Manatee County Animal Welfare to Host Adopt-A-Palooza May 31

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (April 3, 2025) – Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW) will host Adopt-A-Palooza, the county's largest one-day dog adoption event, on Saturday, May 31, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, FL.

“Adopt-A-Palooza is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together and give these dogs the loving homes they deserve,” said Carol Ann Felts, Manatee County District 1 Commissioner. “The compassion and support shown by our residents make a real difference in the lives of these animals.”

Co-hosted by Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare (FoMCAW), Adopt-A-Palooza is dedicated to finding loving homes for animals in need. Dozens of adoptable dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages will be available.

The free family-friendly event will include a marketplace with vendors offering a variety of products, services, and resources for pet owners. Proceeds from the event will benefit Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare (FoMCAW), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works hand in hand with MCAW to enrich the lives of shelter animals by raising funds to provide additional resources and medical care.

"Our goal is to connect as many dogs and cats as possible with families ready to provide them with love and care," said Sarah Brown, director of Community and Veterans Services for Manatee County. “Since October 2017, Manatee County has achieved no-kill a status with a 90% or higher save rate. Events like Adopt-A-Palooza are vital in continuing this success and giving even more animals a second chance at a forever home.”

All fees for pets adopted from MCAW will be waived in lieu of a donation made to FoMCAW. Manatee County residents are required to license their new pet for an additional $20 tag fee. All pets from MCAW are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.

Please note that on the day of the event, the Palmetto Adoption Center will be closed to the public. Cat Town Adoption Center will remain open and will also offer waived adoption fees for all cats. The Bishop Animal Shelter, which handles lost and found pets and select adoptions, will operate during its regular business hours. While appointments are preferred at all locations, walk-ins will be accommodated based on availability.

The FoMCAW contact for sponsors is Caryn Hodge: carynhodgefomcas@gmail.com
(941) 713-3105.
Interested vendor inquiries should be directed to Katy Demick: katydemickfomcas@gmail.com
(941) 524-5769.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on Twitter, @ManateeGov.