It’s National Dog Week, but you can celebrate it any week you wish throughout the year. Having an official reason to spend time with your dog on an adventure around town is always fun! Attending local events for dogs near you is a fantastic socialization opportunity for puppies and humans. You get to enjoy the company of other dog lovers, make friends, check out dog-themed products, and learn about dog-related efforts in the community.
From major cities to small towns, check out this sampling of local dog events to attend to celebrate National Dog Week with your puppy.
Where Can I Find Dog Events Near Me?
Chances are you’ll find at least one dog-friendly event per season designed to celebrate All Things Dog. The easiest way to find "dog events near me" is to google that exact phrase and see what pops up. Websites like bringfido.com and eventbrite.com usually have an excellent selection of pooch-positive events to attend. You can also check your vet and local organizations to see if they have anything planned. Social media can also be a great way to spread the word about dog-friendly events. Seasoned dog owners may have their favorite festivals and events and invite you to attend with them.
We’ve highlighted a sample of dog events in major cities to give you a glimpse into the huge variety of opportunities near you. While you may not live in these cities, use these events as inspiration to find similar happenings in your area. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can work with local businesses and organizations to start a similar event and invite dog lovers in your area.
Which US Cities Have the Most Registered Dog Owners?
According to the American Pet Products Association, 65 million households in the US own a dog. Many of these owners consider dogs an important part of their family and love to include them when looking for somewhere to have fun.
It’s no surprise that the higher the concentration of dog owners, the more dog-friendly events will pop up. According to US News & World Report, the top 10 cities in the US with the most registered dog owners are:
- Los Angeles
- New York
- Chicago
- Denver
- San Diego
- Miami
- Houston
- Brooklyn
- Portland
- San Francisco
“Dog Events Near Me” to Attend With Your Puppy
Cities, suburbs, and rural towns nationwide host dog events year-round for residents and visitors to enjoy. Check out these dog-friendly events offered near you to help dog owners celebrate National Dog Week every weekend!
Los Angeles area: Surf Dog Competition and Festival
Not far from Los Angeles, Huntington Dog Beach hosts the annual Surf City Surf Dog competition. Each year, dog lovers and their handlers wow crowds with their totally bodacious gnarly surfing moves. If your dog doesn’t catch a wave, there’s plenty more to do like browsing a dog expo, supporting local dog causes, and meeting fellow dog and surf enthusiasts.
New York City area: Frenchies of Brooklyn
The diversity and variety of dogs in New York City guarantee you’ll see all types of dogs prancing around on the streets from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. However, sometimes it’s nice to be among familiar faces. Dog breed-specific meetups give you a chance to connect with people who have the same dog breed – and interests – as you. Frenchies of Brooklyn meets every Sunday at Hillside Dog Park, conveniently located near several means of transportation with nearby dog-friendly cafes and an incredible view of The City. Friendships are formed between humans and canines, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding area after the weekly meetup.
Chicago area: Lakeview Halloween PupCrawl
Puppies and dogs march up and down Halstead in Chicago for the Lakeview Halloween PupCrawl. Dressed in elaborate costumes, dogs and their owners enjoy showing off while they trick-or-treat for treats, giveaways, and prizes. Dogs can get their picture taken at a special photo booth or have brunch at a local dog-friendly restaurant while waiting to see who won the raffle.
Honolulu area: The Hawai’i Wiener Derby
You’ve never sausage a dog, especially a pack of wiener dogs running toward a finish line! If you love watching these little dogs in action, a vacation is in order to Honolulu with plenty of pet-friendly resorts and hotels near the event. The Hawai’i Wiener Derby is held each October at Kualoa Ranch in a stunning setting. In addition to cheering on the Grand Champion Dachshunds, attendees can wear costumes, participate in a puppy parade, and visit local vendor booths.
Photo by Chris Flood
Rehoboth Beach: Greyhounds Reach the Beach
There are over 30 types of hound dog breeds, so why not celebrate them all at the Greyhounds Reach the Beach event in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware? Held every Columbus Day weekend, Greyhounds Reach the Beach serves retired Greyhounds and other hounds through socialization, education, and adoption. Events include wellness lectures, a Beer & Biscuit mixer, Yappy Hour, vending, guided walks, boat tours, a silent auction and raffle, an ice cream social, and of course, Sighthound Olympic Competitions. Cheer on your favorite Greyhound and enjoy the beautiful beach if you’re in the area.
Saluda, NC: Annual Coon Dog Day Festival
In the rural Appalachian mountains near Asheville, NC, a small town called Saluda hosts the Annual Coon Dog Day Festival every July, attracting over 10,000 people to celebrate coonhounds. Started in 1963, this lively event includes a variety of activities like a dog judging contest, a street fair, a parade, dancing, a fun run, and vendors. The culminating activity is a treeing contest where the coondog that bays the longest at a fake treed raccoon wins!
San Antonio area: Paws in the Pool and Dog Day at San Antonio Zoo
During the dog days of summer, there’s nothing more refreshing than a dip in the pool if you’re a dog. However, most dogs aren’t allowed in pools until one special day when Paws in the Pool is held at Pickrell Park Pool in San Antonio. Large dogs and small dogs enjoy separate swim areas and playing with toys while their owners enjoy lounging in nearby lawn chairs. The pool can accommodate up to 60 vaccinated dogs with plenty of splashing going on!
San Antonio Zoo also offers a dog-friendly Dog Day for vaccinated dogs and their owners. Dogs will go wild over the new sights, sounds, and smells they will encounter. A detailed map shows where dogs are allowed, relief stations, and fresh water bowls. Polite, leashed dogs will love seeing kangaroos, hippos, monkeys, and big cats at the zoo!
What Other Types of Dog-Friendly Events Can I Attend?
With a sampling of dog-friendly events across the country, you may have a better idea of what appeals to you and your puppy. Look for these dog-themed events near you:
- Pet portrait painting parties
- Fundraisers for charities and organizations
- Halloween contests/fall festivals
- Training and education classes
- Volunteer opportunities
- Dog-friendly movie nights
- Trivia at a Dog-friendly bar
- Dog nights at breweries
Choose a Pawrade Puppy Pal This National Dog Week
When you’re ready to buy a puppy in a major city, your search may come up empty-pawed. Even though there may seem to be a plethora of opportunities for adoption, none of them have worked out for you so far. Long applications, waitlists that never move, wanting to avoid pet stores, and being wary of social media posts from backyard breeders have made you question, “Where can I find a puppy near me?”
At Pawrade, of course! We offer puppies for adoption near every major city in the US. No matter where you are located in the United States, Pawrade offers puppies for sale near you in urban, suburban, and rural locations. We have excellent convenient puppy travel options to get your puppy safely into your arms. Our extensive network of trustworthy breeders works with customers to find the perfect puppy for them, no matter how far away. Adopt a Pawrade puppy pal and head to your nearest dog-friendly event!
