SoCal’s Top 5 Dog Events

It’s no secret, the people of Southern California love their pets! In fact, this may be one of the most pet friendly areas of the nation, as evidenced by our plethora of dog friendly events hosted each year. So what’s on the schedule for 2017? Lots. But I’ve managed to put together a list of five top-notch dog events that you won’t want to miss and are already scheduled for this year! Some of them are coming up soon, so get ready to enjoy this spring and summer to the full with your furry friends.

SoCal’s Best Dog-Friendly Events

Saddleback College Dog Fair

Place: Saddleback College
Time: April 27, 7:30am – 2:00pm

Saddleback College has put together the perfect dog fair/dog walk and with a noble purpose. The goals of the fair are (1) to help students plan and manage an event related to social responsibility and entrepreneurship, (2) to provide a day of relaxation and dog therapy for students, faculty and the community, and (3) to support local businesses and local animal shelters.

With those goals in mind, the students have put together quite a number of activities, contests and presentations that both you and your fur baby will love. For example, if your dog has the best ears, tail wag, costume or trick – you can show them off in a competition and even win a prize. There will be presentations by Guide Dogs of America, OC Police K9s, trainers, veterinarians, where you can get some valuable tips on training, grooming, even how to brush your dog’s teeth.

Just for fun, you can also check out some local dog businesses, a doggy kissing booth and some amazing dog photographers too. This is going to be a super fun event, and it’s coming up soon!

Strut Your Mutt

Place: Los Angeles
Time: October 21st
*Note – Exact time and location TBA

If you and your pup love dog walks with other dog lovers, then this event is perfect for you. Best Friends Animal Society puts on the event in multiple cities around the country each year. The goal? To raise funds to save the lives of homeless pets and to have a great time while bringing the community together. Last year the event raised more than $2.6 million! So join in this year and help save a furry life. The dog walk and festival is the perfect excuse to get outside and have some fun for a good cause.

Yappy Hour at the Ritz Carlton

Place: Ritz Carlton, Dana Point
Time: Various dates, 5pm – 8pm

Did you know the Ritz Carlton regularly puts on a Yappy Hour for fur babies and their owners? It’s true! “Haute hounds” can “sniff and schmooze” while enjoying their favorite flavored waters – bacon, chicken, beef or vegan. Meanwhile, the two-legged guests can relax with a glass of wine, beer or cocktails. Barbecue items are also available for purchase and all the proceeds of the event go to the Wounded Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence. Sounds like the perfect way to get out and socialize a little, doesn’t it? Check the website by following the link above for upcoming dates. Yappy Hour goes on at the Ritz about once a month.

Super Pet Adoption Event

Place: The City of Irvine Animal Care Center
Time: June 4, 10am – 4pm

This year is the 11th annual Super Pet Adoption put on by the City of Irvine Animal Care Center. Each year, dozens of animal shelters and pet rescue groups bring about 600 homeless animals that are available for adoption. You can meet a wide variety of dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals if you are considering adding a new member to your family. All of the animals are spayed, neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and have been evaluated by a vet.

In addition to plenty of adoption opportunities, you can browse a wide variety of products and services from pet-related vendors, take advantage of low-cost microchipping, grab a bite at one of several gourmet food trucks, participate in a silent auction and more. There is a suggested donation for the event of $5 per family or $2 per person.

Pups at the Park

Place: Dodger Stadium
Time: May 20, 7:10pm

Heads up baseball fans, this one is for you! Fans can purchase a special event ticket in the Right Field Pavilion that lets them bring their pups to help cheer on the Dodgers for their game with the Miami Marlins. Keep in mind that owners must bring proof of current vaccinations and sign a waiver. Tickets can be purchased online – just make sure you specify how many dog tickets and how many human tickets you want.

Even More Events for Dog Lovers

With so many events planned for this year, it was hard to showcase just five – in fact, it was impossible. So here are a few more pet-friendly or pet-related events you won’t want to miss:

Dogmanities Workshops – Sign up for workshop on everything from doggy CPR to canine massage therapy.

Surf Dog Competition – An annual competition for four-legged surfers.

Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California’s Annual Spring Games – Contests, crafts, food and more make this an amazing festival with proceeds helping save homeless hounds.

World’s Largest Pet Expo – Get all the knowledge and tools you need to keep your pet healthy and happy.

A few of these still haven’t announced their 2017 event dates, so be sure to check their respective websites for more information. Of course, this list of events by no means covers all doggy events here in SoCal, so if you are looking for something to do with Fido and nothing here fits your schedule or interests, feel free to give me a call and I can get you info on even more dog friendly events in our area.

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