Calling all dog and cat lovers, the Maple Ridge SPCA is inviting these pet enthusiasts to an open house at the shelter next weekend.

The animal-themed day of fun takes place Sunday, May 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the shelter at 10235 Jackson Rd.

In addition to featuring pets looking for loving homes, activities at the open house will include hot dogs and refreshments, face painting, a plant sale, nail trimming, education booths, and much more.

"The open house series is an opportunity for people to meet the animals available for adoption and to have fun learning more about how to help animals in the community," said Lorie Chortyk, general manager of community relations for the BC SPCA.

"We are extremely grateful to Hill's Science Diet for sponsoring this series to showcase the wonderful animals we have for adoption."

Hill's Canada donates food for all dogs, cats, puppies and kittens in BC SPCA branches to ensure that the animals receive a high-quality and consistent pet food.

The program promotes the health of shelter animals, making them more adoptable and enables animals to be transferred between shelters without suffering any ill effects from changing pet food.

Hill's also gives a bag of food to new pet owners with every BC SPCA cat or dog adoption.

"We are excited to partner with the BC SPCA for the annual open house series," said Brian Howard, GM for Hill's Canada.

"Hill's Shelter Nutrition Partnership with the BC SPCA is a natural extension of our mission: To help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets."

The BC SPCA adopts more than 18,000 animals each year. All animals adopted are vet-checked, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and assessed for temperament.

For more information about the open house, visit spca.bc.ca.

smclaren@mrtimes.com