'Walk With The Animals' Pet Walk Planned For Inland Empire Pet Owners

RIVERSIDE, CA — Pet owners from across the Inland Empire are invited to take their friendly pets for a playdate next week at the annual "Walk with the Animals" event at Fairmount Park near downtown Riverside.

The 31st annual event is slated for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 29, and registration is available in advance, or on the day of the walk, according to organizers.

Registration is $40 for the general public, while students of any age are eligible for a $10 discount. You can also register as a "cat napper" for a virtual walk registration. Doing so supports homeless pets, and for $15 registrants can receive a t-shirt which will be mailed to you following the event.

Everyone in the Inland Empire can come to the event, according to organizers. If you don't have a dog-walk partner, perhaps you will find one to bring home at the event which includes pet adoption opportunities.

Upwards of 1,500 pet owners from across the Inland Empire are expected, along with their four-legged friends, to form "walk teams" that circle the park, organizers said.

Molly Shannon, Walk Coordinator, discussed what else attendees and their fur babies can expect during the event.

"Following the walk, attendees can shop from the vendor village, burn off energy at the 'Kids Zone,' participate in pet contests, and purchase tickets for the over 40 raffle prizes that include gift cards for restaurants, events and experiences," Shannon said. "There will also be a beer garden, featuring Riverside's own All Points Brewing Company, and a 'Pop-Up Dog Park."'

The Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center is also hosting other pet-focused nonprofit organizations, all bringing dogs and cats for visitors to interact with and consider taking home as adoptees.

"This event raises critical funds used for the care of the thousands of homeless animals helped by the Pet Adoption Center and its programs and services each year," she said.

Additional information is available at www.petsadoption.org.