The City of West Hollywood is calling all dog lovers to join in the fun at PAWSAPALOOZA, a family- and dog-friendly festival that celebrates all things canine.
This year’s 4th annual PAWSAPALOOZA will take place on Sunday, May 1, 2016, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at West Hollywood Park, located at 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard. The festival is free and open to the public. Parking will be available in the adjacent five-story parking structure for a fee. Dogs are welcome and encouraged to attend — leashes are required.
This year’s festivities will be co-chaired by Wendy Burch of KTLA Channel 5, and Lisa Foxx of 104.3 MYFM, and will feature a marketplace of pet products and services, music, food trucks, giveaways, animal adoptions, and more. The doggie costume contest, which will take place at 12 p.m., will be judged by special celebrity guest Michael Moloney from “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”
“PAWSAPALOOZA is sure to be a good time for West Hollywood dog guardians and their furry friends,” said City of West Hollywood Mayor Lauren Meister. “I can’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday funday in West Hollywood — and no better way to support PAWS/LA!”
PAWSAPALOOZA 2016 is hosted by PAWS/LA, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization with more than 25 years of experience helping low-income seniors and people living with a life-threatening or chronic illness by providing essential animal-care services. All proceeds from the event will benefit PAWS/LA’s programs.
West Hollywood Park, the site of PAWSAPALOOZA, is currently moving forward with plans for future dog-related improvements, which will include an off-leash dog park that will be a haven for four-legged companions. The updated design includes distinct areas for small and large dogs, featuring expanses of open space punctuated by shade trees, small mounds, and turf terraces. The dog–area ground materials will include artificial “K9” turf with a drainage system. Dual-gate entrances will allow easy and safe passage into the dog park. Other practical amenities will include water bowl fillers and dog waste stations. For more information, please visit the park project website at www.weho.org/whparkproject.
The City of West Hollywood is a leader in legislation that ensures the welfare of animals. In April 2003, the City became the first municipality in the nation to prohibit cat declawing. In February 2010, the City passed an Ordinance to address the inhumane conditions endured by “puppy mill” animals by prohibiting the sale of dogs and cats in companion animal stores. In September 2013, the City’s fur Ordinance went into effect, which prohibits retail establishments from selling, trading, distributing, importing, or exporting any fur product.
For more information about PAWSAPALOOZA, including a complete list of festival exhibitors, please visit the PAWS/LA website at www.pawsla.org/pawsapalooza.html
For additional information about PAWS/LA, please contact Diego Ortiz at (213) 741-1950 x105 or at dortiz@pawsla.org.
For additional information about the City of West Hollywood’s West Hollywood Park Master Plan, Phase Two, or about animal welfare in the City of West Hollywood, please contact Joshua Schare, the City of West Hollywood’s Public Information Officer, at (323) 848-6431 or jschare@weho.org. For people who are deaf or hearing impaired, please call (323) 848-6496.
