Manatee County's sixth annual Adopt-A-Palooza will be held, Saturday, May 21, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto. Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and admission and parking are free.

Returning this year, after a two-year postponement due to the pandemic, Adopt-A-Palooza will feature more than 100 adoptable puppies, dogs, cats and kittens from Manatee County Animal Services (MCAS), local shelters and animal rescues, all under one roof.

The family-friendly event will also include more than 25 retail vendors selling a variety of pet products. New this year, offered by Manatee County Animal Services, is a free pet vaccine and microchip clinic. Pet owners with dogs and cats in need of vaccinations and/or microchips can bring their pet to the event to receive them at no charge. This free clinic is offered from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. The proceeds from the event will benefit Friends of Manatee County Animal Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves as a fundraising arm whose mission it is to work hand in hand with Manatee County Animal Services to enrich the lives of the shelter animals by raising funds to provide additional resources, medical care and heart worm treatment. The funds raised by FoMCAS go directly to help the shelter animals and to help with initiatives at the shelter such as dog beds, turf for the play yards, enrichment items, crates and medical care.