Pets get attention at family festival

Tails will be wagging as four-legged friends, their owners and other animal enthusiasts gather for the fifth annual Family, Fur & Fun Festival on Saturday .

Presented by the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Exploration Park in the Mountain Edge community, 9275 S. Buffalo Drive (near Blue Diamond Road).

"The Family, Fur & Fun Festival focuses on humane education and fun for the entire family, including companion animals," said Doug Duke, executive director of the society, adding well-behaved companion animals are welcome and encouraged to attend, but should be leashed and comfortable with crowds. "This event celebrates animal rescue and adoption, while highlighting the role of humane education to share messages of kindness for all animals throughout the community."

The festival features educational, interactive and service booths and activities for the whole family, including pet adoptions, animal massages, earning an Animal Hero Badge, making toys for rabbits, naming new animals at NSPCA, prizes, refreshments and promotions from the Mountain's Edge community builders.

There will be $5 microchipping from Aloha Animal Hospital, Canine Good Citizen testing and special pet portrait pricing from Arica of Pet'ographique, with proceeds benefiting NSPCA.

Attendees also can learn about keeping pets safe during Halloween, making pets part of the family, and providing proper animal care, the latter from Drs. Jason and Jamie Sulliban of Aloha Animal Hospital.

Family, Fur & Fun Festival proceeds support low-cost spay, neuter and vaccination services, the shelter and adoption of animals and educational programs. For information, visit www.familyfurandfun.com, call 444-3713 or email info@familyfurandfun.com.