Adopt-A-Palooza To Feature 100 Adoptable Pets: Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — The seventh annual Adopt-A-Palooza takes place May 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Boulevard in Palmetto.

Adopt-A-Palooza is the largest one-day pet adoption and expo-style event in Manatee County, featuring more than 100 adoptable pets from Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW), local shelters and animal rescues — all under one roof, according to a county news release.

Participating adoption organizations include the Humane Society of Manatee County, Canine Castaways, Cat Depot, Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch, Barking Out Loud Rescue, Donte’s Den, Humane Society of Sarasota County, Skyway Dachshund Rescue and Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County.

The family-friendly event will include a marketplace with more than 40 retail vendors selling a variety of products and services, including vendors for pet owners. The proceeds from the event will benefit Friends of Manatee County Animal Services, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves as a fundraising arm and whose mission it is to work hand in hand with Manatee County Animal Welfare to enrich the lives of the shelter animals by raising funds to provide additional resources and medical care, the county said.

For pets adopted from MCAW, all adoption fees will be waived in lieu of a donation made to the Friends group, which will provide all dog adopters complimentary leashes and collars from Max & Neo Dog Gear (while supplies last).

Manatee County residents are required to license their new pet for an additional $20 tag fee. All pets will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

On the day of the event, the Palmetto Adoption Center, at 305 25th Street W. in Palmetto, will be closed to the public.

The Cat Town Adoption Center, at 216 6th Ave. E. in Bradenton, will remain open. Waived adoption fees apply to all cats at the Cat Town Adoption Center.

The Bishop Animal Shelter (for lost and found pets, select adoptions), at 5718 21st Ave. W. in Bradenton, will be open during normal business hours.

For all locations, appointments are preferred, but walk-ins will be accommodated when available. Animal Welfare can be reached at 941-742-5933.

For the latest information about Adopt-A-Palooza, visit mymanatee.org/aap.