Pet Fest Draws Dogs and Cats to Philadelphia Park

Cats and dogs took center stage Sunday at Philadelphia’s Schuylkill Banks for the third annual Pet Fest. Produced by Town and Country Kennel and Pet Care Center and the Schuylkill River Development Authority, the event aims to educate local pet owners as well as entertain.

“It’s geared toward improving the quality of life for the dogs and cats,” said Linda Lowney, owner of Town and Country, which is based in Langhorne, Pa.

About 1,000 attendees and 13 vendors – such as local groomers, trainers and rescue groups – turned out to the Schuylkill Banks for the free event. Schuylkill Banks is a 1.2 mile park and trail situated along the Schuylkill River.

The annual event featured a “Best Dressed Pet Contest,” a pet makeover station where dogs were groomed, a clothing and accessory area which showcased the latest pet styles, demonstrations of canine agility and service dogs’ capabilities, pet photography and pet-food sampling.

Veterinarians were on hand to answer pet-health questions. Information on pet adoption was also made available in recognition of October as National Adopt a Shelter month.

“We want to make (pet owners) aware of some of the services available to them in the area,” Lowney said. “It also gives some of the shelters and rescue groups an opportunity to bring in their pets so people can see them and how they can fit in to their household.”

For next year, Lowney said plans are in the works to bring in more vendors that would be able to assist pet owners in the event of a disaster, like a house fire.