Pet Costume Parade, Furfest Held At Manahawkin Shelter

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Let Fido enjoy Halloween fun this Saturday with the return of the Fall Furfest and Pet Costume Parade.

For the 14th year, the Southern Ocean County Animal Facility is hosting the pet parade and adoption event, held at 360 Haywood Rd. in Manahawkin starting at 1 p.m. on Oct. 29.

“This is a special Halloween event that is fun for the entire family. Every year pet owners do such a great job dressing up their pets in so many unique and creative costumes. It will certainly get you into the spirit of the holiday,” said Gary Quinn, Ocean County Commissioner and liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health.

The parade features costumes and prizes in the following categories: Scariest, Best Group, Funniest, Most Original and Best in Show.

Registration for contestants begins at 1 p.m., with the parade and judging of costumes kicking off at 1:30 p.m.

“The Southern Ocean County Animal Facility really appreciates how the community really comes out to support this event every year. People really enjoy having their dogs – and other types of pets – strutting their stuff in Halloween costumes,” explained Daniel E. Regenye, Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) Public Health Coordinator/Health Officer. “The Friends of the Southern Ocean County Animal Facility volunteer group has been a dedicated partner for all these years and assists us with putting on a great show.”

But the event is more than just a parade - it's an opportunity to find your new best friend. You can check out all the lovable cats and dogs the Ocean Animal Facilities have looking for their forever home. According to the OCHD, every dog and cat adopted receives a veterinary exam, age-appropriate vaccinations, spayed/neutered and microchipped.

The Southern Ocean County Animal Facility and Northern Ocean County Animal Facility, in Jackson, are operated under the care of the Ocean County Health Department.

For more information regarding the Fall Furfest, cat and dog adoptions and their free rabies clinics, call 609-978-0127. You can also follow them on Twitter@OCpublichealth or like them on Facebook.