Party Time: The Ultimate Guide to Pet-Friendly Events

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The Dish on Dog-Friendly Events

Whether it's your neighbor's dog's birthday party or your local baseball stadium's "Bark in the Park" day, pet-friendly events are on the rise. If you're a pet parent, chances are, you've had at least one of those events on your calendar in recent years.

Pet-friendly events can be great for getting to know your community, meeting like-minded pet lovers, and raising money for local animal welfare organizations. Plus, your four-legged friend gets to have a fun outing (if your dog is into that sort of thing). But, when planning events with your pup, taking precautions is crucial to keep them safe and healthy.

Where to Find a Dog-Friendly Event

From small local events to large national ones, there are plenty of dog-friendly events to choose from.

Local Pet-Friendly Events

You can typically find pet-friendly events hosted by local parks and small businesses in your area. A simple internet search of "pet-friendly events near me" should help you find some options. Common pet events include pet expos, dog walks for charities, "Pups and Pints" brewery events, "Bark in the Park" days at baseball stadiums, and dog-friendly festivals, including fairs and farmer's markets. Some waterparks even offer "dog days," so your pup can have a splashing good time.

Pet-Friendly Holiday Events

Around the holidays, you can find festive events and opportunities like photos with Santa or the Easter Bunny, as well as dog-friendly light displays. Dog costume contests, pet-friendly pumpkin patches, and "Howl-o-ween" events are also popular in the fall.

National Pet-Friendly Events

If you have an athletic dog, The Frankenmuth Dog Bowl, which takes place every spring in Michigan, is one of the largest dog events in the country. Active dogs can enjoy sports like dock diving, frisbee competitions, agility courses, and more. Have more of a couch potato pup? Don't worry; spectators are also welcome, and plenty of other dog-friendly activities exist. You and your four-legged friend can enjoy watching the competitions, browsing the pet marketplace, and checking out the pet parade.

Do you have a unique-looking pup that you'd love to show off? The World's Ugliest Dog Contest takes place every summer in California and is the ultimate underdog show. From unusual breed mixes and hairless wonders to extra-large ears and excessively droopy jowls, the World's Ugliest Dog Contest is the opposite of a traditional dog show, celebrating the most beautifully unique pups.

Host Your Own Dog-Friendly Event

Want to celebrate your dog's birthday with all their friends, or would you prefer to throw your own dog-friendly event? There are lots of ways to throw a dog party! Look for pet-friendly event venues such as private dog parks like Sniffspots, doggy daycares, or dog play gyms like Zoom Rooms that host dog parties. Many even offer unique party packages with decorations, party favors, "pupcakes," and more.

Know Before You Go (Or Throw) That Pet Party

While we all want our pups to have a great time at events, safety should always come first when mixing dogs, food, and outdoor activities! Here are some things to keep in mind for your next dog-friendly event.

• Make sure the pups are healthy enough to play. A healthy dog always has more fun. Being current on vaccines, parasite prevention, and vet check-ups is crucial. Puppies that haven't had all their vaccines yet and dogs with specific health issues aren't good candidates for group gatherings. Infectious diseases and parasites can quickly spread among dogs, so taking precautions is essential. Learn how pet insurance may be able to help your pet in case of any unexpected illnesses.
• Consider your dog's temperament. Temperament is critical when putting a group of dogs and people together. If your dog doesn't enjoy social interactions, a group setting won’t be any fun. It can be stressful, so leaving the "loners" at home is best. If you want to socialize a dog with a history of avoidant behavior, reactivity, or aggression towards dogs or people, try working with a trainer in a controlled environment instead.
• Check the weather. With most dog events occurring outside, checking the weather, especially the temperature, is critical! Heat and humidity are already dangerous for dogs, and they can overheat quickly with the added excitement and exercise. Mind the weather at pet events and watch your dog for signs of overexertion or heatstroke like excessive panting, bright red gums, weakness, or disorientation.
• Use caution with toys and treats. While toys and treats are always the best part of a party for some pups, for others, it can cause resource-guarding issues and fights. Know the type of canine crowd you're working with and use caution when passing out toys and treats to the group.
• Ensure safety and security. The event space must be safe and secure for all the pups. Spaces should be free of potential pet hazards and secure enough to prevent escape. Having a basic pet first aid kit on hand and contact information for the nearest emergency vet can also be helpful in case a dog gets sick or injured.

How to Have a Howling Good Time

Ready to host a party with dogs? Here's how to make sure they have a pawsome time!

• Plan some dog-friendly activities. If you're throwing a pet-friendly event, have some games and activities to entertain the pups. You can find backyard dog obstacle courses online that are quick and easy to set up or create your own nosework area with some puzzles and games. Don’t forget: make sure only one dog goes at a time to prevent conflicts.
• Set up a cooling area. If your event is outdoors, consider setting up an area where the dogs can cool down. Ensure it's shaded and includes fans, cooling mats, splash pads, sprinklers, or mini pools. Even when the weather isn't hot, dogs can overheat from playing and need a place to cool down. Some doggy ice cream cups or "pupsicles" can be a fun cooling treat. Of course, be sure to provide plenty of fresh drinking water!
• Make a relaxation zone. Some dogs may need a break from all the excitement or even a place to take a nap. Consider setting up a "relaxation zone" away from the main party area. Include some pop-up dog pens or crates, so pups have a safe space to remain unbothered by other dogs. You may also consider having separate areas for small and large dogs.
• Have a cleanup station. Nothing will ruin a party faster than dog poop everywhere! Plus, with so many dogs running around, there's bound to be some dirt or mud getting tracked around. Set up a cleaning station with plenty of poop bags, pet wipes, towels, and some hand sanitizer for your fellow pet parents.
• Send home party favors. For an extra special treat, send the pups home with fun "pawty" favors. Include treats, toys, or even special homemade dog treats.

Final Takeaways on Dog-Friendly Events

Whether you're traveling to a big event with your dog, throwing them a birthday party, or just heading to the local farmer's market with your pup in tow, bringing your dog along requires a little planning. Consider your dog's health and temperament when bringing them to events, and make sure you have all the essentials to keep them cool and hydrated.

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