'Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo' Weekend to Include Yappy Hour Festivities

This weekend’s Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo event, hosted by the Michigan Humane Society (MHS) and Detroit Zoological Society, and presented by Purina ONE, will bring a number of firsts – starting with the new Friday event hours on May 17, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., in addition to the usual Saturday event hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The event will also feature additional “Yappy Hour” festivities on Friday, from 5 to 7 p.m.  Yappy Hour will include gifts for the first 100 adopters during those hours, and will offer the chance for event guests to win great giveaway items.  

The first 100 adopters during Friday’s Yappy Hour will receive $50 in Hagopian Bucks gift certificates from Hagopian Cleaning Services, a free pheromone pet bandana to help calm pets during the adoption transition, and a free family photo with their new best friend.

Giveaway items will include a family four-pack of tickets to the Detroit Zoo; a Michigan Humane Society Veterinary Center Free Office Visit (dog or cat); a Michigan Humane Society Veterinary Center Free Preventative Care Package (dog or cat); and certificates for six months of free Purina ONE pet food (dog or cat).  Must be 18 or older to be eligible for the giveaway items; one entry form per household; no purchase or adoption necessary; need not be present to win; MHS will select and contact the winners by May 24. 

But that’s not the only exciting change for the 21st annual spring event.

“Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo has gone international, with the Windsor/Essex Humane Society’s participation on Saturday, May 18,” said Marie Skladd, MHS Director of Community Outreach. “We are excited to have our friends from across the bridge partner with us to find homes for their animals in need. It’s all about saving more lives together.”

Hundreds of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens from more than 30 animal welfare organizations will be available for adoption both days. In addition, rabbits will be available for adoption on Saturday.

There is no charge for admission or parking for the adoption event, which takes place under large tents in the front parking lot. The Detroit Zoo is located at 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak.

Because puppies are often in high demand, “puppy passes” will be given Saturday morning to the first 25 adoption event guests who are looking specifically to adopt a puppy. Those with puppy passes will be allowed to enter the adoption tents at 9:45 a.m. Doing so will prevent a “puppy rush” and ensure that all adopters – and the adoptable animals – will have a wonderful experience.

Adoption fees and policies are set by each participating group and not by event sponsors or hosts. Animals will be adopted only to qualified homes. Adopters must present a driver’s license or state ID card. All dogs and cats will have received a medical check-up and age-appropriate vaccinations.  For health and safety reasons, please leave current pets at home.

In addition to presenting sponsor Purina ONE, the event is supported by PetSmart and PetSmart Charities.

Since 1993, the event has placed more than 18,000 animals in new, loving homes.

For more information, visit www.michiganhumane.org or call (248) 283-1000, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Source: Michigan Humane Society