The event is one of the Tri-Lakes Humane Society’s biggest fundraisers of the year. In 2024, hundreds of people and their furry friends turned out for an afternoon of pet-friendly attractions, live music, food and community.

This year, there are several new attractions and more vendors. The timing of this growth could not be more critical, according to Shelter Director Tori Tanner. That’s because of the Companion Animal Care Standards Act, which is set to take effect on Dec. 15.

The law aims to raise the level of care shelter animals receive, and includes a number of new regulations that require facility upgrades in order to meet these requirements. While the law’s intent is to provide a higher quality of life for shelter animals, it has created a financial squeeze for many small shelters, including the Tri-Lakes Humane Society.

“We really need support now more than ever — and people are showing it,” she said. “We really need to get everything in place for December, which is when these new laws come into effect, so we are still looking for the funding to complete the final touches on this.”

Tanner said if the shelter doesn’t meet its funding goals, it will be at risk of shutting down. She hopes that it won’t come to that, but noted that it’s happening to other small shelters throughout the state.

“We’re already feeling the effects with a lot of animal shelters just deciding to close their doors early with these new regulations coming into play,” she said. “We are just inundated with trying to surrender from different areas. People are just leaving animals now because nobody can take them in.”

Tanner emphasized that being the only shelter in such a geographically large area is already a strain. Currently, the humane society provides dog control and shelter services to the towns of Harrietstown, Brighton, Franklin, Santa Clara, St. Armand and the village of Saranac Lake. Additionally, it provides shelter-only services for the towns of Tupper Lake, North Elba, Long Lake, Saranac and the village of Lake Placid.

“It is such a big region — demographically and the mileage — it’s remarkable what we cover,” she said.

So far, Tanner said the turnout for the event is looking strong. As of Monday afternoon, Sept. 15, she said there were 75 preregistrations, and she was confident it would reach triple digits well ahead of the event.

It’s Tanner’s third year leading the ADK Bark in the Park.

Waterfront Park’s spacious grass and scenic backdrop provide an ideal venue for the large event, and Tanner said it’s important for the Tri-Lakes Humane Society to have a community presence there, given the services it provides there.

Some of this year’s highlights, both new and repeating, include:

– Live dog demonstrations by the ADK High Peaks Dog Training Club

– Meet and greet with USA Women’s National Bobsled Team Member Jasmine Jones and other team members

– Free caricatures by professional artist Joe Ferris (first-come, first-served)

– Pet costume contest

– Artisan craft vendors and local businesses

– Chance to win raffles and prizes

– Free pet microchipping by Paws and Claws Mobile Vet, Dr. Jacquelyn Bentley, for the first 25 preregistered attendees (1 to 3 p.m.)

Double Axel will be performing live music from noon to 3 p.m., along with live performances from Vestopia Hoops. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and take in the views. Pets are, of course, welcome but must be leashed.

Tanner said the partnership with Jones and her teammates began more than a year ago, with the athletes reaching out first.

“We did some photographs with one of our long-timers, Daisy, and their photos and sharing their pictures actually helped Daisy find her forever home, which was remarkable,” she said. We figured that maybe with their presence here, this will help raise that awareness with all of their followers as well, so it’s great that we have that partnership with them.”

Admission is $15 per person or two for $25. Children 12 and under are free. The first 100 preregistrants will receive a custom tote bag filled with goodies, an ADK Bark in the Park baseball hat, local coupons and more.

All proceeds will support the Tri-Lakes Humane Society. For more information about the event, including preregistration, visit trilakeshumanesociety.com.