VERO BEACH — The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County (HSVBIRC) invites members of the community and their companion animals to the annual Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, May 4, at 10 a.m.
The service will be held at the Humane Society’s Volunteer Pavilion located at 6230 77th St. (Hobart Rd.) in Vero Beach.
The Blessing of the Animals corresponds with “Be Kind to Animals Week,” a nationally recognized week celebrating the human/animal bond and promoting the protection of all animals.
During this non-denominational event, each attending animal will be blessed and receive a commemorative bandana. Members of the community without pets are also welcome to attend the celebration.
“Animals have a special place in our hearts. The Humane Society’s Blessing serves to remind each and every one of us of our commitment to show compassion to animals and work on behalf of their protection,” HSVBIRC Executive Director Chalmers Morse said.
Participants should arrive by 9:30 a.m. to register their pet for the ceremony. Families can bring a photo of their pet to be blessed if their animal is too ill or frail to attend.
Although there is no charge to participate, The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County encourages attendees to make a contribution to the Humane Society’s Spay/Neuter fund.
Donations of supplies such as sheets, towels, and blankets for the animals housed and cared for at the shelter are also appreciated, as are donations of pet food, which are redistributed through the Humane Society’s Pet Food Bank.
For further information, please call the Humane Society at (772) 388-3331 ext. 12.