Our pets love us unconditionally – so why not give back to your best friends by bringing them out to a celebration just for them? Pets, their owners, and those in search of a pet are invited to join Charleston County Parks for a full weekend of exhibits, demonstrations, experts, entertainment, and more! It’s Charleston’s premier pet festival, Pet Fest, Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 15 at Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park!

A two-day event, Pet Fest provides an opportunity for local pet organizations and businesses to showcase their causes, products and services in a fun, pet-friendly environment. Leashed pets are welcome with their owners! Or, come to the festival in search of your new best friend – local rescue groups will have adoptable animals on site.

Pet Fest 2012 highlights and schedule:

· K9s in Flight Frisbee Dogs and Dock Diving – shows at 12, 2 & 4 p.m. each day
· Dock Diving for visiting canines
· Lowcountry Dog Magazine’s Cover Model Contest – Enter your dog for a chance to be on the cover
· Live music by HeyRocco –3 p.m. Sunday only
· Charleston Kennel Club’s “Meet the Breed Dog Show” and Family Dog Show – Enter your own purebred or impressive mutt - 2 p.m. Saturday only
· Pet Contests – Best Trick, Owner Pet Look-Alike, Face Only a Mother Could Love, Musical Sit, Best Dog Costume
· “Chow Down Like Your Hound” Human Grade Dog Food Eating Contest – Saturday only
· STAR (Search Tactics And Rescue) Demonstrations
· Veterinarians, Trainers, Groomers and Pet Suppliers
· Dog Washing Station
· Rescue Groups and Adoption Centers with adoptable animals
· Children’s Activities including jump castles and slides
· Food, beverages and beer for sale

Plus, at this year’s event, meet Charleston County Parks’ official top dog mascot, Dusty, as she passes on the honor to the new 2012 Top Dog mascot (to be revealed on stage Saturday)!