Pet adoptions and free family fun are the focus of the 12th Annual Bow-Wows & Meows Pet Fair taking place at Newhall’s William S. Hart Park on Sunday, Oct. 14.

The popular fair, sponsored by Merial Ltd., makers of Frontline Plus and Heartgard Plus, will feature an exciting lineup of entertainment, pet-related vendors and dogs and cats from Los Angeles County shelters with low adoption fees of just $30. Cats over the age of 9 months can be adopted for $9, thanks to a promotion from Found Animals Foundation. All pets are spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and licensed at time of adoption.

“Our mission is to celebrate pets, encourage animal awareness and promote pet adoption. We‘re happy that thousands of people agree and join us each year to participate,” said founder Yvonne Allbee. “Of course, our biggest thrill is when these wonderful pets find homes. Last year, we adopted out more than 160 dogs and cats and we’re hoping to increase that number in 2012.”

The festivities kick off at 11 a.m. with a delicious array of food (including vegetarian options) and awesome entertainment from Bob Singer’s Border Collies at 11:30 and 2:30 p.m. The Famous Fun Dog Show, with categories ranging from best vocalist to mystery mutt to pet-owner look alike, will take place at 1:30 p.m.

“Bow-Wows & Meows remains a great free event for families in our community and beyond, which is a real bonus in these tough economic times,” Allbee said.

Personalized ID tags and children’s bracelets, pet photographers and a special $8 day pass to the Kids Zone ride area are just some of the fair’s highlights. Shopping opportunities range from premium pet food to fantastic pet accessories. Leashed, well-behaved, socialized dogs are welcome to attend the fair with their owners.

Bow-Wows & Meows will also feature free rabies and low-cost vaccines from TAGS and a free micro-chipping clinic from AngelDogs Foundation; county license renewals will also be available on site for pet owners.

Since it began in 2001, the Valencia-based Bow-Wows & Meows, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, has adopted out more than 1,200 shelter animals at their annual pet fairs.

“Not only is adoption cost-effective, it saves shelter animals and reduces the overpopulation problem created by breeders and pet stores, which usually purchase their puppies from puppy mills,” Allbee said. “Our goal is for every pet that came to the fair that day to be sleeping in their new home that night.”

Bow-Wows & Meows Pet Fair, Sunday, October 14 at William S. Hart Park, 24151 Newhall Avenue, Newhall. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. For more information, visit www.bowwowsandmeows.org or call (661) 297-5961. Hart Park will offer shuttled parking for people and pets at just $3 and free parking remains available in the surrounding areas.