Pet Rock Fest Announces 2025 Festival Proceeds Awardees

Proceeds from the 27th annual festival support rescues, sanctuaries, veterinary aid, and humane education programs

Worcester County, MA - December, 2025— Pet Rock Fest is once again putting its proceeds where its heart is. Funds raised through the 27th annual Pet Rock Festival, held in October 2025, have been distributed to a wide range of animal welfare organizations working to rescue, protect, heal and advocate for animals across New England and beyond.

The 2025 festival marked the second year of Pet Rock Fest at its new home at the Lancaster Fairgrounds. With the move and a new fall date, the event continues to rebuild and reconnect with longtime supporters while welcoming new ones. The success of the 2025 festival helps ensure that Pet Rock Fest returns to the Lancaster Fairgrounds in 2026, continuing its long-running mission of promoting kindness to animals and responsible pet ownership.

This year’s charity recipients include a mix of longtime partners and new beneficiaries, reflecting the wide reach of Pet Rock Fest’s support. Organizations receiving donations include Foster Parrots, SweetPea Friends of Rutland Animals, Brown Dog Coalition, National Great Pyrenees Rescue, RedRover’s KIND News program, Greyson Hound Foster Fund, Paws 4 A Cure, Diego’s Friends Farm Sanctuary, Missing Dogs Massachusetts, Second Chance Animal Services, Cat Rescue of Marlborough and Hudson (CaRMaH), and House Rabbit Network.

Several recipients shared how the donations make a direct impact.

Paws 4 A Cure, which provides financial assistance to families who cannot afford urgent veterinary care for their dogs and cats, said the support helps keep pets with the people who love them. “This donation gives families the invaluable gift of time with their beloved companions,” said President and Founder Keri Goldman. “That gift is truly priceless.”

Diego’s Friends Farm Sanctuary, which focuses on education, rescue and emergency outreach for large animals, noted that Pet Rock Fest’s support helps fund critical emergency response efforts. “This donation directly supports our Owner Outreach Fund, allowing us to respond to emergency situations involving large animals and assist owners facing unexpected hardships,” said Dallas Keeney, president and founder of Diego’s Friends Farm Sanctuary. “We’re proud to stand alongside Pet Rock Fest in the belief that every animal deserves compassion, care, and a safe place to call home.”

Pet Rock Fest also continued its longtime support of RedRover’s KIND News program, which brings humane education into classrooms. Thanks to festival proceeds, KIND News will be delivered to more than 800 students across 30 Worcester County classrooms in 2026. “Pet Rock Fest’s generous donation allows us to continue inspiring children to treat all animals with kindness and respect,” said Katie Campbell, president and CEO of RedRover.

In addition to supporting nonprofit organizations, Pet Rock Fest has provided direct financial assistance to pet guardians facing urgent veterinary expenses and has contributed to reward funds in local animal cruelty cases. The festival also supports advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening animal cruelty laws and holding offenders accountable.

“Pet Rock Fest began as a response to an act of cruelty” said Founding Partner Charlene Arsenault, “and over the years it has grown into a platform for education, connection and compassion. By bringing so many organizations together in one place, we can help amplify their missions—and provide real, meaningful financial support. Every person who attends, donates, or spreads the word is part of that impact.”

Jeannie Hebert, founding partner, added, “The heart of Pet Rock Fest has always been about helping animals by helping the people and organizations who care for them.Our supporters and sponsors make it possible for these nonprofits to continue their work, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helps make that happen.”

Planning is already underway for the 28th annual Pet Rock Festival, with new ideas and collaborations in the works as the event continues to grow while staying true to its roots.

About Pet Rock Fest

Celebrating more than 25 years, Pet Rock Fest is the largest animal welfare festival in the Northeast. Held annually in the fall, it features guest speakers, vegetarian food, live music, games, a raffle, vendors, and participation from hundreds of animal welfare organizations. Beyond its flagship festival, Pet Rock Fest is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to raising funds year-round for animal welfare nonprofits and causes across New England. Donations to Pet Rock Fest are tax-deductible and directly support efforts to improve the lives of animals in need.

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If you’d like more information, visit www.petrockfest.org.

Dudley property under investigation after MSPCA seizes more than 50 animals

Officials say dozens of animals were living in unsanitary conditions; investigation ongoing

By Charlene Arsenault

The MSPCA has seized more than 50 animals from a Mill Road property in Dudley after months of failed attempts to bring the owner into compliance, the organization confirmed this week.

The agency executed a search warrant on Friday, Nov. 14, following repeated reports of horses in poor condition and concerns about overall care on the property.

Sara-Rose Brenner, spokesperson for the MSPCA, told Pet Rock Fest that officers initially responded “a few months ago” to check on the horses. What they found was far more extensive.

According to Brenner, the animals taken from the home included farm birds (chickens, ducks, geese), cats, dogs, parrots, ferrets, horses, rabbits, turtles, pigs and goats. All are currently undergoing medical evaluations and are in the MSPCA’s care.

Chris Schindler, MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement Director, said officers tried to work with the property owner, but conditions never improved.

“Upon opening an investigation, we discovered dozens of animals, including horses, were living there in unsanitary conditions, some without adequate access to food and water,” Schindler said. “Unfortunately, despite our officers’ efforts, the property owner did not come into compliance or provide the animals with the care and sanitary environment they needed, so on Friday we executed a search warrant and seized over 60 animals from the home.”

He added that the operation placed “an immense strain” on the organization’s capacity but said the team “had to pull out all the stops” to get the animals the care they needed.

Because the animals were seized and not surrendered, there is no timeline for when—if ever—they might be made available for adoption, Brenner said.

The MSPCA is not releasing additional details at this time, including the name of the property owner. Pet Rock Fest continues to seek that information.

From Rescue to Rock: 27th Pet Rock Fest Celebrated Kindness to All Creatures

www.petrockfest.org

October, 2025

Contact: Charlene Arsenault              

508-832-8918, 508-736-77078

petrockfest@gmail.com

Jeannie Hebert

508-981-5782

Jhebert@blackstonevalley.org 

From Rescue to Rock: 27th Pet Rock Fest Celebrated Kindness to All Creatures

The 27th annual animal welfare festival drew crowds, wagging tails, and support for rescue and advocacy groups across New England

LANCASTER, MA — Sunshine and smiles filled the Lancaster Fairgrounds on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, as the 27th annual Pet Rock Festival brought together animal lovers, advocates, and rescue groups from across New England for a day of music, awareness and celebration.

With temperatures more fitting for July than October, festivalgoers and their four-legged friends enjoyed a full afternoon of performances, activities and community spirit — all centered on Pet Rock Fest’s ongoing mission of kindness to animals.

The 2025 event featured live music from “American Idol” winner David Cook, who headlined a lineup that also included The Wray-Ons, P.E. James, and Eldon James and the One Eyed Cat. The music, mingling and shared cause created what organizers called one of the most heartening festivals yet.

Guests explored rows of vendors, rescue groups, and animal welfare organizations offering education and adoption information. Popular features such as the Pet Photo Contest, the Amateur Dog Contest, kids’ activities, CMDART’s agility course, the doggie water park, Tidepool BookShop’s Book Nook, Pups in the Air performances, Mass Vest-a-Dog demos, free pet tag engraving, low cost microchipping and rabies vaccinations from VCA drew steady crowds, while the food vendors from New England VegFest and Tito’s Handmade Vodka “Puptails” station proved to be a favorite among two-legged attendees.

The day began with the Rescue and Shelter Groups Pet Parade, where Brown Dog Coalition and National Great Pyrenees Rescue tied for first place honors. The parade — led by dozens of participating nonprofits — helped kick off the festival’s celebration of compassion and collaboration among groups with shared missions in rescue, advocacy and veterinary care.

“Sometimes it’s hard not to feel discouraged when you see all the negative stories and cruelty in the world, but Pet Rock Fest is a real recharge for the system,” said Founding Partner Charlene Arsenault. “It’s a reminder that there are so many people out there who care deeply about animals and are working alongside us to make a difference.”

Each year, Pet Rock Fest recognizes individuals and organizations that go above and beyond for animals. This year’s Juno Hero Awards were presented to Senator Michael Moore and the Brookfield Fire Department for their ongoing animal advocacy efforts.

Two organizations — Foster Parrots and SweetPea Friends of Rutland Animals — were each awarded $500 as winners in the festival’s annual nonprofit Pet Rock Lottery. Additional charity recipients for 2025 will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We’re so grateful to our attendees, volunteers and sponsors for continuing to support Pet Rock Fest year after year,” said Founding Partner Jeannie Hebert. “Every contribution—big or small—helps us advance our mission and celebrate kindness to animals in a fun, community-focused way.”

Sponsors for this year’s festival included MA Homes LLC, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, AmeriVet Veterinary Partners/Great Road Veterinary Hospital, Paw Plaza, Ellie’s Pet Barn, Jay Moody HVAC, Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG), TidePool Bookshop Book Nook, Fenway Bark Dog Resort, Castinetti Realty Group, Maggie’s Food for Pets, Side Quest Dog Training, WCRN and PetMedic Westborough.

Despite ongoing economic challenges, some unfortunate construction timing in Lancaster, and rising event costs, Pet Rock Fest continued its long tradition of uniting the region’s animal welfare community for a common cause — raising funds and awareness for animals in need.

“Every group here may focus on something different — rescue, reform, education, veterinary care — but all of it comes down to kindness to animals,” added Arsenault.

Pet Rock Fest has distributed more than half a million dollars to animal welfare causes since its founding in 1999. Updates on this year’s charity recipients and 2026 festival plans will be posted at petrockfest.org and our social media pages.

About Pet Rock Fest

Celebrating more than 25 years, Pet Rock Fest is the largest animal welfare festival in the Northeast. Held annually in the fall, it features guest speakers, vegetarian food, live music, games, a raffle, vendors, and participation from hundreds of animal welfare organizations. Beyond its flagship festival, Pet Rock Fest is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to raising funds year-round for animal welfare nonprofits and causes across New England. Donations to Pet Rock Fest are tax-deductible and directly support efforts to improve the lives of animals in need.

If you’d like more information, visit www.petrockfest.org.