Maryland SPCA to Host National Pet Day Event in Ellicott City

Free pet services, adoptable dogs, and activities planned for community celebration

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:05pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph showing the blurred silhouette of a dog playing with a tennis ball in a grassy park, captured in a warm, soft-focus style that evokes a sense of joy and community.The Maryland SPCA's National Pet Day event will bring the local community together to celebrate their furry friends and support animal welfare.Ellicott City Today

The Maryland SPCA is hosting its first-ever National Pet Day event this Saturday in Ellicott City, offering adoptable dogs, free pet services like nail trims and microchipping, and activities like a 'Spa Day' where people can pamper their dogs. The event is sponsored by Kimco Realty, whose regional VP noted the Ellicott City and Columbia area is a 'huge community for pets' with many dog parks and the presence of a Banfield pet hospital.

Why it matters

This event provides an opportunity for the local community to celebrate their pets, support the Maryland SPCA's efforts to find homes for adoptable animals, and access free pet care services. It also highlights the strong pet-friendly culture in the Ellicott City and Columbia area.

The details

The National Pet Day event will take place from 11am to 3pm at the Dorsey's Search Village Shopping Center in Ellicott City. Adoptable dogs from the Maryland SPCA and other shelters will be available, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own dogs to participate. In addition to free nail trims and microchipping, the event will feature a 'Spa Day' where people can paint their dogs' toenails and add temporary fur color. The event is sponsored by Kimco Realty, whose regional VP John Pezzulla noted the area's many dog parks and the presence of a Banfield pet hospital anchor tenant as reasons why it was a 'perfect match' for the community celebration.

  • The National Pet Day event will take place this Saturday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Maryland SPCA

The Maryland Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a nonprofit organization that provides care and adoption services for animals in need.

Kimco Realty

A real estate investment trust that owns and operates the Dorsey's Search Village Shopping Center in Ellicott City, where the National Pet Day event will be held.

John Pezzulla

The regional vice president of Kimco Realty, who highlighted the pet-friendly nature of the Ellicott City and Columbia area.

Vladoff

An adoptable dog from the Maryland SPCA who is looking for a new home and described as loving to play, run around, and receive belly rubs and kisses.

Katie Flory

The community relations director for the Maryland SPCA, who provided details about the free services and activities planned for the National Pet Day event.

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What they’re saying

“The Ellicott City and Columbia area is a huge community for pets. There's tons of dog parks. Our anchor tenant is Banfield and we thought it was a perfect, perfect match.”

— John Pezzulla, Regional Vice President, Kimco Realty

“Oh, he would love to be a part of your family. He just wants to play and run around. He does great in a home with older kids. He really loves belly rubs and loves to give kisses.”

— Katie Flory, Community Relations Director, Maryland SPCA

What’s next

The Maryland SPCA encourages anyone interested in adopting a pet to attend the National Pet Day event on Saturday to meet the available dogs and learn more about the adoption process.

The takeaway

This community event highlights the strong pet-friendly culture in the Ellicott City and Columbia area, providing an opportunity for locals to celebrate their furry friends, support animal welfare efforts, and potentially welcome a new four-legged family member.