The third annual Pets of Pima parade on Sunday, Feb. 18, brought hundreds of dogs, cats and other pets to the Fourth Avenue district to put a furry face on a good cause.
The event was put on by Friends of PACC, the fundraising nonprofit partnered with the county’s main animal shelter Pima Animal Care Center.
Spectators, humans and animals alike, lined Sixth Avenue as floats, cars and groups on foot paraded by with pets and signs. The parade culminated in the Friends of PACC Festival on Seventh Street featuring vendors, food, music and more.
“It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said David Picard, Friends of PACC’s finance manager.
More than 600 participants registered for the event. Proceeds from the registration fees benefitted PACC’s mission to save vulnerable animals in the community and find them homes.
“We’re always looking for more volunteers and fosters,” said Maureen Ryan, retail and offsite adoption manager at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. “We have a lot of wonderful dogs at the shelter, so come on down and see us.”
Groups ranging from dog grooming businesses and dog rescues to property management groups and Tucson Comic-Con walked in the parade with four-legged companions.
There were performances from a local children’s dance troupe and a demonstration from West Coast Karate. The parade also featured a car show, University of Arizona’s mascots and countless costumes.
The pets most represented were dogs, though cats, as well as ponies, snakes and even a goat on a leash, were present. There were unique spectacles on all sides, including multiple participants dressed as “Star Wars” characters, giant inflatable dogs and a poodle dyed bright orange to look like a tiger.
The Friends of PACC Festival featured vendors selling accessories and fashion for both pets and their owners, as well as a photo booth and a stage with live music. There was also a pinup fashion contest hosted by Pinups for PACC.
Michael Curry brought his dog, Chance, to the event. Chance came from PACC and is one of Curry’s three rescue dogs.
“I support PACC a lot financially,” Curry said. “I love the positivity of people helping animals that can’t help themselves.”
Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.
