The Somerville Foundation for Animals is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, established to raise funds for and awareness of companion animal-related issues within the community.

The Foundation strives to provide education and awareness about responsible pet ownership within the city, and to support, through donations and community involvement, local organizations in their efforts to provide care and education to pet owners and their companion animals.

The Foundation was founded in 2011 by Dr. Adam Parker, DVM and Marjie Alonso, CPDT, KPA CTP, CDBC, after years of community organization and involvement, including two large, successful fund raiser events, the 2010 and 2011 Somerville Dog Festivals.

The Somerville Dog Festival, the only one of its kind in the country, offers “Try It” areas for dog owners to experience myriad dog sports and activities with their dogs; demonstrations of those sports and more; a fashion show and owner-dog look-alike and tricks competitions for attendees; raffles, vendor booths; a demonstration of police K9 work; and free clinics in basic training for the public.

The goal of the event is to educate the public and promote healthy, happy pet ownership and activities, thereby lowering the need for relinquishment and euthanasia of animals due to behavior problems.

The Somerville Dog Festival raises funds for various shelters and rescues, and each event also raises funds to provide a K9 vest through Vest a Dog for local law enforcement K9 partners.

In addition to the Somerville Dog Festival, the Somerville Foundation for Animals offers free basic dog training clinics to the public, and raises funds through donations and corporate sponsorships.