Fifth annual Bark in the Park to benefit Laddie’s Legacy
Families and their furry companions are invited to the fifth annual Bark in the Park, returning Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Atlantic County 4H Fair-grounds, located at 3210 NJ-50 in Mays Landing. For tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/2025BarkinthePark.
Hosted by Absecon Veterinary Hospital, the event is South Jersey’s largest dog-friendly gathering. Proceeds will benefit the hospital’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Laddie’s Legacy, which provides financial assistance for families who cannot afford lifesaving care for their pets.
Admission is $10 per person and covers free activities for dogs and kids. Children 12 and under, as well as dogs, are admitted free of charge. All dogs must be current on vaccinations, friendly with people and other dogs, and leashed with a non-retractable leash.
“You don’t need a dog to come out to Bark in the Park,” said Cherie Scheurich, executive director of Absecon Veterinary Hospital. “This event is about community, compassion, and celebrating the bond we share with our pets. It’s a day of fun that also helps save lives through Laddie’s Legacy.”
Activities for dogs include a human and dog pie eating contest, doggie musical sit, dog show, and dog nose painting. There will also be dog training demonstrations for pet parents, along with local vendors, food trucks, and a beer garden featuring craft brews from Dr. Brewlittles Beer Company.
New this year is Mr. Foamtastic, a free foam party for kids. Families are encouraged to bring bathing suits and towels. Other children’s activities include the duck pond, face painting, a petting zoo, plushie animal adoption, and the Future Vet Workshop for children ages 6-16 (RSVP and pre-payment required). This year’s hour-long class will focus on Pet First Aid and will be taught by the staff from Absecon Veterinary Hospital. Each student will receive at summer learning packet with flash cards that will help prepare them for their workshop at Bark.
Last year’s event helped raise $19,500 dollars for Laddie’s Legacy, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping save pets’ lives. Laddie’s Legacy is a veterinarian referred vet bill assistance program that has saved countless lives since its inception in 2022. Laddie’s Legacy commemorates the life of Laddie, a Maine Coon kitty that was surrendered to Absecon Veterinary Hospital because his owner could not pay for increasing medical fees. For more information on Laddie’s Legacy and all the lives saved, visit www.laddieslegacy.org.
For sponsorships, vendor applications or more information about the event, contact Cherie Scheurich at 609-646-7013 or cscheurich@abseconvet.com.
