Let the 200th Birthday festivities begin! The North Royalton Animal Hospital and Paws At Play Resort and Daycare will once again host its annual Pet Carnival on the City Green from 1 to 4 p.m. July 29. The event, which coincides with the citywide Sidewalk Sale encouraging local shopping, will officially kick off the community’s bicentennial celebration.
The 13th annual Pet Carnival embraces all-things pet, especially canines, with more than 20 vendor tables, special appearances, family activities and refreshments. Started by North Royalton Animal Hospital Director Adam Hechko and his team, the Pet Fair will feature a dog agility course, pet caricatures, visits from the Cleveland Animal Protective League Adoption Mobile, the Cleveland Metroparks Mounted Ranger Unit and dozens of vendors selling everything from pet collars to clothing to animal-themed gifts. Pediatric Dentist Jen Hechko, wife of Adam Hechko, will also be on-site with her team from Brecksville Kids Dentistry along with the office therapy dog.
Scores of raffle baskets donated by Pet Carnival vendors and clients of North Royalton Animal Hospital and Paws At Play Resort and Daycare will be set up beneath a large tent on the City Green. All ticket proceeds go towards three charities. Molly’s Mission, whose namesake Molly, a Shar Pei Mastiff mix, died in 2009 of complications from a canine mast cell tumor, is dedicated to subsidizing medical treatments and pet owners’ bills. Give Pets A Chance provides financial assistance to qualified pet owners in need throughout Ohio, and W.A.G.S. 4 Kids provides mobility service and autism service animals to children with special needs.
The Pet Carnival welcomes canines of all kinds, but pets must be leashed and cleaned up after. Their human friends will find small snack foods and refreshments including popcorn, snow cones and water. Prices range from 50 cents to $1 and all proceeds benefit the three charities.
In addition to hosting the popular Pet Carnival event, Hechko and team also lead several other events throughout the year including its fifth annual Pet Blessing at Saint Albert the Great Church coming up on Oct. 7 and holiday philanthropy efforts including Adopt-a-Family and visits with the Easter Bunny.
“Community is of the utmost importance to North Royalton Animal Hospital,” said Deborah Haley, marketing manager. “The Pet Carnival is always so much fun and thousands show up year after year. People bring their own pets on a leash and walk the City Green visiting all the vendors and seeing all there is to offer.”
At its heart, the Pet Carnival aims to educate people on how to care for their pets, Haley added.
“It’s about teaching people safety and best techniques in raising their pets and it really focuses on fostering that bond between families and pets. Dr. Hechko loves to be with his animal families at this event and see all of his clients and friends,” Haley said. “It’s really one of the best events in North Royalton and even more special this summer as the community celebrates its bicentennial.”

By SARA MACHO HILL
Contributing Writer