PASCO, WA – April 8, 2026 – Pet Overpopulation Prevention (POPP), a Tri-Cities-based non-profit dedicated to addressing pet homelessness and overpopulation through cat and dog adoptions and a low-income spay and neuter clinic, announced today that their annual fun run, Pooch and Pal, will take place May 16th, 2026, at Columbia Point Marina Park in Richland, WA.
The event features a 1K and 5K along the Columbia River, vendors and food, a Pet Pride Garden of decorated paper flowers dedicated to beloved pets, and a costume contest. This year’s costume contest theme is “zoom and bloom”; runners are encouraged to dress themselves and canine companions in garden costumes like pollinators, flowers, and garden decor.
Pre-registration is $25 and ends on April 20th. Registration will open on the day of the event at 8:30 AM and is $30.
“We are so excited for this year’s Pooch and Pal,” said Jessica Rinker, POPP board member. “We have great vendors signed up, and fun activities planned for the whole family, doggies included!”
The money raised through this event supports POPP’s fosters with animal care needs, such as food and medical attention, helps POPP find homes for deserving animals, and funds the affordable POPP Spay and Neuter Clinic located in Pasco, WA.
“The work we do at POPP is so important for this community. In this area, animal shelters are at full capacity. At POPP, we don’t have a shelter; we rely on foster homes to take in rescues. Which is why we need the community’s help to save these pets,” said Heather Fitzgerald Gangler, POPP board member. “If you can’t foster or volunteer, participating in events like Pooch and Pal is a fantastic way to support us. This is one of POPP’s most important fundraisers of the year.”
To pre-register for Pooch and Pal, go to https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/PetOverPopulationPrevention/2026poochandpal.html.
About Pet Overpopulation Prevention
Founded in 1995, Pet Overpopulation Prevention (POPP) has operated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in the Tri-Cities for more than 30 years. POPP is dedicated to promoting responsible pet care, finding good homes for previously homeless or abandoned pets, and preventing litters of cats and dogs through a low-income spay and neuter clinic. The POPP Spay and Neuter Clinic is located at 1506 N. Road 40 in Pasco, Washington. For more information, visit POPP’s website, Facebook, and Instagram.