Successful Fall Fest at CASPCA Sees Community Engagement and Pet Adoptions

Fall Fest marks CASPCA’s largest adoption event of the year, sponsored by Piedmont Tire Company. This year, free adoptions for cats and dogs were available throughout the weekend both at the shelter and during the event. The festival featured over 45 food vendors, along with activities such as pumpkin painting, inflatables, and dog contests. Additional sponsors included Wegmans, Two Men and a Truck, and Ion Solar.

Shay Harris, adoptions and foster manager at CASPCA, reported that five puppies and six cats were brought to the event, with the puppies quickly being adopted. At the shelter, there were 18 adoptions on Friday and 23 on Saturday. "We’re thriving right now, which is great … [Fall Fest] is helping us educate the community with these animals, getting them into a new home that matches [and] counseling people so they understand what each animal needs," Harris stated.

Lauren Thomas, events and fundraising manager at CASPCA, emphasized that Fall Fest was designed to appeal to all ages, offering activities for children, like inflatable basketball and face painting, as well as adult-oriented activities such as wine ring toss and flash tattoos.

Myron Ballard, a University alumnus and Charlottesville resident, expressed his intention to look at adoptable dogs but found they had all been taken by the time he arrived. Despite this, he appreciated the opportunity to connect with people in the community.

Previously held at the U.Va. Discovery Park, this year’s event took place at IX Art Park, known for its murals and sculptures, and featured an indoor exhibit focused on the adoption process.

In addition to waived adoption fees, Fall Fest hosted a raffle with prizes including Virginia Football tickets and local restaurant gift cards, allowing participants to contribute to the shelter's fundraising efforts. Thomas remarked on the event as a way to raise awareness and build partnerships within the community.

Libby Jones, executive director of CASPCA, highlighted the importance of community support in addressing animal welfare challenges, stating, "It's really important for us to be able to set that stage and bring everybody else along ... all in this together."

Funds raised also benefited local organizations like the Companion Animal Fund, which provides pet food and medical care for feral cats. Attendee Robin Weil, who returns annually for the event and enjoys the dog costume contest, highlighted the festival’s role in fostering community connections.

Over the weekend, a total of 59 pets were adopted through the event. Harris noted the importance of these adoptions for creating space in the shelter to assist more animals in need. "It gives us the opportunity to reach out to [neighboring] shelters that need help," she said.