City of Kent’s Paw Fest spotlights pet adoptions and licensing partnership with RASK

Tracy Taylor, Communications Coordinator for the City of Kent, welcomed residents to Paw Fest 2026 at City Hall and described the event as a partnership with Regional Animal Services of South King County (RASK) to promote pet licensing and find homes for animals.

"Hi, I'm Tracy Taylor, Communications Coordinator for the City of Kent, and welcome to Paw Fest 2026," Taylor said, noting the event pairs licensing services with adoption opportunities. Organizers said Kent Kitty Hall, held just before Paw Fest, brought many adoptable animals to the site.

Organizers reported roughly 15 kittens and three adult cats were available at the event, and that five kittens had already been adopted by early turnout. Taylor said outreach events like Paw Fest help people who cannot get to a shelter meet animals in person and increase adoption chances.

A resident at the event called the gathering "so exciting" and said it offered a chance for people to meet one another and city officials while seeing animals available for adoption. Another returning attendee described Paw Fest as critical to building a vibrant community and creating spaces for residents to come together.

Vendors and community partners also participated. A presenter representing a participating business noted that, despite the rain, the vendor presence and partnerships added value to the event and helped connect residents with local services.

Organizers urged visitors to consider adopting or learning about licensing at the event. The City of Kent and RASK said they aim to reduce returns to shelters by placing animals in homes at community events. The event continued with adoption opportunities and vendor activities through the day.