The Palm Springs Animal Shelter, in collaboration with the Desert Wildlife Center, will host a kick-off party next week to raise funds for their respective shelters, and to raise awareness for their main event, the Desert Pet Walk.
The Desert Pet Walk Kick-Off Party will be held Thursday at Play Lounge and Cafe at 2825 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Building C, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. It will feature food, pet-themed games and interactive fund-raising challenges.
“Our goal is to kick off the walk with early registrations, recruit 30 team captains to lead fundraising teams, and starts raising funds for a cause that matters,” shelter officials said.
People can register for the party or get more information by visiting Desertpetwalk.org, or go to form.jotform.com/243585786840168.
Those who register early for the event will receive a free Desert Pet walk cap while supplies last.
The second annual Desert Pet Walk will be held on Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to noon, and will be a community walk through a park that is pet-friendly and for people of all abilities.
The walk will begin and end at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, located at 4575 E. Mesquite Ave., with a major portion of the walk going through the Demuth Park area, located at 4200 E. Mesquite Ave.
The shelter encourages people who may not be able to attend either events to donate by visiting psanimalshelter.org.
As of Saturday, the shelter had raised $27,614.84 out of its $75,000 goal.
The shelter has recently welcomed dogs and cats displaced by the LA County wildfires, and has also provided pet food, beds, blankets, toys and supplies to families impacted by the fires.
A separate fundraiser to help support displaced animals inside the Palm Springs animal shelter can be found at facebook.com/donate/1049701287201116/1050070157157836/.