Michigan Animal Rescue Forced to Change Name of Event By Coachella

In a world where legal fights don’t really surprise anyone anymore, this one has people shaking their heads.

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A Michigan animal rescue is rebranding its upcoming fundraiser after hearing from lawyers representing the music festival Coachella over the use of the name “Pawchella.”

Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit announced this week that its June 13 fundraiser and festival will now be promoted online as “Pawfest” instead.

Why “Pawchella” Was Rebranded

According to a statement from the rescue’s President and CEO Cory Keller, attorneys representing Coachella contacted the organization last week claiming they hold a trademark connected to the use of “chella.” The shelter says it immediately sought legal advice and ultimately decided complying made more sense than spending time and money fighting over the name.

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Keller explains the shelter never intentionally violated a trademark and had no idea there could be an issue when the event launched three years ago. Their attorney requested permission to continue using the name through this year’s event because it’s so close and promotional materials had already been printed. That request was apparently approved as long as the organization stopped promoting “Pawchella” on social media and rebrands the event for 2027.

So while you’ll now see "Pawfest” online, printed flyers, raffle tickets, yard signs, and merch may still say "Pawchella."

Honestly, those shirts probably just became collector’s items.

Keller assures supporters that while the name has changed, nothing else about the event has:

While the name may evolve, the heart of this event has never changed. This event was always about bringing people, community, and animals together for a meaningful cause.

 

We hope you will come out on June 13 to support the animals and help make this event a success. Your support matters now more than ever.

Where the Money Goes

Money raised from Pawfest supports the work of Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit, which cares for nearly 2,500 homeless, neglected, and abandoned cats and dogs each year.

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Funds help cover food, shelter, vaccines, spay and neuter surgeries, flea prevention, foster care supplies, and emergency medical treatment for animals in need.

What Attendees Can Expect at Pawfest

The festival itself features live music from local bands, dog agility courses, dock diving, adoptable pets, food trucks, raffles, a beer garden, vendors, and family activities.

It will also include a large adopt-a-thon featuring dogs and cats from the shelter and rescue partners, along with additional fundraising raffles and merchandise sales benefiting animals across Metro Detroit.

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Despite the name change drama, the event is still set for June 13, noon to 8p.m. at the shelter's headquarters in Dearborn. Organizers say they plan to involve the community in choosing a new name for next year’s festival once this year’s event wraps up.