My Furry Valentine Adoption event held this weekend


How to go

What: The second annual My Furry Valentine Adoption Event

Where: The flexi USA distribution center, 8494 Firebird Drive, West Chester Twp.

When: Saturday, Feb. 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Admission to the event and parking are free

Family fun and entertainment: The main event will feature games, face painting, a balloon artist, a caricature artist and live entertainment. Food, snacks and beverages will also be available for purchase.

Contact information: myfurryvalentine.com

Are you in the market for a dog or cat?

Then head to the second annual My Furry Valentine pet adoption event, held at the flexi USA distribution center, West Chester Twp. on Feb. 9-10 where you can meet and interact with over 400 animals from dozens of local rescues and shelters.

“This is our way to give back to the animals,” said Carolyn Evans, event coordinator and owner of PhoDographer, a pet photography studio. “We want to dispel the myth that there is something wrong with a shelter animal – that they’re damaged or something. They’re not - they just need a chance.”

Each animal rescue organization will have space to showcase their animals at the Flexi warehouse. In addition, there are areas set up for potential adopters to interact with a dog off leash and away from other animals.

The event will feature dogs, cats and rabbits up for adoption. All adopted pets will go home with free pet supplies including food, toys and a retractable leash.

“There will also be lots of puppies,” said Evans. “I got a call from one of our participating rescues saying that they had started pulling puppies from local shelters in anticipation of the My Furry Valentine event.”

If you are adopting a new pet and want to introduce them to your current pet, you are allowed to bring your current pet to the event with you, as long as they remain on a leash, are socialized and well-behaved, animal and people friendly and are up to date on vaccinations.

As far as the actual adoption process, since fees and application requirements vary with each shelter and rescue organization, it is advisable to visit the My Furry Valentine website to check out each organization, view their fees and application requirements and also take a sneak peak at their adoptable animals. Not all of the groups will allow for on-site/same day adoptions.

“Adopting a rescue animal is so rewarding,” said Evans. “You’re not just adopting an animal…you’re also saving a life.”

About the Author