Animal Protectors plans Halloween events inside, outside New Kensington shelter Saturday

A New Kensington animal shelter is decked out for Halloween and has festivities planned Saturday afternoon and evening.

The event, beginning at noon and culminating in an outdoor showing of the horror classic “Night of the Living Dead” is something new for Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley and the first big event at its new shelter in the former Logans Ferry Presbyterian Church school on Church Street.

“I really like classic films, so I wanted to do an outdoor movie,” said Sarah Powell, development director. “I figured, why not run with it and do a whole day of Halloween stuff.”

Festivities will begin at noon with trick-or-treating for kids until 2 p.m. It will include treats and pumpkin painting, and leashed dogs are welcome on the shelter’s lawn. Cost is $4 per child, or $10 per family.

Of, perhaps, particular interest inside the shelter is a standing, full-size, wooden coffin lined in red in which people will be able to get their picture taken.

A costume contest for cats and dogs will run from 3 to 5 p.m on the shelter’s front lawn. The cost is $5 per pet, with prizes awarded. Dogs must be on leashes, and small pets must be in carriers.

The movie, made in 1968 by George Romero, will start at 6:30 p.m. Those attending should bring their own seating and can bring their own food; snacks will be available to buy. Cost for the movie is $6 per person or $8 for those with a pet.

Registration for the pet costume contest and tickets for the movie are available at animalprotectors.net.

Proceeds will benefit the no-kill shelter.

“We’re completely self-funded,” board President Phyllis Framel said. “We get nothing from the city, state or county. We raise all our money ourselves from individual donations, grants, corporate donations — never-ending fundraising.”

Dr. Betsy Kennon, their volunteer veterinarian, decorated the grounds and inside the shelter, which opened in late 2020.

For those not able to see it then or during an open house held in September, the Halloween event provides an opportunity to explore inside, meet the dogs and cats and learn about the shelter’s mission.

The shelter is not at full capacity but is not at full staff, either, Powell said. Many animals, especially kittens and puppies, are in foster care.

“We’re always looking for fosters,” Framel said.

People interested in adopting will be able to fill out an application, the first step of the process, Powell said.

“It’s not a sad place at all,” Powell said. “We do our best to rescue and re-home these animals and provide them a place to stay until they find homes through fostering or adoption.”