The VHS holds several special events throughout the year to raise funds for our lifesaving programs and to maintain a presence in the community.
Hairy Pawter & the Magical Creatures 2021
*2020 CANCELED* due to COVID-19
July 2021
at the Vanderburgh Humane Society
Each year the Vanderburgh Humane Society is transformed into Pawgwarts for a themed adoption event! Enjoy "10 Galleons" ($10) off all adoptions, plus spin the wheel for a chance to win additional money off! Many VHS shelter animals will be Sorted into houses based on their personalities to help you find the perfect match! This is a come-and-go type event with FREE ADMISSION for ALL AGES!
Purchase a $10 tennis ball for the Fluffy 2K Fetch for your chance to win $500! One of our "three-headed" shelter dogs will fetch the winning ball. Get yours in advance or at the door, but don't wait -- they may sell out!
Themed vendors:
Kids' Activities:
Get Sorted when you arrive and make a monetary donation to help your House win the House Cup! Can't attend? You can still donate to our Facebook fundraiser on behalf of your House!
Potter-themed costumes/cosplay for pets & people are highly encouraged!
Crossover VHS-HP shirts will be available for purchase!
VHS is also a Greenhouse location in Harry Potter: Wizards Unite! Return Foundables and stock up on much-needed seeds & ingredients!
Shop "Diagon Alley" at the Happy Tails Resale Shop!
Pet Pictures with Santa
Despite Indiana moving into stage 5, The VHS team has made the difficult decision to cancel Pet Pictures with Santa 2020 for the safety of our internal team of staff, photographers, Santa, and volunteers. While we could safely distance the public from one another -- this is an event that involves close face-to-face contact between our team and the public. If you are able, please still consider donating your $25 to the shelter to help offset the $10,000 in lost Pet Pictures with Santa revenue. Put "Pet Pictures" in the memo line. We'll see you in November 2021!Don’t miss a Tri-State Christmas tradition! The VHS is host to the longest-running Pet Pictures with Santa event in the Tri-State, celebrating 34 years in 2019. Mr. Claus himself makes the trip to Washington Square Mall from the North Pole during the first full weekend in November each year. This allows families to get their photos back in plenty of time for family Christmas cards!
At Washington Square Mall!
*Insider tip: Sunday is the busiest day. Friday afternoon is the best time to come!*
Photos are $25 and include two poses with digital images for your use. Costumes and accessories are encouraged, and rental accessories for pets are provided free of charge! Children, adults, and all species of pets are welcome in photos! (Really -- all pets! We have recently had potbellied pigs, miniature horses, rats, rabbits, a hedgehog, guinea pigs, a Sphinx cat, and more come to visit Santa!)
Proceeds benefit the mission of the Vanderburgh Humane Society!
West Side Nut Club Fall Festival
The fun on Franklin Street is one of VHS’ largest fundraisers. Be sure to stop by booth #75 near St. Joe Avenue at the west end of the festival. Our tried & true vegetarian menu is one of the most popular on the street, including:
Save the date for the 100th annual WSNCFF:
October 4-9, 2021
Booth hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Booth #75 near Franklin & St. Joe across from Pet Food Center
We are always in need of dependable, able-bodied volunteers age 16 or older in our Fall Festival booth. The Fall Festival is perfect for corporate volunteer groups! Email [email protected] to inquire about signing up for 2021. 
Proceeds from the Fall Festival booth benefit the mission of the Vanderburgh Humane Society!
We are also the official West Side Nut Club Pet Parade partner! The Pet Parade is 100% FREE to participate in. Dress up your kids, pets, and even yourself, and show up at St. Boniface Church on the Saturday of the Festival. After 9:00 judging, the parade begins at 10:00.
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