INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County invites members of the community and their pets to the annual Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, May 3, at 10 a.m.
The service will be held at the Humane Society’s Volunteer Pavilion located at 6230 77th Street (Hobart Road), 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 pet will be blessed and receive a commemorative bandana. Members of the community without pets are also welcome to attend the celebration.
“Animals play a special role in our lives. The Humane Society’s Annual Blessing reminds us that every animal is special and deserving of our love and compassion,” Humane Society Executive Director Chalmers Morse said.
Participants should arrive by 9:30 a.m. to register their pet for the ceremony. Families can bring photos of pets to be blessed if their animals are too ill or frail to attend. Afterwards, The Humane Society will be offering family-friendly activities including children’s face-painting and arts and crafts.
There is no charge to attend, however The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County encourages guests to make a contribution to the shelter’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 re-distributed through the Humane Society’s Pet Food Bank. For further information please call the Humane Society at (772) 388-3331 ext. 20.
