Rachael Ray at Book People with animals

AUSTIN (KXAN) - One of television's most popular food show hosts will be in Austin Tuesday night at Book People as part of a national signing tour for her newest book, " Look and Cook ." In a different twist, she is including animals as part of her stop.

Rachael Ray has teamed up with Best Friends Network Charities to co-host Pop Up Pet Adoption Events on her tour. Austin Pets Alive! was chosen as the local organization to partner with Ray in her efforts to assist with pet adoption.

Eighteen foster dogs will be available for adoption at the event during the signing, set for 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Ray is a big animal-adoption activist, even creating a website called Rachel's Rescue that highlights rescue efforts. She also has a line of natural dog food, Nutrish . A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Nutrish go to pet rescue and adoption groups across the nation - and the TV star recently donated $7,500 to Austin Pets Alive directly from the Nutrish proceeds.

Four pens with adoptable puppies will be set up outside the entrance to Book People. Austin Pets Alive! staff will also have an assortment of dogs walking on leashes. Ray has a soft spot for pit bulls, APA staff said, and two mixed-breed pits will be on site for adoption.

Book People is located at 603 N. Lamar Blvd. There are only a total 400 tickets being given out for the signing, and as of Tuesday midday, 150 were yet available. Ray will not pose for photos, though pictures of her can be taken while attendees stand in line. The order will be first-come, first-served, and Book People staff advises to line up beginning no earlier than 6 p.m.

Austin Pets Alive! is a nonprofit organization of volunteers dedicated to making Austin a no-kill city. The organization's purpose is two-fold:

• To provide the services needed to save the lives of the thousands of pets killed every year at the City of Austin Town Lake Animal Center
• To prevent them from getting there in the first place

Adoption fee is $150. This fee includes:

• spay or neuter surgery
• heartworm test on dogs over 6 months
• first or more vaccinations
• first or more deworming treatment
• microchip
• personality evaluation
• one month of pet health insurance