FlickDirect Entertainment News

Strawberry Shortcake and The Animal Pad Host SDCC 2026 Pet Adoption Event

2 MIN READ
Strawberry Shortcake and The Animal Pad Host SDCC 2026 Pet Adoption Event
A dog shares a moment with its owner, reflecting the bond between people and their pets—a theme of the Strawberry Shortcake and The Animal Pad pet adoption event during San Diego Comic-Con 2026. Photo by . Photo courtesy of Eric Ward/Unsplash. All Rights Reserved.

Meet adoptable rescue dogs, enjoy family-friendly activities, and support a local nonprofit during this free San Diego Comic-Con off-site event.

For many visitors, some of San Diego Comic-Con's most enjoyable experiences happen outside the convention center. Throughout downtown San Diego, restaurants, parks, and businesses become temporary fan destinations, offering everything from immersive activations and themed experiences to community events open to anyone exploring the city during Comic-Con weekend.

Located in Seaport Village along San Diego Bay, Malibu Farm is within walking distance of the San Diego Convention Center, making it an easy stop for Comic-Con visitors exploring downtown between panels and off-site events.

Among this year's off-site events is one that swaps movie trailers and exclusive collectibles for wagging tails and rescue dogs. On Sunday, July 26, Strawberry Shortcake will partner with San Diego nonprofit The Animal Pad to host the Purrfect Pets Pawp-Up at Malibu Farm San Diego from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Open to Comic-Con attendees and the general public, the free event invites visitors to meet adoptable rescue dogs while learning more about The Animal Pad, an all-breed nonprofit rescue dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs in need.

Founded in San Diego, The Animal Pad is dedicated to giving rescue dogs a second chance through rehabilitation, foster care, and adoption. The Comic-Con event allows the organization to introduce its mission to visitors while helping more people learn about pet adoption.

Throughout the afternoon, guests can meet rescue dogs currently available for adoption, speak with volunteers about The Animal Pad's mission, and learn more about the adoption process. Even those who aren't looking to bring home a new pet can spend time with the dogs and support the organization's ongoing rescue efforts.

The event will also feature family-friendly activities, themed photo opportunities, and specialty treats, including pet-friendly "pupcakes" from Magnolia Bakery. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own dogs, making the afternoon a celebration of the relationships people share with their four-legged companions.

Strawberry Shortcake will appear throughout the event for meet-and-greets and photos with fans. Since debuting in the late 1970s, the character has remained a familiar favorite through animated series, books, toys, greeting cards, and licensed merchandise, making the Comic-Con appearance an opportunity for longtime fans to reconnect with a classic character while introducing her to younger audiences.

The event coincides with WildBrain's new Purrfect Pets campaign, inspired by Strawberry Shortcake and her Berry Besties. The campaign also introduces a new collection of Strawberry Shortcake-inspired pet accessories.

Fans of the franchise will also recognize Custard the Cat, Strawberry Shortcake's longtime feline companion. WildBrain said additional information about the Purrfect Pets campaign will be shared through Strawberry Shortcake's and Custard's official social media channels following Comic-Con.

While many Comic-Con off-site events focus on exclusive merchandise or immersive experiences, the Purrfect Pets Pawp-Up offers visitors something different by combining a fan event with a local pet adoption initiative.

The Purrfect Pets Pawp-Up takes place Sunday, July 26, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Malibu Farm San Diego in Seaport Village. Admission is free, and the event is open to the public. Visitors can meet adoptable rescue dogs, enjoy family-friendly activities, and learn more about The Animal Pad's rescue efforts throughout the afternoon.


SPONSORED LINKS