Animal Services Celebrates Ninth Annual Barktoberfest Event Sunday at Lake Eola
Event Highlights Partnerships Between Local Shelter and the Rescue Community
Orange County, Fla. – Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) is preparing to celebrate its ninth annual Barktoberfest event this Sunday, November 20, 2022 at Lake Eola between noon – 4 p.m. The shelter hosts this large event to highlight the work of the rescue community, to bring attention to their individual needs, and to showcase available pets. Nearly two dozen local rescue groups will attend the event, including Pet Rescue by Judy, Husky Haven of Florida, Scottish Terrier Rescue of Florida and Florida Boxer Rescue, among others.
The event will also feature nearly two dozen vendors, four food trucks and the Orange County Animal Services Mobile Clinic, which will offer free onsite rabies vaccines and microchipping to pets attending with their families.
“I remember our first Barktoberfest event back in 2011, where we had maybe 1,000 total guests, and enjoying every minute of it,” said Diane Summers, manager for Orange County Animal Services. “It’s been such a joy to watch this event and its notoriety grow over the years. Our last event, which was pre-pandemic, had approximately 8,000 attendees so we’re looking forward to making a splash with our return and welcoming every interested two-legged and four-legged participant.”
While hosting and having a large presence at the event, Animal Services’ mission is to support area pet rescue groups. Animal Services works with more than 100 rescue groups throughout Florida, and together they took in 1,528 pets in fiscal year 2022. Rescue groups often take in pets with moderate to severe medical and behavior issues, that otherwise may be overlooked or not suitable for adoption.
“We are eternally grateful to our rescue partners; without their help there are so many deserving animals that would otherwise not have an opportunity to thrive and for rehabilitation,” said Summers.
Those interested in learning more about the event can visit the shelter’s website and their Facebook event page.
About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.