The Humane Society of the Palouse is hosting its first ever Howl-O-Ween event from 2 – 6 p.m. Sunday at the Latah County Fair and Event Center in Moscow.

“We were coming up with a family-friendly event that dogs could come to and we thought Halloween would be the perfect opportunity to put on something like this,” said Tara Wimer, executive director of Humane Society of the Palouse.

Wimer said the event will have a dog costume contest, howling contest and a “tricks for a treat” competition. There will also be raffles every half hour, prizes for contest winners and a photobooth.

Several local businesses are sponsoring the event and Wimer said it has received a lot of community support.

“It was one of those things that was just a little spark with the staff and then a lot of our business partners were super stoked and jumped on board,” Wimer said.

Wimer said children are welcome at the event, but parents should instruct them on animal safety.

“We do have some tips on our Facebook event for how to prepare your dog for their costume,” Wimer said. “Same with the kids, how to make sure the kids can be safe when they’re around strange dogs.”

The event is free for participants who are 12 and under and $15 for those over 12, Wimer said.

Wimer said the money raised from the event goes to the Humane Society’s Merlin fund, which benefits animals who need lifesaving surgeries.

“[The fund is] what allows us to do surgeries that otherwise we wouldn’t be able to do, where euthanasia would be the only other option,” Wimer said. “It really supports the lifesaving measures we do here at the shelter.”