Pet Walk Fundraising Milestone Reached Before Event

DULUTH, Minn. — Saturday day was a beautiful day to spend some time outside. It was so nice that pet owners didn’t shy from bringing their pet to Bayfront Festival Park for Animal Allies’ Pet Walk.

For over 30 years now, Animal Allies have used the first Saturday in June to fundraise money for their shelter. However at this year’s pet walk, it was more of a party. This year, Animal Allies hoped to raise $40,000 this year, but have already surpassed their goal. 

“So the money that we raise from this event goes to just our daily mission, ensuring that we can provide the best care possible for whatever comes through our door,” said Nicole Facciotto, the human education manager at Animal Allies. “We are supporting the local animals that are here in our community and that need us. And that’s everything from medical care, foster supplies, food, litter, everything it takes to keep our doors open.”

Several local businesses had pop-up booths at the event. Although these businesses were selling toys, stickers, and treats for both people and our four-legged friends. One booth decided to help aid people with their app called Pawnd’r. The app helps connect people to their local shelters to see what’s currently up for adoption 

“Pet finders are able to put in their zip code, put in a filter like ‘I’m looking for a german shepherd;’ and it would scan all the shelters in that area and tell you where to get that dog,” said Payton Walker, the founder of Pawnd’r. “So it’s really cool and we hope to connect more people with the animals in the shelter just because they’re such good dogs, there’s such good cats. They all just need homes.”

The pet walk also hosted other fun activities like showing off the cutest pet and seeing who had the best wag.