I would like to attend the Festival. How do I get tickets?

Click here and select the box that says “Get Tickets” or visit https://support.mdspca.org/festivaltixs. Each adult ticket includes a free Festival t-shirt.

Where do I get my Festival shirt?

Bring a copy of your ticket confirmation (print or screenshot) to the Festival registration table. Registration opens at 10:00 am, and you can pick up your t-shirt there. The MD SPCA will not ship t-shirts.

Can I send someone to pick up my Festival shirt?

Yes. They must have a copy (print or screenshot) of your registration confirmation.

I forgot to buy a ticket. Can I still attend the Festival?

Yes. Visit the Festival registration booth between 10:00 am and 1:30 pm where you can pay the admission fee and get your Festival t-shirt.

I don’t want a t-shirt or premium activities. Do I have to pay to attend?

All proceeds of the MD SPCA’s Festival for the Animals support programs that keep pets with loving families and care for thousands of pets that come to our shelter each year. That is why we require a ticket purchase.

Can I get a refund if I can’t attend or if it rains?

The Festival for the Animals takes place on Saturday, September 23, 2023, rain or shine. Unfortunately, we cannot refund pre-purchased tickets.

Are pets allowed at the Festival?

We encourage social pets on leash or confined to a stroller to attend the Festival. They should be under the control of a Festival ticket holder at least 18 years of age.

Not all pets are comfortable with crowds or near other animals. Please use your best judgement as to what is right for your pet. Our skilled team will be on-site to offer support and answer behavioral and training questions.

What vaccinations should my pet have to come to the Festival?

Dogs should be up-to-date with their rabies and DHLPP combo vaccine (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis).

Cats should be up-to-date with their rabies and FVRCP combo vaccine (viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia).

Do I have to bring proof of vaccinations to the Festival?

No. When you buy a ticket in advance or onsite, you will be required to sign a statement that your pet has all their vaccinations and that you will provide proof to the MD SPCA if asked.

If you buy tickets for friend or family who brings a pet, you are also taking responsibility that their pet has their vaccinations.

When would the MD SPCA ask for proof of vaccinations?

Pets play with their teeth and paws (and claws). In the unlikely event that a person or animal receives an injury from a pet, the MD SPCA will request proof of vaccinations so appropriate medical care can be administered.

I read that pets in shock collars are not allowed in water activities. Why not?

Pets with shock collars will not be allowed in the pool or splash pads areas. Most collars are water-resistant, while others are waterproof. We prohibit shock collars for the safety of your pup, other pets, and our volunteers and staff.

What is a premium activity?

Premium activities are our most popular. They include dog swimming in the main pool, dog drench at the splash pad, lure course, agility course, face painting, and the photo booth.

What does a premium activity cost?

The agility course, lure course, pool, and splash pad are each $10. Face painting and photo booth are $5 each.

You can purchase two or five premium activities of your choice when you buy your ticket. You will get a wrist band when you check in at the Festival to alert volunteers that you have pre-paid. You can also pay for these activities onsite.

There was never an activity charge before. Why this year?

Our premium activities are also the most expensive to produce. In the face of inflation, charging for activities helps keep ticket prices reasonable.

Are there free Festival activities?

Yes. Bobbing for hotdogs, paw painting, DIY pet toys, the scavenger hunt, tie-dye a bandana, name an MD SPCA pet, and pet contests are all free. You can also wander vendor row.

Will there be food at the event?

Yes. Breakfast will be available through Wind Valley Farms. Lunch, snacks, and beverages can be purchased at Padonia Park Club’s Grille and Cabana. No alcohol is served at the Festival.

I heard about this Festival Giving Game. What’s that?

The Giving Game is an opportunity to raise money and earn points to win exciting prizes while having a pawsitive impact on Maryland’s pets. For more information on how to play and what you can win, visit Giving Game Guide.

What happened to Festival packs?

The Giving Game is an updated version of Festival fundraising packs. You can still create a team or work alone to raise money.

Do I have to buy a Festival ticket to play?

No. Go to https://support.mdspca.org/festivalP2P to get started. We hope you will also buy a ticket—it will earn you 5 bonus points.

How do I earn points?

You earn one point for every dollar you raise. Sorry, your Festival ticket price doesn’t count.

You also each one point for every gift you inspire. For example:

Jack’s mom gives him $100 for the Festival—Jack earns 101 points, one point for every dollar and one point for the gift.

Sally’s 10 friends each give her $10 for the Festival—Sally earns 110 points, one point for every dollar and ten points-one for each gift.

Bonus Points: Keep an eye on Maryland SPCA’s social media and emails for a chance to enter fun challenges and win bonus points!

What can I win?

The more points you accumulate, the more prizes you’ll be eligible to win. For example, 75 points is rewarded with a pet tag with the Ravens logo on one side and the MD SPCA logo on the other. Prizes include a tie-dyed Peace, Love, & Paws t-shirt, gifts from our sponsors, and MD SPCA clothing, events, and experiences.

Plus, the dollars all fundraisers collectively raise will unlock mystery raffle prizes. If you raised a gift before the next mystery prize is revealed, you will be entered in the raffle. 

I’ve never raised money before. How do I do this?

Don’t worry—it isn’t as hard as you think. Just share with family and friends how important pets are to you. You might be surprised how happy they’ll be to help you. Still nervous? Click for our guide to get started.

Click here to join the Giving Game.

How do I set up a fundraising page?

1. Visit https://support.mdspca.org/festivalP2P and click Become a Fundraiser
2. Decide whether to join the game as an individual, to join a friend’s team, or to create a team.
3. Create an account by answering these questions
   • How much do you want to raise? The website defaults to $500 for individuals and $1,000 for teams.
   • What do you want your headline to be? It could be simple like “Fluffy’s Pet Parent” or inspiring like “Let’s be heroes!”
   • What is the name of your fundraising page? This is the link you will give family and friends to make a gift online, so make it memorable. For example, type in your pet’s name and your link will be https://support.mdspca.org/Fluffy.  
4. Please allow us to contact you in the future so we can alert you when you’ve won a prize.
5. Add a photo or use the default festival logo.
6. Provide your contact information and tell us a little bit about you.

You will be sent to your page. To edit your page, click MANAGE in the upper right corner. Use our guide for personalizing your page and crafting messages to your network.

How do I join or create a team?

Visit https://support.mdspca.org/festivalP2P and click Become a Fundraiser

To join an existing team, search by team name or use the drop down to search by team captain name.

To create a team, follow the system prompts which are similar to setting up a fundraising page. If you don’t have an account, the system will prompt you to.

 

 

When is the Festival for the Animals?

The Festival for the Animals is on Saturday, September 23, 2023, rain or shine. Registration opens at 10:00 am, and the Festival ends at 2:00 pm.

Where is the Festival for the Animals?

The Festival for the Animals is at Padonia Park Club, 12006 Jenifer Road, Cockeysville, MD.

How do I get there?

Padonia Park Club is two miles from Exit 17, Padonia Rd off I-83. 

     From I-83 North

     Take exit 17 for Padonia Rd  

     Turn left onto W Padonia Rd.

     Turn left onto Jenifer Rd.

 

     From I-83 South

     Take exit 17 for Padonia Rd

     Stay right onto W Padonia Rd.

     Turn left onto Jenifer Rd.

 

Where do I park?

Stay to the left after the gate house. Parking attendants will direct you to the paved lot. If that is filled, they will direct you to parking on the grass. 

I have mobility challenges. Is the park accessible?

The terrain of Padonia Park Club is a mix of paved, gravel, and grassy areas, with the majority being grass. There is a hill that will need to be traversed to reach certain activities. If you need assistance, please email give@mdspca.org in advance of the event, so that we can better plan your visit.