Competitions, demonstrations, appearances and more are on tap for central Indiana animal lovers when IndyVet Emergency & Specialty Hospital holds its 24th annual Pet Carnival on Saturday, July 16.
The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at IndyVet, 5425 Victory Drive, Indianapolis, located just south and east of the Interstate 465 and South Emerson Avenue interchange on the city’s southeast side. The event is free, but guests are asked to bring donations of new and unopened pet supplies, food, litter, toys, and other needed items to benefit local shelters.
Pets of all sizes and descriptions are welcomed for a fun day with their owners at this annual summertime celebration. Headliners are the dogs of Elite Performance K9s who will present two shows highlighting their amazing agility and disc abilities.
Competitions include Best Pet Trick, Best Dressed Pet, Small & Large Dog Pie-Eating and the Dachshund 500 races for puppy and adult dachshunds. Pie-eating contests and Dachshund 500 competition require pre-registration.
A wide range of vendors will be on hand to showcase their wares and services, including local shelters and rescues with adoptable pets. Scheduled entertainment includes a pet psychic, pet caricaturist, glitter tattoos and balloon artists. Free hot dogs, popcorn and lemonade will be available to guests.
New this year at the Pet Carnival is the IndyVet Blood Donor Center Heroes Parade at noon. IndyVet created and maintains one of the largest canine and feline blood donor programs in the nation. The pet blood collected is used by IndyVet and other veterinary hospitals throughout Indiana and the U.S. for transfusions during emergency treatments and major surgeries. Program participants will be saluted during the Heroes Parade.
IndyVet’s annual PETS Award will be presented at the Pet Carnival. The PETS (Professional Excellence Through Service) Award recognizes individuals or organizations demonstrating qualities of outstanding community service with love and commitment to animals. The 2022 recipient of the PETS Award is the IMPD Mounted Patrol, which will be on hand with both human and equine officers for a meet-and-greet with guests.
Support for the Pet Carnival comes from Wesson’s Canine Bakery, Camp BowWow Southport, Pet Suites Greenwood, and Dogtopia Greenwood.
Additional information about the 24th annual IndyVet Pet Carnival, plus registration for Small & Large Dog Pie-Eating and Dachshund 500 competitions, can be found at indyvet.com/pet-carnival-2022.