FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Free community event showcases adoptable animals from around California, local vendors, and innovative animal wellness programs
Walnut Creek, CA – January 14, 2026- Joybound People & Pets is bringing the community together for its annual Unleash the LOVE: Festival and Adopt-a-thon on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at their Walnut Creek campus. This free event will feature adoptable animals from Joybound and more than 18 animal-welfare partners, alongside live music, family activities, local vendors, and educational opportunities highlighting innovative animal wellness programs across California.
This year’s event also introduces a brand-new Fun Run and Walk, adding an energetic start to a day full of family-friendly fun. Community members can start the day by getting their hearts pumping for a great cause. Participants can choose either a 1-mile easy-paced walk or a 3.1 mile/5k run. Pets are welcome to join their guardians. Proceeds support Joybound’s life-changing programs for shelter animals and the people who love them.
Media Opportunity: Visually rich. Feel-good. Timely. Experience compelling live-shot and feature opportunities during and leading up to Unleash the LOVE: Festival & Adopt-a-thon. Media are invited for exclusive behind-the-scenes access, including morning-show live shots, guided campus tours, and on-site interviews with Joybound leadership, veterinarians, trainers, and partner shelters. Cameras will capture joyful, high-energy moments — from adoptable pets meeting potential families to live music, colorful vendor booths, and a bustling festival atmosphere.
In a moment when audiences are craving hopeful stories, this event delivers powerful visuals and uplifting impact. Reporters will also have access to stories highlighting Joybound’s broader community work including rescue and adoptions services, disaster relief efforts, free vaccine and microchip clinics, low-cost spay/neuter services, free pet pantries, service animal training and vocational programs.
Fun Run and Walk details: 10 AM – 11 AM
Cost: Race entries are $25 for adults and $15 for kids (under 18 years old)
Cost: FREE
Full Event Details: https://joybound.org/event/unleash-the-love-2026/
For the first time ever, we’re hosting “Tails on the Trail,” a pre-festival Fun Run and Walk. We will have two routes available. Complete a scenic 1-mile easy-paced walk or a 3.1 mile/5k run. Pets are welcome to join walkers or runners on either route but must leashed or harnessed, ensuring that the guardian is in full control at all times. Plus, every entry comes with a collectable Unleash the LOVE: Fun Run and Walk shirt.
Festival & Adopt-a-thon details: 11 AM – 3 PM
The Festival & Adopt-a-thon is FREE to attend. All ages welcome. Parking is free and plentiful.
- Meet adoptable animals from 18+ partner shelter organizations across Northern California
- Enjoy food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and artisan marketplace.
- Free ice cream, glitter face painting, popcorn, and giveaways!
- Interactive craft stations, games, and temporary and permanent tattoos.
- Live music from local bands.
- Explore how you can help animals in need by fostering, volunteering, or donating.
- Ask the expert: Get advice from our trainers and veterinarians.
Thank You to Our Gold, Silver and Bronze Sponsors:
Purina, Petfinder, VEG ER for Pets, Desired Effect, John Muir Health, and MetLife Pet Insurance
Meet Adoptable Animals from these Participating Animal Shelter Partner Organizations: Antioch Animal Services, Berkeley Animal Care Services, Bay Area Pug Project, Contra Costa Rabbit Rescue, Fresno Humane Animal Services, Hayward Animal Shelter, Humane Society of the North Bay, Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, Norcal Golden Retriever, Northern California Sled Dog Rescue, Oakland Animal Services, Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions, Solano County Animal Care, Solano County Friends of the Animals, Stockton Animal Shelter, Temporary Home Pet Rescue, Tiny Paws Peg Rescue, and Woof Den Rescue.
Media Contact:
Chelsea Blackburn
Public Relations Manager
Joybound People & Pets
[email protected]
(925) 256-1273
About Joybound People & Pets:
Joybound People & Pets is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the human-animal bond by providing compassionate rescue and adoption programs, pet-focused vocational training, and community services that benefit both animals and their human companions. Since 1991, Joybound has facilitated more than 53,000 pet adoptions, while offering accessible veterinary services, animal training, human education and more, resulting in a 145% increase in essential services to the community from 2023.
