Events

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

    On Saturday, July 28, 2018 the Vanderburgh Humane Society will be transformed into Pawgwarts for a themed open house & adoption event! Romain Subaru presents "Hairy Pawter and the Magical Creatures." 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!

    Enjoy themed vendors:

    • Herbology class with Keep Evansville Beautiful
    • Live owl meet & greets & education with The Talon Trust
    • Butterbeer pops from Lollys Pops with 20% benefiting VHS
    • Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library


    Kids' Activities:

    • ($) Adopt Your [Plush] Hogwarts Pet station (bring cash to participate)
    • Bertie Bott's Beans Challenge
    • ($) Hunting Horcruxes scavenger hunt (bring cash to participate)


    Purchase a $10 tennis ball for the Fluffy 2K Fetch, sponsored by Aerotek Recruiting and Staffing, for your chance to win $500! One of our "three-headed" shelter dogs will fetch the winning ball!

    Hot dogs, chips, & drinks will be available for purchase.

    Get Sorted when you arrive and make a monetary donation to help your House win the House Cup!

    Potter-themed costume contest for pets & people! (Yes, costumes/cosplay are highly encouraged!)

    Limited edition crossover VHS-HP shirts will be available for purchase!

    Shop "Diagon Alley" at the Happy Tails Resale Shop!

    Thanks to our additional sponsors and in-kind donors: Banterra Bank, Warehouse Services, Inc., Lauren Staser with Staser Design, and Pet Supplies Plus!


  • 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 the west end of the festival. Our tried & true vegetarian menu is one of the most popular on the street, including:

    • Hand-battered Fried Green Tomatoes
    • Fried Green Beans
    • Fried Macaroni & Cheese
    • Hand-squeezed Lemon Shake-Ups
    • Hand-squeezed LemOrange Shake-Ups
    • *Caramel Apple Slices (*Deaconess Wise Choice)


    First full week in October 2018
    Booth hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
    Booth #75 at 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. Signups will begin in late August 2018.

    Proceeds from the Fall Festival booth benefit the mission of the Vanderburgh Humane Society!

  • Pet Pictures with Santa

    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 33 years in 2018. 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!

    Save the Date for 2018
    • Friday, November 2 from 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
    • Saturday, November 3 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
    • Sunday, November 4 from 12:00pm – 4:00 pm


    At Washington Square Mall!

    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!

  • Restaurant Give-Backs

    Upcoming Give-Backs:

    None scheduled

    Ongoing:

    Beans & Baristas – Eastland Mall
    800 Green River Road
    Evansville, IN 47715
    We receive $4 from each bag of VHS Bow Wow Brew or Cat Nap decaf sold

    Sportsman’s
    “Paws on the Patio”
    2315 West Franklin Street
    Evansville, IN 47712
    Proceeds from doggie treats sold on Sundays benefit VHS (dog-friendly outdoor patio)

  • Annual Auction & Benefit Dinner

    Going, Going, Gone to the Dogs! Benefit Dinner & Auction

    The annual auction is the VHS’ largest fundraiser. It is always held on the last Saturday in April every year. This splendid evening features a preview cocktail party, a plated dinner, and both silent and live auctions with hundreds of items ranging from $25 up to $5,000+!

    Save the Date for Our 24th Annual Auction

    “Fantastic Pets and Where to Find Them"
    Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 5:30 pm
    Holiday Inn Evansville Airport

    Seats begin at $75 and go on sale in February.

    To donate auction items or become a sponsor, email [email protected].

  • Sponsorship Opportunities

    Businesses or individuals have the opportunity to sponsor any of our events at various levels. For the current year’s sponsorship opportunities, please email our Development Coordinator or call (812) 426-2563 extension 218.