Fort Pierce Hosts Responsible Dog Ownership Day Sept. 20 at Dogs and Cats Forever Animal Sanctuary

Fort Pierce will host Responsible Dog Ownership Day this Saturday, September 20, at Dogs and Cats Forever Animal Sanctuary. The free event aims to educate families on responsible pet ownership and support local shelter animals.

The Treasure Coast Kennel Club and Dogs and Cats Forever Animal Sanctuary are inviting families to the event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 4600 Selvitz Road in Fort Pierce. Organizers designed the day to help pet owners understand training, care, and responsible ownership, reducing the number of dogs returned to shelters.

Susan Lyons with the Treasure Coast Kennel Club emphasized the event's purpose. "It's a free event so that people can come out and get information about how to be responsible dog owners so that we don't see dogs being returned to the shelter," Lyons stated.

Activities include dog training demonstrations, agility showcases, and education on therapy and service dogs. The Fort Pierce canine unit will also provide a demonstration. Families can enjoy bounce houses, a scavenger hunt, and food trucks. A scavenger hunt allows children to collect vouchers from vendors for a free raffle ticket. Raffle prizes include gift baskets, gift cards, and a television.

Janice Link McGivney of the Treasure Coast Kennel Club highlighted the scavenger hunt. "We're doing a scavenger hunt, so kids can come. They're going to get little vouchers at each vendor, and then they'll get a free raffle ticket," McGivney said.

Dogs available for future adoption through Dogs and Cats Forever Animal Sanctuary will be featured, including Libby, a 9-year-old terrier. Shelter leaders stress the importance of donations due to ongoing overcrowding and supply issues at animal rescues.

The event offers a chance for residents to learn more about pet care and contribute to the well-being of local shelter animals.