OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Marion County Animal Services (MCAS) is gearing up to take over the World Equestrian Center this weekend. On Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, June 23, the second annual Ocala Pet Palooza is bringing together animal lovers from all over the 352.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Tickets are available for $7 presale, or $10 at the door. Kids 12 and under can attend for FREE.

Ocala Pet Palooza will be the pet lover’s paradise. Vendors will be offering a wide range of pet-related products for furry, feathered, or scaly companions. There will also be free microchipping available and workshops on pet preparedness during emergencies. This is a great opportunity to get you and your pets ready for hurricane season, which started June 1.

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MCAS invites attendees to bring leashed and vaccinated pets. Your pet will have the opportunity to participate in pet parades, costume contests, agility courses, and more throughout the event. There is a daily event schedule available that lists when you can expect each of these events and more.

Plan your timing right and you can even catch one of the Weiner Dog Dashes happening both days. There isn’t a cuter way to spend your weekend than a day surrounded by pets in their finest costumes showing off their best behavior.

If you don’t yet have a companion to bring, staff from MCAS and other rescues will help you find your perfect match. Many adoptable animals, including these pets of the week, will be looking for forever homes at the event.

TAKE ME HOME THIS WEEK – JUNE 20, 2024

Kronk wishes he didn’t have to live in a shelter. He much prefers a quiet, calm life with people who enjoy a good sunset and a leisurely stroll when the crickets begin to chirp. If this five-year-old boy sounds like the dog you’ve been waiting for, don’t make him wait one more day! Courtesy: MCAS
Working Whiskers are nature’s pest deterrents. In Florida, MCAS says there is year-round work for these special cats, who are also sometimes called barn cats. If your property or business has a few more mice than you are comfortable with, adopting a cat like Borris might be a purrfect solution for you! Courtesy: MCAS
Five-year-old Teak is a staff favorite – his happy face can change someone’s mood in an instant. He arrived at MCAS with heartworm disease. Shelter staff say there were more than happy to be in a position to treat and help him recover. Courtesy: MCAS

You can view more sweet animals available for adoption on the Marion County Animal Services website and Facebook page.