How could simply taking your dog for a walk raise $40,000 for pets in need? When more than 300 dedicated animal lovers come together to support homeless pets. It’s called peer-to-peer fundraising and it’s exactly what the Prescott-area community did for Yavapai Humane Society (YHS) last weekend at the 6th annual Walk for the Animals sponsored by Talking Rock Ranch.
Saturday, May 20, hundreds of pet parents and friends of the animals joined together for Yavapai County’s largest dog walk at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The Walk celebrated the special bond people share with their pets, and raised much needed funds and awareness for animals in need.
“Every dollar raised through this event stays right here in our community helping to fund more than two dozen programs and services that help support pet owners in need as well as more than 3,000 of the most vulnerable dogs, cats, and equines who come to YHS each year, “ says Jocelyn Bouchard, executive director at YHS.
Hundreds of dogs brought their people out to this premier pet lover’s event to enjoy a beautiful 5K or 1-mile course and enjoy fun activities which included a lure course by Brittany AZ Rescue, pet-friendly vendor booths, dog adoptions sponsored by The Kendall Posse at Bloomtree Realty, animal wellness tent offering low cost vaccinations and microchips sponsored by Prescott Area Pet Emergency Hospital, music, food, face painting, a bounce house for the kids and more.
By all the laughs and cheers, it was clear that the crowd-favorite was the Strut Your Mutt contest sponsored by Prescott Animal Hospital. Dogs competed in three fun categories: best trick, best costume, and owner look-alike. The hundreds of smiling faces at the Walk for the Animals—both human and canine—were a true testament to the joy a pet brings and the love of animals this community shares.
With the help of sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and participants, the Walk for the Animals proved to be a giant success once again by reaching the $40,000 goal! Businesses who are interested in sponsorship of the 2018 Walk for the Animals are encouraged to contact the YHS Marketing and Development Director at 928-445-2666 x 104. To view photos and a recap of the event, visit https://www.facebook.com/pg/YavapaiHumaneSociety