Hoover to host Pet-A-Palooza on Halloween

Published 4:26 pm Monday, October 26, 2009

For this year, Hoover dogs will get to celebrate Halloween along with their owners.

The city of Hoover will host the sixth-annual Pet-A-Palooza, a free event, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Veteran’s Park on Valleydale Road on Halloween, Oct. 31.

Dee Nance said the event just gives animal lovers a way to enjoy the holiday with their furry friends.

“It’s a way to celebrate the animals, and it’s a good educational opportunity for pet owners and their dogs,” Nance said.

Several rescue organizations will be at the event, as well as the Shelby County Humane Society and the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.

Nance recommended that those interested in adopting should go ahead and contact the rescue or humane society they’re interested in adopting from and find out what steps should be taken to do so.

There will be animals available for adoption at Pet-A-Palooza, but some rescues require home visits or more information before allowing anyone to adopt.

She said the city is expecting more than 2,000 people to attend — if the weather stays nice. Even if it rains, though, people will come.

“Last year, it was miserable, but people came out and we all celebrated the little bit of sunshine we had,” she said.

Microchipping services will be available through Two by Two Rescue for $35 per animal.

There will be a kids fun zone as well as contests to determine the cutest dog, ugliest dog and dog that looks most like its owner. There will also be “Halloweenie” fun races, which will be $5 per dog.

For more information, including forms to fill out for the “Halloweenie” dog races or a waiver to go ahead and sign for entrance into the event, visit the Hoover Web site at Hooveral.org.