event—19th Annual Walk for the Animals on Saturday, May 10, 2014 (rain or shine) at Bluemont Park from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30p.m. This Fido fest unifies the Arlington community and celebrates the human-animal bond, while raising awareness and funds to directly benefit the hundreds of adoptable animals and community programs supported by The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA)—the County’s only humane society.
“Our mission is to improve the lives of animals. The Walk for the Animals demonstrates the way pets enrich our lives and generates funds to help us sustain community programs and services offered through the League, such as our low-cost spay & neuter clinics,” said Neil Trent, president/CEO of AWLA.
Participants will leash-up Fido, strap on their walking shoes for a three-mile walk or one-mile stroll through the park followed by a festival of entertainment, including music by Washington Talent, an agility demonstration by WOOFS! Dog Training Center, as well as a working-dog demonstration by The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit. Many of AWLA’s adoptable dogs will also be onsite to meet potential new families. Event attendees will receive valuable pet information, have an opportunity to engage with pet-friendly businesses and learn about animal resources in the Arlington community.
“The Walk not only supports the thousands of animals the League cares for each year, but it is also a way for people to be a part of the solution for improving the lives of animals in our community,” said Trent. “We encourage people to walk with or without a dog, in memory of a beloved pet or in honor of their cat or other companion animal.”
Pre-register now for $30 or register event day for $40. All pre-registered walkers will receive a free 2014 Walk t-shirt and participating dogs will receive a free bandana.
Sponsors include: Segue Technologies, Caring Hands Animal Hospital, VCA Alexandria, Regional Veterinary Referral Center, Unleashed by PetCo, AWLA Board, Pro Feed Pet Nutrition, Ballston Animal Hospital, CVCA-Cardiac Care for Pets, WOOFS!, Fur-Get Me Not, Pet Lovers Companion, NOVA Dog Magazine, Arlington Community Federal Credit Union, NOVA Cat Clinic, Buck & Associates Real Estate and The Board Hound.
