PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

[Updated June 9, 2025: Anthrocon raised $89,000 for its designated Pittsburgh charity, Nose 2 Tail Cat Rescue.]

It’s almost time again for the furries.

Anthrocon is returning to Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center July 3-6, drawing a possible record crowd of 18,000 to 20,000 attendees.

The furry community — those with a strong interest in animals with human-like characteristics — has seen unprecedented growth since the pandemic in 2020; last year there were 17,639 participants attending, said John Cole, public outreach director of Anthrocon. As recently as 2023, the convention attracted 13,600 attendees.

While Pittsburghers will start seeing furries bopping around town in early July, there are a couple of public events planned: There will be the Anthrocon Block Party on Saturday July 5, from noon to 10 p.m., when Penn Avenue between Ninth and 11th streets will be closed to traffic.

Additionally that day, the Fursuit Parade, beginning in Hall C at 2 p.m., plans to march out on the streets under the convention center.

Anthrocon is making a few accommodations this year to handle the large crowds. Even though the organization has contacts with 22 hotels in the Pittsburgh area, that’s not enough to house all those expected to attend the convention, Cole said. This year, the convention will offer a shuttle to most hotel properties and the convention center between 8 a.m. and 3 a.m.

It also has had to make changes to its registration procedures — with the anticipation of having to cap attendance — because organizers expect the crowds will reach capacity at the convention center. Those who still want to attend but have not yet registered still have the opportunity to register on site, but they have to understand there is a risk they may not be able to gain membership to the conference, with the surplus of attendees.

Anthrocon urges its attendees to plan ahead and to anticipate long waits at restaurants and congested shuttle spots at prime hours of the day. They offer a parking lot map, hotel shuttle schedule and convention guides to check out in preparation.

Cole said that Anthrocon in recent years has pumped $20 million into Pittsburgh’s economy each year. Started in Albany in 1997, the convention has called Pittsburgh its annual home since 2006.

Anthrocon also chooses a charity to support on their visits here. Since the first annual convention was held in 1997, they have raised a combined $647,000 in the past 28 years.

This year, they are partnering with Nose 2 Tail Cat Rescue, a no-kill, volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to feline health, safety and care.

The organization has found homes for more than 700 cats in the last seven years and their mission is “to reduce overpopulation and euthanasia rates of cats through education, adoption and providing a safe, loving environment for our furry friends,” according to their website.

They currently lease their space, but hope to one day own a permanent cat rescue facility.

This year’s Anthrocon theme is “Deep Sea Adventures” to celebrate marine life and to imagine what land creatures might look like underwater. Cole is encouraging everyone to have fun with the theme.

Every year, Anthrocon draws participants from other countries — usually 8% to 15% of the total number of those attending, Cole said. Some international academic and business conventions this year have reported lower numbers coming from overseas because of concerns about crossing the U.S. border, but Cole said he had not heard of any issues affecting the furries.

Organizers have a section for their international attendees on their website, and anyone who is concerned is advised to speak with their immigration lawyer or customs officer.