National Pet Day is Saturday, April 11, 2026, and to celebrate, Maryland SPCA and Banfield Pet Hospital are hosting a free community event at Dorsey’s Search Village Center in Ellicott City.
The inaugural National Pet Day Celebration is family- and dog-friendly, as all are invited to bring their four-legged friends for a day of fun with a live DJ, local vendors, games, pet contests, prizes, and more. The event is sponsored by VCA Animal Hospital and Banfield Pet Hospital.
Attendees can meet dogs available for adoption, learn about what it takes to be a responsible pet owner, and talk to local animal care professionals. A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Maryland SPCA, which rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes animals. Additionally, VCA Animal Hospital will match donations on National Pet Day dollar-for-dollar up to $7,000.
“We’re proud to partner with the Maryland SPCA, Banfield Pet Hospital and the VCA Animal Hospital on this meaningful initiative,” said John Pezzulla, Kimco Realty’s regional vice president of property management, in a statement. Dorsey’s Search Village Center is owned and operated by an affiliate of Kimco Realty.
“Dorsey’s Search Village Center has always embraced being part of a pet-friendly community, and this event is a natural extension of that spirit,” Pezzulla said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring people together, celebrate the joy that pets bring to our lives, and help connect deserving animals with loving homes.”
Maryland SPCA was founded in 1869 and finds homes for more than 2,400 cats and dogs each year. The organization also serves the community through multiple pet-retention and outreach programs.
The National Pet Day Celebration takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dorsey’s Search Village Center is located at 4765 Dorsey Hall Dr., Ellicott City, MD.
