If you’re looking for dog friendly Halloween events this year, you’re in luck. Dogs have become a very important part of Halloween celebrations – in fact, last year pet parents spent a whopping $370 million on costumes for their four-legged family members.
It’s no surprise then that “Howloween” events for people and their pups are being held all around the country in October. Here are just a few of the major ones, from California to the East Coast. Check your local newspaper and pet stores to find a dog friendly event near you.
1. PetSmart Halloween Parties (Oct. 19) – Nationwide
Many PetSmart stores across the U.S. will be hosting a Halloween party on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. You can take a picture of your dressed-up dog against a Halloween backdrop, and there will be prizes and free giveaways to the first 50 pets that arrive in costume.
2. 13th Annual Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade (Oct. 27) – Marina Vista Park, Long Beach, Calif. (map)
Billed as the world’s largest Halloween pet event, this year’s popular parade is moving to a new location at Marina Vista Park. More than 500 costumed dogs (along with “thousands of dogless gawkers,” according to the website) are expected to participate. Prizes will be awarded to the judges’ 13 favorite entries.
Before the parade begins at 2:30 p.m., there will be fun activities like a Bulldog kissing booth; bobbing for Howl’oweenies (your pooch can try to grab a floating hot dog from a pail of water); and a dog-treat stacking contest (the current record holder is a 28-biscuit tower). Vendor and pet-adoption booths will also be open from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
All entry fees benefit spay/neuter and adoption/rescue programs. Tickets are $10 per dog if purchased before the week of the parade; $15 from Oct. 20 to 26; or $20 (cash only) if purchased at the event. Tickets for VIPs (Very Important Pooches) who get to walk near the front of the parade are $35.
3. Spooky Pooch Parade at the Chicago Botanical Garden (Oct. 19) – Glencoe, Ill. (map), 847-835-5440
For just two special hours every year, costumed canines are allowed into the botanical garden to participate in this parade.
There will be a costume contest with categories including Best Costume Overall; Best Dog/Owner Costume; Best Puppy in Costume for dogs ages 1 and under; Best Senior in Costume for dogs ages 10 and older; and Best Horticultural Interpretation.
Registration begins at 11 a.m. Costume judging takes place from 11 a.m. to noon, when the parade starts. An awards ceremony will be held from 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Dogs must be leashed at all times and must leave the garden by 2 p.m.
Tickets are $19 per dog ($14 for botanical garden members) if purchased on or before Oct. 18, or $25 ($20 for members) on the day of the event. There is no charge for spectators.
4. 5th Annual Yappy Hour HOWL-o-Ween Bash (Oct. 13) – Jacksonville Landing, Jacksonville, Fla. (map), 904-353-1188
This free party for pooches will feature a costume contest and trick-or-treating around the landing. There will be live music, a pet expo and games, as well as drink specials for two-legged guests.
Prizes will be awarded for the Most Original Costume; Scariest/Spookiest Costume; Best Owner/Dog Duo; Cutest Costume; and Best Overall Costume.
The bash will take place from 2 to 5 p.m.
5. 23rd Annual Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade (Oct. 26) – New York City (map), 212-387-7684
“The Village Halloween Parade is fun and all, but does it have a plethora of puppies in adorable outfits? For that, you’ll have to head to the East Village for this annual dog parade,” reports TimeOut New York. “The getups are remarkably elaborate and conceptual—no surprise given the $4,000 of prizes on offer, including an iPad Mini for Best in Show.”
Prize categories include Best Big Dog Costume; Best Little Dog Costume; Best Dog With Kid; and Best Dog Team Costume.
Along with the parade, which is the Big Apple’s (and perhaps the country’s) oldest Halloween celebration for pooches, there will be a pet adoption fair. Proceeds from the event go to the N.Y.C. Department of Parks and Recreation for maintaining the Tompkins Square Dog Run.
The parade starts at noon.
PHOTO: Facebook