MANAHAWKIN – Check out all the spooky pooches and adorable pups dressed in costume at the 13th Annual Fall Furfest and Pet Halloween Parade, hosted by the Southern Ocean County Animal Facility, on October 23 from 1 to 4 p.m.
“This event has become such a special opportunity for pet owners to dress up their pets and celebrate Halloween with their 4-legged friends,” Gerry P. Little, Ocean County Commissioner, Liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health said. “The event is so much fun for the whole family whether participating in the parade or just coming out to watch.”
“So many pet owners come up with some very creative costumes and you never know what to expect. But you can certainly expect it to be another exciting and enjoyable day for the children, adults and the pets,” Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) Public Health Coordinator/Health Officer said.
The event features prizes and ribbons are awarded in the categories of Best, Funniest, Cutest, Scariest and Most Original costumes. Participants should arrive at 1 p.m. to register their pet. The costume parade will begin at 1:30 p.m.
“We like to remind people that the event has always been more than just the costume parade. It’s also been a successful way to promote our animal facilities and all the wonderful cats and dogs we have available for adoption,” Brian Lippai, OCHD Public Information Officer said. “If you’ve been seriously considering adopting a cat or dog then come out for the parade and stop in to visit all of our adorable animals looking for their forever home.”
Ocean County Animal Facility pets are spayed/neutered, micro-chipped and receive age-appropriate vaccinations. The Southern Ocean County Animal Facility, which is operated under the care of the OCHD, is located at 360 Haywood Road in Manahawkin. The OCHD also operates a second animal facility at 615 Freemont Avenue in Jackson.
For more information regarding the Furfest or pet adoptions, call 609-978-0127 or 732-657-8086. You can see the pets available for adoption by visiting the OCHD website at ochd.org or on Petfinder.com.
