San Gabriel Valley Humane Society to Celebrate 100 Years of Animal Care

The San Gabriel Valley Humane Society is marking its centennial with a day-long celebration on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event, hosted at the society’s shelter at 851 East Grand Ave. in San Gabriel, will combine fundraising efforts with family-friendly activities.

Organizers have planned a diverse array of attractions to appeal to animal lovers and supporters of all ages. The festivities will commence with breakfast offerings from an original Helm’s Bakery truck and Rocky Kanaka’s Flip Coffee.

A Blessing of the Animals ceremony will precede a Poker “Dog Pack” Walk, for which information and tickets are available on a separate event page. The shelter grounds will transform into a festival-like atmosphere beginning at 11 a.m., featuring games and activities for both canine and human participants.

Attendees can expect an Agility Scramble with prizes, an artist booth for pet portraits, and a unique opportunity to create “pawtraits” using their dogs’ paw prints. The event will also include craft stations, a 100th Anniversary Celebration photo booth, and sidewalk chalk art activities.

The San Gabriel Police Department’s K-9 Unit will make an appearance, adding an educational component to the celebration. Food trucks, including Dina’s Dumplings, Tropic Truck, and Coco’s Cupcakes, will be on site to cater to hungry guests.

Music, raffles, and displays of antique cars are set to round out the entertainment offerings. Throughout the day, visitors will have the chance to meet the shelter’s adoptable dogs, cats, and rabbits.

Attendees are advised to wear closed-toe shoes, as some activities will take place in outdoor field areas. They are also encouraged to dress their dogs in costumes for the occasion.

The centennial celebration serves as both a tribute to the society’s history and a fundraising opportunity to support its future operations. Free venue parking will be available for attendees.

“We’d love to welcome you to the Celebration, but hopefully we’re adopted before then!” the organizers said on behalf of the shelter animals.

For more information, visit sgvhumane.org.