Mark your calendars for a day of furry fun and community spirit. The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) and Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward (HSHPE) are hosting The Big Apple Pet Festival on Friday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Big Apple in Colborne — and admission is completely free.
This community celebration brings together animal lovers for a day that supports both humane societies while offering practical services and entertainment for pets and their people. All funds raised throughout the festival will benefit PHS and HSHPE in their mission to care for animals in need.
The Can-Pet Mobile Care Unit will be on site hosting a mobile clinic with rabies vaccinations and microchipping available for a pay-what-you-can donation. Pet owners can also take advantage of free nail clipping services provided by Tail Trackers — a practical perk that makes the trip worthwhile for any dog or cat owner.
For those looking to shop, the Can-Pet Pet Market will offer supplies and goodies. Dogs can burn off energy in The Big Apple's dog park, and attendees can watch lure course and agility demonstrations that showcase what our four-legged friends can accomplish with training and enthusiasm.
A special highlight of the day: The Kibble Project will have a booth where visitors can learn how the organization supports shelters and rescues across Ontario. Founders Gladys Orozco and Elvis Stojko will both be in attendance. Stojko, a three-time world figure skating champion and Olympic silver medallist, will bring his race car for visitors to see and meet him in person — a unique opportunity to connect with a Canadian sports legend while supporting a worthy cause.
Beyond the pet-focused activities, festival guests can enjoy everything The Big Apple has to offer: the on-site bakery and pie factory, restaurant, gift shop, cider brewery, mini golf, and petting zoo. A portion of wine and pie sales that day will directly support PHS and HSHPE, so every purchase helps animals waiting for their forever homes.
Nick Nicoloff, Can-Pet vice president, captured the spirit of the event perfectly: "We are so thrilled to be hosting an event like this at The Big Apple. There's nothing better than seeing the whole community come together for a great cause; it's exactly why we love doing this work. Every dollar raised on a day like this helps animals waiting for their second chance, in our community and beyond."
Whether you're a pet owner looking for affordable veterinary services, an animal lover wanting to support local shelters, or a family seeking a fun summer outing, The Big Apple Pet Festival offers something for everyone. It's a chance to enjoy our community, celebrate the human-animal bond, and make a difference for animals who need us most.
