The Agricultural Arena was a haven for animal lovers yesterday when Centre County PAWS, Inc. held the second annual Pet Extravaganza. The event included a rabies clinic, a microchip identification clinic, and displays from various animal rescue groups and veterinary clinics.

PAWS is an animal rescue and adoption agency, which places about 300 cats and 150 dogs in permanent homes each year.

The extravaganza attempts to educate the community about animal care and to raise money for PAWS. Last year the event raised $4,700 for the organization's spay and neuter assistance programs, event chair Deborah Bezilla said. Most of the money is made from the silent auction, which went on throughout the day.

The event, held with the Penn State Pre-Vet club, offered the rabies clinic and the microchip clinic at half the cost of the same service from a veterinarian.

Bezilla added that the reason many animals are homeless is because people do not spay or neuter their pets.

"The fewer animals that are out on the streets, the fewer that we must find homes for," Bezilla said.

The microchip clinic was a new addition this year. This service places a microchip slightly larger than a grain of rice into the animal. When the pet is scanned the special electronic reader displays a pet's identification number that can be used to locate its owners.

The Nittany Greyhounds were also at the event yesterday. They work to adopt racers from across the nation.

Club member Mary Deeter said that the majority of the greyhounds were caged for most of their life.

"Considering that they have been in downright dismal circumstances . . . they are still happy animals," Deeter said as she lovingly petted one of her two rescued greyhounds.

Animals included in the event were not limited to dogs and cats. Various wildlife rescue organizations brought along snakes, birds and bats for demonstrations.

Other events during the day included a police dog demonstration, best dressed pet contests, pet and owner lookalike contests, and activities for children.