Richmond Animal League Hosts 16th Annual Woofstock Festival

Running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Woofstock featured a dog parade, an agility course, live music, vendors, and adoption areas. Attendees enjoyed the festivities alongside dogs in strollers and costumes, with opportunities for food and pup cups.

Steve Bardy, RAL's deputy director of development, noted that the funds raised would support the organization's general operations, including animal care, clinics, foster care, and community cat programs that involve trap-neuter-vaccinate-return initiatives. Bardy, who previously managed a similar event called Paws in the Park with the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, has fostered over 60 puppies and some kittens. He highlighted the special moments during adoptions when people find their perfect pets.

Maura Varley, a volunteer and community outreach manager at RAL, mentioned that they selected dogs accustomed to crowds for the event. Volunteers conducted a ‘crate escape’ to allow these dogs to interact with visitors, showcasing their ‘adopt me’ leashes. Before adoption, RAL ensures that all animals are healthy, up-to-date on vaccinations, spayed or neutered, and microchipped.

This was Varley’s first experience at Woofstock, and she expressed that the event surpassed her expectations, with the pet parade being a standout aspect. She also noted the importance of events like Woofstock to expose potential adopters to animals in a way that social media cannot. Varley pointed out that partnerships with shelter organizations, particularly in rural areas, were beneficial at the event for broader exposure of animals needing homes.

Kari Soniat and Pam Pilch of Paddy’s Friends Kitten Fosters attended Woofstock for the second time, showcasing kittens for adoption. They assess each kitten’s temperament to determine the best environment, and their adoption process includes thorough checks and meetings with potential adopters. The adoption fee of $150 covers medical expenses.

Adriana Wirsch, attending with her 5-year-old French bulldog Suge, came to support her sister, a volunteer with Petersburg SPCA. Having adopted Suge two years prior, she also mentioned her kitten named Harley, adopted recently. Another attendee, Nicky Chance, brought her two bulldogs and commented on how the cool weather allowed for a longer stay at the festival. Although not looking to adopt after losing a dog, she expressed the hope to adopt again in the future.

Brad Howle returned for his third Woofstock with his family and their adopted dog, Rosie, who underwent training for behavioral issues.

The event concluded with the announcement of winners for the “RALender” contest, where pet owners entered their animals to appear in RAL’s 2027 calendar, raising $108,000.

For more information about RAL, adoptable animals, or upcoming events, visit ral.org.