Free adoptions for large dogs set for Sunday at Southern Pines

Southern Pines Animal Shelter in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, will waive adoption fees for dogs weighing more than 20 pounds on Sunday. The shelter aims to move its remaining large dogs out of kennels while capitalizing on the high foot traffic generated by its annual Barktoberfest event.

The shelter recently hosted the festival on its front lawn, setting up trunk-or-treat cars, a bouncy house, and various games for children. Staff members brought out adoptable pets dressed in costumes to engage visitors. Community engagement manager Sarah Krock noted that October in Hattiesburg is filled with local events, and the shelter wanted to provide another option for residents who might not typically visit the facility.

Krock stated that the event serves as a way for the community to gather and view available animals. She explained that the goal is to reach people who may not have a reason to enter the shelter otherwise, including those who already own pets. Workers expressed a desire for the event to continue growing in attendance and impact.

Anjela Veato, a visitor to the event, praised the current scale of the gathering. "I’m loving it here, it’s great outside," Veato said. "Everybody’s in their costumes, you got dogs everywhere, and they’re all in their costumes too, so it’s a great day."

The shelter will open from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday for the adoption special. Additional adoption events will take place simultaneously at local PetSmart and Petco locations.