Paws in the Park Coming to Gaithersburg

The Montgomery County Human Society's Paws in the Park Dog Walking Festival this year will be combined with Gaithersburg's Bark in the Park.

The festivals, April 23 from noon to 4 p.m. at , encourage dogs and their owners to participate in a 1-mile walk, pet games and contests, demos, rescue groups, a “flealess” market with over 50 pet-friendly vendors, food, music, and raffles.

Entrance fees are $20 per person, or $35 for a family.

"Now in its 13th year, Paws in the Park is one of the largest dog walks in the DC area, expecting more than 500 walkers," according to the City's website. "As one of MCHS’s signature special events, it raises funds to help homeless and abandoned animals in Montgomery County."

The Montgomery County Humane Society helps dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs, to reptiles, birds and others. The organization offers programs that include humane education, animal rescue, behavior advice, affordable spay/neuter, pet retention and pet bereavement workshops, foster homes, life-saving medical care, off-site adoption events, and a network of approximately 200 partnering rescue groups.

To start fundraising, go to www.mchumane.org and click on “Register Online.” For more information, check out the City's website.