MANATEE COUNTY, FL (August 28, 2024) - The 8th Annual Adopt-A-Palooza will be held on Saturday, September 28, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Boulevard in Palmetto. Hours are 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission and parking are FREE.
Adopt-A-Palooza is the largest one-day pet adoption and expo event in Manatee County, featuring over 100 adoptable pets from Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW), local shelters and animal rescues—all under one roof! The announcement of this event comes at a critical time. Our county shelters are currently at full capacity with 62 cats, more than 115 dogs and 3 rabbits, adoption ready.
The family-friendly event includes a marketplace with dozens of merchants offering a variety of products and services, including vendors for pet owners. The proceeds from the event will benefit Friends of Manatee County Animal Services (FoMCAS)—the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves as a fundraising arm and whose mission it is to work hand in hand with Manatee County Animal Welfare to enrich the lives of the shelter animals by raising funds to provide additional resources and medical care.
For pets adopted from MCAW, all adoption fees will be waived in lieu of a donation made to FoMCAS). Manatee County residents are required to license their new pet for an additional $20 tag fee. All pets will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.
“This has always been a wonderful event,” said Manatee County At-Large Commissioner George Kruse. “The community support for Adopt-A-Palooza really shows how much we love our pets.”
On the day of the event, the Palmetto Adoption Center, located at 305 25th Street West in Palmetto, will be closed to the public. The Cat Town Adoption Center, located at 216 6th Avenue East in Bradenton, will remain open. Waived adoption fees apply to all cats at the Cat Town Adoption Center. The Bishop Animal Shelter (for lost and found pets, select adoptions), located at 5718 21st Avenue West in Bradenton, will be open during normal business hours. For all locations, appointments are preferred, but walk-ins will be accommodated when available. Animal Welfare can be reached at 941-742-5933.
For the latest information about Adopt-A-Palooza, visit mymanatee.org/pal.