If you own a pet, are a pet lover or just like to admire animals from afar, you may want to head over to The Birdhouse in Braselton today for the Humane Society of Jackson County’s annual PetFest.

Event organizers promise something for everyone: arts and craft vendors, a children’s play area and live performances by two bands.

Don’t think the Humane Society forgot about the animals; it is a PetFest, after all. Among other things, there will be pet-related vendors, microchipping and pet portrait sittings.

Despite the recession, event organizers believe this is going to be the biggest PetFest in the event’s four-year history.

"We are getting lower (sponsor) dollar amounts, although from basically the same amount of supporters. We have heard a lot about reduced budgets, but we expected this going in," said Roxanne Rose, a humane society volunteer. "We have a bigger committee this year, plus we are building on the fact that this is now an established event, and we are very proud to say the number of vendors is growing."

Rose says the event will include a silent auction, door prizes and the opportunity to win a year’s supply of Natural Balance Dog Food and two tickets to an Atlanta Falcons game.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"The Pet Parade will kick off the pet contests at 2 p.m.," Rose said. "Entrants in the parade will have the opportunity to participate in the pet contest, which includes prizes for dogs and their owners who are the best owner and dog look-alike, most school spirit, ‘Uga’ look-alike, best costume and best kisser."

The Jackson County Chapter of the UGA Alumni Association will hold its spring get-together at PetFest.

There will be canine good citizen testing available and several rescue groups will be on hand with adoptable animals.