WOOFstock offers family fun for furry friends and their owners

This month, bring your furry friend or just a light jacket and a love of animals to Veterans Park for the pet extravaganza of the season, WOOFstock 2013. The event on Oct. 12 at Veterans Park is free to the public and will feature the Bama Air Dogs, dog races, dog contests, adoptions, micro-chipping, a Kid’s Fun Zone and a variety of pet and food vendors.

“There’s a little bit of something for everybody,” Dee Nance of Hoover Parks and Recreation said.

An animal lover’s event would not be complete without acrobatic canines. The Bama Air Dogs will perform Frisbee routines to music throughout the day. Weenie Dog Races will allow people to register their dog for a racecourse in which all participants receive a T-shirt and the winner receives a trophy. Dog contests include categories such as “Looks Most Like Owner, ”Smallest” and “Ugliest” pet.

A variety of vendors will be set up throughout the park offering everything from ice cream to pet-care products. Nance encourages anyone who is interested to join the event, which usually draws a large crowd and helps a reputable cause.

“Vendors can be anything or anybody,” Nance said. “All the funds will go to pet-related rescues.”

For the kids, the event features a Kid’s Zone that includes games, inflatables and face painting. Young Rembrandts, a community after-school program that teaches art to children, will be there as well. 

In addition to entertainment and food, community members will have the opportunity to adopt a new pet and even the chance to bring the pet home that same day.

“There will be lots of rescue organizations at the event. Some of them will actually adopt on site,” Nance said. “Those organizations can also set up arrangements and home visits.”

Pet owners will be able to have their pets micro-chipped, a form of technology that helps track a missing pet. Nance said pet owners should take advantage of this opportunity.

 “There will be micro-chipping for $25, ”Nance said. “Micro-chipping normally runs for $50 or $60, so this is a big deal.”

The event, sponsored by Hoover Parks and Recreation, began in 1999 as simply a day in the park for pet lovers but has now turned into a treasured family event for the entire community.

“It’s gotten better every year,” Nance said. “I encourage people to just come out, visit the vendors and listen to the music.”

Parking will be available at Spain Park High School with complimentary shuttles running directly to the park. For more information on WOOFstock, contact Dee Nance at nanced@ci.hoover.al.us.