Tucson’s 5th Annual Pets of Pima Parade: A Whimsical Celebration of Pets
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – It’s time to put on your ruby slippers, grab your pretties – and your little dogs too. The fifth annual Pets of Pima Parade is making its way along the yellow brick road this weekend, celebrating the indelible bond between pets and their humans while helping countless adoptable animals find their forever homes.
A Magical Theme
This year’s theme, “Wizard of Paws: There’s No Place Like Home,” adds a charming twist to an essential mission: raising funds for lifesaving animal programs at Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) and partnering organizations across Pima County, all while connecting many pets with families eager to welcome them into their homes.
The Urgent Need for Adoption
PACC Chief Operating Officer Laura O’Brien emphasizes the critical need in the community: "We’ve got so many animals in Pima County, not just at Pima Animal Care Center. Just this morning, we have 490 dogs on campus, but that’s just PACC. We have so many organizations in Pima County that have pets looking for homes – cats, dogs, reptiles; they’re all searching for loving families."
A Grand Celebration
Organizers expect over 1,000 furry and feathered friends to participate in the festivities downtown. On Sunday, visitors will witness a parade extravaganza complete with live bands, dazzling floats, costumed pets, and entertainers as they embark on the journey to see the Wizard, all leading toward a special adoption event at the “Emerald City.”
The Adoption Event
Following the parade, the “If I Only Had a Home” Adoption Event will give attendees the opportunity to meet a variety of adoptable animals from PACC and local rescue partners. Learn about pet care, fostering, and volunteering, or even take home a new furry, scaly, or feathered family member the same day.
Fun for Everyone
The event promises to be more than just an adoption fair. Food, music, and a plethora of engaging activities will ensure there’s something fun for everyone, including the four-legged attendees. It’s a day filled with excitement for all members of the family.
Celebrating the Bond with Pets
Beyond adoption and fundraising, the parade serves to highlight just how much pets enrich our lives. O’Brien shows deep appreciation for the joy these animals bring to the community: “To see the love that pets deliver in our lives – this is a celebration of them. We are celebrating the animals of Pima County and the joy they bring, the enrichment that they provide for us, so let’s just celebrate and have a great time.”
Event Details
Here are the essential details for this year’s event:
- Event: 5th Annual Pets of Pima Parade & “If I Only Had a Home” Adoption Event
- Theme: Wizard of Paws: There’s No Place Like Home
- Date: Sunday, March 8
- Parade Time: 10-11:15 a.m.
- Festival Time: Friends of PACC Festival at the “Emerald City,” until 2:00 p.m.
- Location (Parade Area): Downtown Tucson, along 7th St. (Yellow Brick Road route)
- Admission: Free for all "Ozians" and their furry friends
For those considering adoption, PACC is waiving its adoption fees during the event. However, please note that other animal shelter fees may vary. All animals with PACC will be up to date on their vaccinations, spayed or neutered, and microchipped.
Community Spirit
Organizers frame this parade as a means for the entire community—volunteers, corporate sponsors, rescue groups, and families—to unite in support of animals in need while celebrating the deep, meaningful bond that pets share with their humans.
Join in on the fun and witness the enchanting celebration of pets at the 5th Annual Pets of Pima Parade. Whether you come to adopt, volunteer, or simply revel in the joy of the day, there’s no better place to be than surrounded by the love and laughter of our furry friends.
