Frank Hall Park is going to the dogs.

Well, for this weekend anyway. And it’s also going to the cats.

The park will be the site of the Humane Society of Freeborn County’s first pet fair. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Saturday’s events will feature booths with pet-related items and activities for kids. Vendors will include a groomer, a pet-sitter, animal and pest control and the Albert Lea Seed House. There may also be some dog-cart rides, said Christa Stieler, Humane Society director.

The pet walk will begin at noon. People can walk with their four-legged friends or other pet lovers. Pledge forms are available at the Albert Lea Animal Shelter or online at www.hsffc.org. People can also call 377-8501 for more information.

Adoptable pets may also be available for viewing during the pet walk.

Items may be dropped off at the shelter during open hours:

Clean towels

Clean blankets

Cat litter

Bleach

Dish detergent

Frontline

A laptop computer

Carpet remnants

On Sunday, a pet fashion show will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. The entry fee is $5 in advance. There is a limit of one pet per family. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places. People can e-mail charbutter@gmail.com to sign up or call 377-8501.

Stieler said the Humane Society will be dressing up some of its adoptable pets.

For both the walk and pet fashion show, pets must be up-to-date on vaccinations, not be aggressive to other pets or people and be properly restrained (leashed or in carriers).

The pet fair will culminate with the first-ever Humane Society benefit dinner. It will take place on Sunday at Great Grains Market & Cafe, 112 S. Broadway Ave., from 6 and 8:30 p.m. This vegan dinner includes lasagna, shepherds pie, oriental salad and dessert. Tickets are $25 each and may be purchased at Great Grains Market & Cafe, Addie’s Floral & Gifts, Doyle’s Hallmark, Celebrations or Mary Go Round Shoppe. Space is limited for this event. Call 402-0613 for inquiries. 

Proceeds from all events will go to benefit the homeless pets of the Humane Society of Freeborn County.

The Humane Society has been trying to raise money to build onto the existing Albert Lea Animal Shelter. With the poor economy, the shelter is full and the Humane Society is in need of funds for daily operation.

Pets are spayed or neutered before they can be adopted, which means high monthly veterinary bills.

“We’ve had a lot of turn-ins,” Stieler said. “People are losing their homes and they can’t afford to feed their pets anymore. And people who would normally adopt don’t have the money to adopt.”

She urges anyone who is thinking about getting a pet to check out what the Humane Society has right now — especially adult cats. Hours are from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and noon to 5 p.m. Friday.