Adoption “Paw”looza in Wildomar, CA: Record-Breaking Pet Adoptions and Family Fun
There are few things more heartwarming than seeing a shelter animal find their forever home. On August 23rd, 2025, that joy was multiplied many times over at the Adoption “Paw”looza, hosted by Animal Friends of the Valleys (AFV) in Wildomar, CA. This exciting community event combined fun, family, and furry friends — all with the goal of helping pets in need find loving families.
The highlight of the event was that every pet came with $0 adoption fees and a free spay or neuter certificate included. This incredible incentive gave adopters the opportunity to welcome a new pet into their homes while also ensuring the long-term health and wellbeing of their companion.
A Day Full of Fun, Families, and Furry Friends
From the moment the event began, the atmosphere was electric with excitement. Families, animal lovers, and community supporters filled the grounds, enjoying a perfect blend of activities designed for all ages. The Adoption “Paw”looza wasn’t just about adoption — it was a true celebration of the human–animal bond and the power of community.
Some of the event highlights included:
🎶 Live DJ entertainment that kept the energy high and created a festive, welcoming vibe for attendees.
🎟️ Raffles with themed baskets, giving families a chance to win fun and useful prizes while supporting the shelter’s mission.
🎨 Face painting for children, bringing smiles and colorful creativity to the day, and making it extra special for families with kids.
🍦 Ice cream and cooler bags provided by Handel’s, giving everyone a sweet treat and a way to stay cool.
🍔 Food and drink vendors serving a variety of delicious options, ensuring no one went home hungry.
Record-Breaking Adoptions
While the event itself was packed with fun, the real magic was in the adoption numbers. By the conclusion of the Adoption “Paw”looza, a total of 51 pets had found their forever homes — setting a record-breaking number for Animal Friends of the Valleys.
The breakdown included:
🐱 35 cats
🐶 14 dogs
🐐 2 goats
Yes, even goats found their forever families! This variety showcased the amazing diversity of pets available through AFV, from beloved cats and dogs to unique farm animals that also deserve loving homes.
Keeping the Momentum Going
The excitement of the Adoption “Paw”looza didn’t end when the event wrapped up. In partnership with the national Clear the Shelters Event, Animal Friends of the Valleys continued offering discounted adoption fees throughout the rest of August.
🐾 What is Clear the Shelters?
Clear the Shelters is an annual nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign that helps shelters across the United States place thousands of animals into permanent homes. Launched in 2015, this initiative has helped more than 1 million pets find their families. By participating, Animal Friends of the Valleys joined a powerful movement dedicated to reducing the number of homeless pets and raising awareness about the importance of adoption.
This extended opportunity gave even more families the chance to open their hearts and homes to pets in need, furthering AFV’s mission to connect every animal with a loving family.
EPIC Vets Joins the Celebration
As an emergency veterinary hospital right here in Temecula, EPIC Vets (Emergency Pet Intensive Care) was honored to take part in such a meaningful day. Our team set up a booth, handed out free items, and most importantly, had the opportunity to connect directly with new pet parents and longtime animal lovers alike.
We let families know that we are here 24/7, 365 days a year for any emergency their cats or dogs might face. Having a new pet join the household is exciting, but it also comes with responsibility and the need to know where to turn if an unexpected illness or injury happens. We were proud to reassure our community that EPIC Vets is always available when it matters most.About Animal Friends of the Valleys
Located in Wildomar, California, Animal Friends of the Valleys (AFV) serves as the official animal shelter for the cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, Menifee, Canyon Lake, and Lake Elsinore. Their mission is to promote humane care of animals through education, adoption services, and community programs.
The shelter provides:
A safe haven for homeless, abandoned, and surrendered pets.
Affordable spay and neuter programs to help reduce pet overpopulation.
Adoption services for a wide variety of animals.
Community outreach and education programs designed to encourage responsible pet ownership.
Why Events Like This Matter
Adoption events do more than place pets into homes. They bring communities together, raise awareness about responsible pet ownership, and showcase the incredible work of local shelters and rescues. The Adoption “Paw”looza was proof of just how powerful collaboration between organizations, businesses, and families can be.
For every smiling child with painted cheeks, every family who walked away with a new furry companion, and every shelter pet who finally got the chance they deserve, this event was a life-changing success.
At EPIC Vets, we are proud to be part of such a compassionate community and to stand alongside organizations like Animal Friends of the Valleys. Together, we share one mission: to give pets the best chance at a safe, healthy, and happy life.Thank You, Community!
🐾 From all of us at EPIC Vets, thank you to everyone who attended, supported, or adopted at the Adoption “Paw”looza. Whether you took home a pet, bought a raffle ticket, or simply came to show your support, you played a role in changing lives.
Together, we helped 51 pets find their forever homes — and that is something worth celebrating.
