Upcoming events
3rd Annual Paw-liday Festival presented by Pet Valu
We're bringing back the Dog Friendly KW Paw-liday Festival, presented by Pet Valu, to Downtown Kitchener—a hyper-local festive holiday market filled with exciting vendors and attractions to round out a truly unforgettable holiday experience!
Event Highlights:
Canine Good Neighbor Test
Prove your pup belongs on the nice list with the CKC Good Neighbor Test, hosted by Taylored Canines!Cost: $55 per assessment
Sign-Up: Required, first-come, first-served
Earn a certificate and celebrate your pup’s achievement with festive fun!
Photos with Santa
Capture the magic of the holidays with a festive photo of your pup and Santa Claus.Free: From 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Professional Photos: From 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Silent Auction
Bid on items from local businesses and support Dog Friendly KW!The auction closes at 4:00 p.m. on November 30th.
You must be on-site to claim your winnings.
Doggie Holiday Beverages
Treat your pup to their very own seasonal drink! On the menu:Dog-safe "Hot Cocoa"
Apple Toddies
Letter to Santa Station
Help your pup or little ones write a letter to Santa! A magical way to share holiday wishes.Holiday Ornament Crafting
Create your own holiday ornament for free! Add a personalized touch to your festive décor.
Activities Times:
10:15am - Pack Walk with Leader of the Pack KW
11:00am - Holiday Musical Sits
12:00pm - Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest
*Register at the Dog Friendly KW booth by 11:45am
1:00pm - The Hawk and I - Pet Psychic
2:00pm - Canine Enrichment Workshop
3:00pm - Trick-Mas Competition
*Register at the Dog Friendly KW booth by 2:45am
4:00pm - Intro to Scent & Shed Workshop
with Woof Whisperer
3:00pm to 4:00pm - Photos with Santa
*Take your own photos with Santa for free
4:00pm to 5:00pm - Photos with Santa
*Professional photos with Victor Rose Pets -$30 (part of the proceeds go to support DFKW)
4th Annual Howloween Pooch Party
It's happening! Join us for our 4th Annual Howloween Pooch Party on the Gaukel Block in Downtown Kitchener.
This event is FREE.
12:00pm- Pack Walk with Leader of the Pack KW
1:00pm - The Hawk and I - Pet Psychic
2:00pm - Spooky Musical Sit
2:30pm - Trick Workshop
3:00pm - Costume Contest
4:00pm - Dog Trivia
4:30pm - Scent Workshop
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Event Guidelines:
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
DOGtoberfest
Dog Friendly KW is excited to bring you DOGtoberfest, presented by Nutram, and sponsored by Global Pet Foods, as part of the 2024 KW Oktoberfest Festival.
DOGtoberfest will take over the Gaukel Block in Downtown Kitchener on on Saturday, October 12th and Sunday, October 13th.
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Activities Times | Sunday Oct 13th:
11:00 am - Pack Walk with Leader of the Pack KW
12:00 pm - Global Pet Foods Super Dogs Performance
1:00 pm - Pawgress KW x Elmira Pack Walks: Exposure Practice Session
2:00 pm - Global Pet Foods Super Dogs Performance
3:00 pm - Mr & Mrs Dogtoberfest - Crowning Ceremony
4:00 pm - Global Pet Foods Super Dogs Performance
5:00 pm - Pup-Tathlon
5:30 pm - Pup-Tathlon Awards
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Event Guidelines:
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
DOGtoberfest
Dog Friendly KW is excited to bring you DOGtoberfest, presented by Nutram, and sponsored by Global Pet Foods, as part of the 2024 KW Oktoberfest Festival.
DOGtoberfest will take over the Gaukel Block in Downtown Kitchener on on Saturday, October 12th and Sunday, October 13th.
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Activities Times | Saturday Oct 12th:
11:00 am - Pack Walk with Leader of the Pack KW
11:30 am - Open Ceremony: Keg Tapping with TWB
12:00 pm - Global Pet Foods Super Dogs Performance
1:00 pm - Polka Musical Sit
2:00 pm - Global Pet Foods Super Dogs Performance
3:00 pm - Mr & Mrs Dogtoberfest - Talent Show
4:00 pm - Global Pet Foods Super Dogs Performance
5:00 pm - Polka Dance Off
5:30 pm - Dogtoberfest Hoe-down (Country Music Themed Musical Sit)
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Event Guidelines:
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
Orange Shirt Day Pack Walk in support of Woodland Cultural Centre
Join us for our third annual Orange Shirt Day Pack Walk in support of Woodland Cultural Centre.
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Friday September 27th | 6:30 pm | Huron Natural Area, Kitchener
**Pay what you can with a minimum donation of $10 to Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford, Ontario. Please wear orange**
***Please register in advance here***
Merchandise, including dog bandanas, from Save Rez Dogs will also be available for purchase on-site.
Pack Walk Guidelines
Have your dog on a 6 ft leash. No retractable leashes, please!
Give space to others and their dogs.
Save greetings until after the walk, and ensure you ask for permission first!
Beep system: if you need to stop at any time, say "beep" and then use "pitter patter" cue when you're ready to begin again.
Mutts on Main
Mutts on Main
Location: Main St, Downtown Galt, Cambridge
Join us for a dog friendly block party in beautiful, historic, Downtown Galt in partnership with the Downtown Cambridge BIA.
More details coming soon.
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Event Guidelines:
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
Barks & Brews
Barks & Brews is coming back again for a third summer!
Dog Friendly KW and TWB Co-operative Brewing have teamed up on this free bi-weekly patio meet-up every other Thursday from 5-7 pm from June 6th until August 29th.
Pop by after work, grab a beverage, soak up the sunshine with your pup and mix & mingle with local dog owners!
—————————————
Event Guidelines
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
Pupilates | Pups & Poses
Our weekly series features local yoga and pilates instructors and offers an opportunity to have your dog coexist in a calm state while you enjoy a yoga & pilates practice. The event is dog-friendly, but you don't have to have a pup to join, all welcome!
Sponsored by Downtown Kitchener & Vive Development
Date:
Tuesdays from June 11 - August 27
Time:
5:30-6:15 pm Pupilates
6:30-7:30 pm Pups & Poses
Location:
Willow River Park off Roland St
Bring your own mat. No pilates or yoga experience is necessary. All bodies are welcome. FREE.
—————————————
Event Guidelines:
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
If your dog is having difficulty settling, consider taking a break and trying to return to the practice.
Dogs & Drag
Join us for our second annual Dogs & Drag Show in partnership with TWB Co-operative Brewing and some of our favourite local drag performers!
A portion of each ticket helps to support two amazing local organizations:
KW Humane Society & Dog Friendly KW
Featuring Performances by:
Melody Bijou
Elixxirr
Archer Backmore
Sasha Tease
Kara Melle
Peach Blossom
MissConduct
Dickson Mypocket
Tickets available at TWB Co-operative Brewing
Pupilates | Pups & Poses
Our weekly series features local yoga and pilates instructors and offers an opportunity to have your dog coexist in a calm state while you enjoy a yoga & pilates practice. The event is dog-friendly, but you don't have to have a pup to join, all welcome!
Sponsored by Downtown Kitchener & Vive Development
Date:
Tuesdays from June 11 - August 27
Time:
5:30-6:15 pm Pupilates
6:30-7:30 pm Pups & Poses
Location:
Willow River Park off Roland St
Bring your own mat. No pilates or yoga experience is necessary. All bodies are welcome. FREE.
—————————————
Event Guidelines:
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
If your dog is having difficulty settling, consider taking a break and trying to return to the practice.
Ancaster Pet Festival
Join us for another SNIFFSCAPE Pop Up at the Ancaster Pet Festival.
Date:
Saturday August 17th
Time:
10:00am to 4:00pm
Location:
Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Rd S, Jerseyville, ON L0R 1R0
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Event Guidelines:
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
If your dog is having difficulty settling, consider taking a break and trying to return to the practice.
Barks & Brews
Barks & Brews is coming back again for a third summer!
Dog Friendly KW and TWB Co-operative Brewing have teamed up on this free bi-weekly patio meet-up every other Thursday from 5-7 pm from June 6th until August 29th.
Pop by after work, grab a beverage, soak up the sunshine with your pup and mix & mingle with local dog owners!
—————————————
Event Guidelines
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
Pupilates | Pups & Poses
Our weekly series features local yoga and pilates instructors and offers an opportunity to have your dog coexist in a calm state while you enjoy a yoga & pilates practice. The event is dog-friendly, but you don't have to have a pup to join, all welcome!
Sponsored by Downtown Kitchener & Vive Development
Date:
Tuesdays from June 11 - August 27
Time:
5:30-6:15 pm Pupilates
6:30-7:30 pm Pups & Poses
Location:
Willow River Park off Roland St
Bring your own mat. No pilates or yoga experience is necessary. All bodies are welcome. FREE.
—————————————
Event Guidelines:
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
If your dog is having difficulty settling, consider taking a break and trying to return to the practice.
Pupilates | Pups & Poses
Our weekly series features local yoga and pilates instructors and offers an opportunity to have your dog coexist in a calm state while you enjoy a yoga & pilates practice. The event is dog-friendly, but you don't have to have a pup to join, all welcome!
Sponsored by Downtown Kitchener & Vive Development
Date:
Tuesdays from June 11 - August 27
Time:
5:30-6:15 pm Pupilates
6:30-7:30 pm Pups & Poses
Location:
Willow River Park off Roland St
Bring your own mat. No pilates or yoga experience is necessary. All bodies are welcome. FREE.
—————————————
Event Guidelines:
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
If your dog is having difficulty settling, consider taking a break and trying to return to the practice.
Barks & Brews
Barks & Brews is coming back again for a third summer!
Dog Friendly KW and TWB Co-operative Brewing have teamed up on this free bi-weekly patio meet-up every other Thursday from 5-7 pm from June 6th until August 29th.
Pop by after work, grab a beverage, soak up the sunshine with your pup and mix & mingle with local dog owners!
—————————————
Event Guidelines
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
Pupilates | Pups & Poses
Our weekly series features local yoga and pilates instructors and offers an opportunity to have your dog coexist in a calm state while you enjoy a yoga & pilates practice. The event is dog-friendly, but you don't have to have a pup to join, all welcome!
Sponsored by Downtown Kitchener & Vive Development
Date:
Tuesdays from June 11 - August 27
Time:
5:30-6:15 pm Pupilates
6:30-7:30 pm Pups & Poses
Location:
Willow River Park off Roland St
Bring your own mat. No pilates or yoga experience is necessary. All bodies are welcome. FREE.
—————————————
Event Guidelines:
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
If your dog is having difficulty settling, consider taking a break and trying to return to the practice.
Pupilates | Pups & Poses
Our weekly series features local yoga and pilates instructors and offers an opportunity to have your dog coexist in a calm state while you enjoy a yoga & pilates practice. The event is dog-friendly, but you don't have to have a pup to join, all welcome!
Sponsored by Downtown Kitchener & Vive Development
Date:
Tuesdays from June 11 - August 27
Time:
5:30-6:15 pm Pupilates
6:30-7:30 pm Pups & Poses
Location:
Willow River Park off Roland St
Bring your own mat. No pilates or yoga experience is necessary. All bodies are welcome. FREE.
—————————————
Event Guidelines:
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
If your dog is having difficulty settling, consider taking a break and trying to return to the practice.
The Eras Tour: Responsible Dog Ownership Version - FREE
Date:
July 20, 2024
Time:
11 am - 6 pm
Location:
Gaukel Block, Downtown Kitchener
*located beside Kitchener's Rib & Craft Beer Fesival!!
It’s no surprise that Taylor Swift and The Eras Tour have taken the world by storm in the last year. Dog Friendly KW loves to jump on emerging trends, so this one is for you Swifties! We are excited to be hosting our annual summer block party on Gaukel in Downtown Kitchener in celebration of another year of Dog Friendly KW - 4 years!!
This event focuses on responsible dog ownership through the “eras” of a dog’s life. Expect many elements that encourage education and engagement related to responsible dog ownership for puppies, adolescents, adult dogs, and senior dogs.
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Event Guidelines
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
Barks & Brews
Barks & Brews is coming back again for a third summer!
Dog Friendly KW and TWB Co-operative Brewing have teamed up on this free bi-weekly patio meet-up every other Thursday from 5-7 pm from June 6th until August 29th.
Pop by after work, grab a beverage, soak up the sunshine with your pup and mix & mingle with local dog owners!
—————————————
Event Guidelines
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
Dog Friendly KW X rare Charitable Reserve: Guided Hike - FREE
Join us for a free guided hike co-hosted by Dog Friendly KW and rare Charitable Reserve. This hike will focus on responsible dog ownership and sustainability. This is your chance to learn how to better support the environment by adhering to trail guidelines and acting responsibly. Registration is required and will open later in May.
Date:
July 17, 2024
Time:
6:30 pm
Location:
rare's Thompson Tract - 1201 Whistle Bare Rd, Cambridge.
—————————————
Event Guidelines
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times.
No retractable leashes!Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
Pupilates | Pups & Poses
Our weekly series features local yoga and pilates instructors and offers an opportunity to have your dog coexist in a calm state while you enjoy a yoga & pilates practice. The event is dog-friendly, but you don't have to have a pup to join, all welcome!
Sponsored by Downtown Kitchener & Vive Development
Date:
Tuesdays from June 11 - August 27
Time:
5:30-6:15 pm Pupilates
6:30-7:30 pm Pups & Poses
Location:
Willow River Park off Roland St
Bring your own mat. No pilates or yoga experience is necessary. All bodies are welcome. FREE.
—————————————
Event Guidelines:
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
If your dog is having difficulty settling, consider taking a break and trying to return to the practice.
KULTRUN World Music Festival SNIFFSCAPE Pop-up!
Take your pup on an international music enrichment experience at our SNIFFSCAPE pop-up, presented by Global Pet Foods. More details coming soon!
DATE:
July 13th 2 pm - 7 pm
July 14th 12 pm - 5 pm
Location: Waterloo Park, Bandshell
SNIFFSCAPE GUIDELNES
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
KULTRUN World Music Festival SNIFFSCAPE Pop-up!
Take your pup on an international music enrichment experience at our SNIFFSCAPE pop-up, presented by Global Pet Foods. More details coming soon!
DATE:
July 13th 2 pm - 7 pm
July 14th 12 pm - 5 pm
Location:
Waterloo Park
SNIFFSCAPE GUIDELINES
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Pupilates | Pups & Poses
Our weekly series features local yoga and pilates instructors and offers an opportunity to have your dog coexist in a calm state while you enjoy a yoga & pilates practice. The event is dog-friendly, but you don't have to have a pup to join, all welcome!
Sponsored by Downtown Kitchener & Vive Development
Date:
Tuesdays from June 11 - August 27
Time:
5:30-6:15 pm Pupilates
6:30-7:30 pm Pups & Poses
Location:
Willow River Park off Roland St
Bring your own mat. No pilates or yoga experience is necessary. All bodies are welcome. FREE.
—————————————
Event Guidelines:
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
If your dog is having difficulty settling, consider taking a break and trying to return to the practice.
Barks & Brews
Barks & Brews is coming back again for a third summer!
Dog Friendly KW and TWB Co-operative Brewing have teamed up on this free bi-weekly patio meet-up every other Thursday from 5-7 pm from June 6th until August 29th.
Pop by after work, grab a beverage, soak up the sunshine with your pup and mix & mingle with local dog owners!
—————————————
Event Guidelines
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
Pupilates | Pups & Poses
Our weekly series features local yoga and pilates instructors and offers an opportunity to have your dog coexist in a calm state while you enjoy a yoga & pilates practice. The event is dog-friendly, but you don't have to have a pup to join, all welcome!
Sponsored by Downtown Kitchener & Vive Development
Date:
Tuesdays from June 11 - August 27
Time:
5:30-6:15 pm Pupilates
6:30-7:30 pm Pups & Poses
Location:
Willow River Park off Roland St
Bring your own mat. No pilates or yoga experience is necessary. All bodies are welcome. FREE.
—————————————
Event Guidelines:
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
If your dog is having difficulty settling, consider taking a break and trying to return to the practice.
Pupilates | Pups & Poses
Our weekly series features local yoga and pilates instructors and offers an opportunity to have your dog coexist in a calm state while you enjoy a yoga & pilates practice. The event is dog-friendly, but you don't have to have a pup to join, all welcome!
Sponsored by Downtown Kitchener & Vive Development
Date:
Tuesdays from June 11 - August 27
Time:
5:30-6:15 pm Pupilates
6:30-7:30 pm Pups & Poses
Location:
Willow River Park off Roland St
Bring your own mat. No pilates or yoga experience is necessary. All bodies are welcome. FREE.
—————————————
Event Guidelines:
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
If your dog is having difficulty settling, consider taking a break and trying to return to the practice.
Barks & Brews
Barks & Brews is coming back again for a third summer!
Dog Friendly KW and TWB Co-operative Brewing have teamed up on this free bi-weekly patio meet-up every other Thursday from 5-7 pm from June 6th until August 29th.
Pop by after work, grab a beverage, soak up the sunshine with your pup and mix & mingle with local dog owners!
—————————————
Event Guidelines
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
Pupilates | Pups & Poses
Our weekly series features local yoga and pilates instructors and offers an opportunity to have your dog coexist in a calm state while you enjoy a yoga & pilates practice. The event is dog-friendly, but you don't have to have a pup to join, all welcome!
Sponsored by Downtown Kitchener & Vive Development
Date:
Tuesdays from June 11 - August 27
Time:
5:30-6:15 pm Pupilates
6:30-7:30 pm Pups & Poses
Location:
Willow River Park off Roland St
Bring your own mat. No pilates or yoga experience is necessary. All bodies are welcome. FREE.
—————————————
Event Guidelines:
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
If your dog is having difficulty settling, consider taking a break and trying to return to the practice.
Pupilates | Pups & Poses
Our weekly series features local yoga and pilates instructors and offers an opportunity to have your dog coexist in a calm state while you enjoy a yoga & pilates practice. The event is dog-friendly, but you don't have to have a pup to join, all welcome!
Sponsored by Downtown Kitchener & Vive Development
Date:
Tuesdays from June 11 - August 27
Time:
5:30-6:15 pm Pupilates
6:30-7:30 pm Pups & Poses
Location:
Willow River Park off Roland St
Bring your own mat. No pilates or yoga experience is necessary. All bodies are welcome. FREE.
—————————————
Event Guidelines:
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.
If your dog is having difficulty settling, consider taking a break and trying to return to the practice.
Barks & Brews
Barks & Brews is coming back again for a third summer!
Dog Friendly KW and TWB Co-operative Brewing have teamed up on this free bi-weekly patio meet-up every other Thursday from 5-7 pm from June 6th until August 29th.
Pop by after work, grab a beverage, soak up the sunshine with your pup and mix & mingle with local dog owners!
—————————————
Event Guidelines
Your dog must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. No retractable leashes!
Provide space to others around you.
Refrain from introductions without asking for permission.
Please refrain from bringing chews or toys for your pup to the event.