Dasher, who’s the longest-tenured resident of the Belmont County Animal Shelter, is dressed up in anticipation for Saturday’s cutest pet contest at the Ohio Valley Mall. (Photo Provided)

The Ohio Valley Mall will be filled with Belmont County’s cutest pets Saturday.

Belmont County Animal Shelter and Belmont County Cat Stray Shun will sponsor the cutest pet contest at the mall’s center court at 11 a.m. Saturday. Registration is $10 and will benefit the Belmont County Animal Shelter.

In addition to registration fees, Cat Stray Shun will also be selling a plethora of Christmas decor, which will go towards its spay and neuter program.

“It’s for any kind of a friendly pet that you have contained on a leash. We have plenty of trophies, and we have several categories,” Cat Stray Shun founder Candace Fleagane said. “While we’re there, we are going to have kittens on display that are available for adoption, and several Christmas wreaths and swags of all kinds of decor and decorations for sale to raise money for the cat program.”

Contest categories include best costume, cutest pet, best tricks, just because, happiest pet and best pet overall.

The winners’ owners will receive a trophy provided by Fleagane and a gift basket with $5 gift cards, provided by the Ohio Valley Mall to the top three prizes.

Fleagane said the event used to exist annually but faded out until five years ago, when the shelter reignited the contest as a way to engage with the community.

“It brings people and their pets together. Maybe one of our pets will get adopted, but it’s just a good public relations thing to be there at the mall,” she said. “We try to go to as many places as we can, Rural King Pet Supply, and the Ohio Valley Mall to get our pets out where people can see them.”

In addition to the pet contest, Fleagane will be selling Christmas decor at Barnesville Hospital from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 22.

On Oct. 23, she will host a bake sale and Christmas decor sale at the Belmont County Courthouse from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cat Stray Shun will also have a craft show at the St. Clairsville Eagles on Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Fleagane said she is looking to rent out table space to local vendors.

“We’re looking for vendors to give us a call. Each space is $25 or two spaces for $40,” she said. “We want everybody to hurry up and call because we already have several craft spaces reserved.”

For a vending spot, call Fleagane at 740-338-9339.