San Marcos Mayor Daniel Guerrero, left, and Prevent a Litter of Central Texas Executive Director Sharri Boyette, right. Guerro proclaimed Oct. 1 as Pet Fest Day. PHOTO by DON ANDERS

STAFF REPORT

An all-day, pet-themed festival to feature little dog races, live music, food vendors, and other activities will be held this Saturday in San Marcos.

The ninth annual Pet Fest, an event organized by PALS with the help of the City of San Marcos and others, will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at San Marcos Plaza Park. The park is at 401 East Hopkins Street. Well-behaved, restrained pets will be welcome at the event, which is free, though attendees have been asked to donate dry pet food.

Activities at this year’s Pet Fest will also include a 5K run, pet adoption opportunities, a silent auction, and kid-friendly games such as costume and dog-guardian look-alike contests.

Sponsors of the event include Invisible Fence Brand, City of San Marcos, PETCO, PALS Central Texas, CFAN, FLINTCO Constructive Solutions, Black Dog Real Estate Inc., Grande Communications, and others.

PALS’ mission is to help end pet overpopulation and pet homelessness. To this end, the organization endeavors to promote responsible pet care through community education and spay/neuter programs for financially-disadvantaged people. PALS is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.

PALS welcomes donations and offers veterinary, education, and cat adoption services, and pet food. More information may be found at PAL’s website, and via email at PAL@PreventALitter.com. For more information about volunteering for PALS, email volunteerPALS@gmail.com.