Proceeds support a variety of New England area animal organizations

MASSACHUSETTS - Pet Rock Fest is proud to announce that it has once again awarded thousands of dollars in donations to numerous animal welfare charities across New England. These funds, raised primarily through the 26th annual Pet Rock Festival held in September 2024, directly benefits organizations dedicated to animal rescue, care, and advocacy.

The 2024 festival marked a pivotal year for Pet Rock Fest as it transitioned to its new home at the Lancaster Fairgrounds. With this move and a new fall date, the festival focused on rebuilding and reconnecting with its community of supporters. The success of this year’s event ensures that the Lancaster Fairgrounds will host Pet Rock Fest 2025, continuing its legacy of promoting kindness to animals and responsible pet ownership.

This year’s recipients include both longstanding partners and new beneficiaries. Among the organizations awarded donations are KIND News-Red Rover, the Greyson Hound Foster Fund, Foster Parrots, MSPCA, Greyhound Friends, Missing Dogs Massachusetts, Community Cat Connection, CMDART, Second Chance Animal Services, PittieLove Rescue, Paws 4 A Cure, Diego’s Friends Farm Sanctuary, and Juno’s Place. 

One recipient, Paws 4 A Cure, provides critical financial assistance to families nationwide who cannot afford veterinary care for their dogs or cats. Keri Goldman, President and Founder of Paws 4 A Cure, shared her gratitude:

“On behalf of Paws 4 A Cure, I extend my sincerest appreciation for your support and generosity. Your extremely generous donation truly means so much to me and the families your contribution will help. With your support, we can continue to provide the gift of time to fur parents by ensuring their beloved companions receive the urgent veterinary care they need. Your commitment to helping us is deeply appreciated.”

Dallas Keeney, president and founder of Diego’s Friends Farm Sanctuary, told Pet Rock Fest: 

“The improved fencing project will allow us to continue in our mission of educating animal owners on the necessity of proper fencing (in both size and structural integrity) as to help ensure the safety of their animals. The absolutely gracious donation from Pet Rock Fest will help us purchase supplies for new fencing to increase the safety and security of our sanctuary animals. We are so grateful to them for their continued love and support!”

Pet Rock Fest has also provided financial assistance to local pet owners facing urgent veterinary expenses, offering support during times of critical need. Additionally, we have contributed to organizations that advocate for stricter enforcement of animal cruelty laws, promote awareness through petitions like those on Change.org, and work to hold perpetrators of cruelty accountable. These efforts align with our mission to ensure justice and compassion for all animals.

"Thanks to Pet Rock Festival's proceeds, we can provide Kind News magazine to 28 Worcester and Lancaster area elementary classrooms in 2025, reaching approximately 800 students,” said Katie Campbell, RedRover president and CEO. “We're thrilled to continue Pet Rock's celebration of the human-animal bond in these schools through articles that explore responsible pet care, animal behavior, and efforts to help animals in crisis. From young people volunteering at their local animal shelters to animal control officers providing rescue, the stories featured are powerful because they model kind actions, which we hope will inspire future acts of kindness."

“Since its inception in 2006, PittieLove Rescue has had the privilege of participating in this awesome event annually,” said PittieLove Founder Noreen Ford. “We are humbled and honored to have been chosen amongst all of the other wonderful animal welfare groups who participated in Pet Rock to receive a generous donation recognizing the work we do. As a small 501c3 nonprofit rescue, we rely solely on donations from our amazing supporters as well as donations from incredible local organizations to provide the best care possible of the pitties in our care.  These donations allow us to help so many dogs in need and we pride ourselves in giving these deserving dogs the absolute best in life, most of whom have not known anything but neglect and fear.”

The Pet Rock Fest team carefully selects its beneficiaries based on their reputation, impact, and services provided to animals in need. This year’s donations reflect a diverse range of causes, from local rescues and shelters to farm sanctuaries and law reform initiatives.

“We are so thankful to our supporters and sponsors for making it possible to fund these vital animal welfare nonprofits,” said founding partner Jeannie Hebert. “The festival’s mission is rooted in helping these organizations thrive, and it’s gratifying to see the impact we can make together.”

Charlene Arsenault, founding partner, added, “Pet Rock Fest started as a response to an act of cruelty, and it has grown into a platform for promoting kindness to all animals. By bringing together a wide range of organizations to share their missions, we aim to educate and inspire. Most importantly, we provide financial support to help these groups make a difference. Every attendee, supporter, and donor plays a crucial role in this mission.”

In addition to its donations, Pet Rock Fest has supported reward funds in local animal cruelty cases and provided medical assistance for pet guardians facing financial hardships.

The 27th annual Pet Rock Festival is already in the works, with exciting plans underway to build on the success of 2024. Stay tuned for details.