Welcome to 2024 and we’ve updated both the dog events in Canada page and the dog events in the U.S. page on dogtrotting.net. That’s become an annual tradition, although we try and keep both updated throughout the year. New dog events! New year!
Here’s what I discovered working on updating the list of pet events across North America: the dates for events – even annual events – are nailed down in the U.S. generally sooner than they are in Canada.
Pet Event Calendars
Therefore, check back frequently, or even bookmark either or both of dogtrotting.net’s pet event pages, because information will change throughout the year. I’m doing my best to keep all information updated. Note that links to the sponsoring organization’s site are included with each listing so you can verify times, dates, and cost.
I also discovered that 50 states are a lot of states – so if you know of an event near you (in Canada or the United States), please let us know either by email or in the comments below. Listings are free – comprehensiveness is my goal.
New Years Resolution: Attend more Pet Events
This is also the time of year when people make resolutions, or some prefer declarations. One I particularly love is ‘Read More in 2024.’ That one I’m embracing myself and encouraging others to do so too. That said, what for a round-up of reviews of dog-inspired books coming up on dogtrotting.net. That’s always a favourite as we close in on summer.
Another declaration I’m embracing is to attend as many pet events as possible this year. My dog is old enough now to behave (slightly) better in public and she’s great in the car. I’m already penciling in the following pet events for 2024:
1. The Spring Canadian Pet Expo in Mississauga near the Toronto airport in Ontario, Canada has become an Easter tradition. Running March 29, 30, and 31 in 2024 this huge expo of pet product vendors, dock diving competitions, and dog shows gets my dog excited each time – plus she recognizes that this is where she can participate in a lure course, one of her most favourite activities ever.
2. Similarly, in June we plan to make a trek to the Ottawa Pet Expo, a similar pet product vendor-driven event but this time in Ottawa, Ontario. I’ve been to Ottawa several times with my dog (and my previous dog), but not in June which might be the best time to experience the Rideau Canal via boat – LeBoat Tours are dog friendly, so that’s on our travel list for 2024.
3. Dog Bowl in Frankenmuth is not to be missed. I’m also definitely heading south of the border to Michigan again this summer to attend Dog Bowl on the May long weekend (May 24 to 27). I’ve attended this event with my previous dog, but he was at the age that he required a stroller. I’m hoping my current, much younger dog, is going to rock the dog parade with her usual energy. Plus, the last time we visited the dog-friendly river boat was not able to run, so I’m hoping we get to enjoy that dog-friendly adventure this year.4.
4. While the Westminster Dog Show is likely not on my radar this year – for the second year in a row the Superbowl of dog shows is in Queens, not Madison Square Gardens and I found the location and event challenging for several reasons.
Instead, my plan is to check out an American Thanksgiving tradition in person: The National Dog Show hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia in November of 2024. Unfortunately, this one is not a pet-friendly event, so I’ll be leaving my pup home. But I hope to tour Philadelphia with her in the summertime to discover just how dog-friendly the city is.
General considerations when taking your dog to pet events
- Keep your dog hydrated: This one I forget often then scramble on site or during a trip to find bowls and water. Instead, bring some containers of water for your dog easy to drink from and carry. Check out our review of dog water bottles here.
- Check the event’s rules and regulations: Pet-friendly events usually welcome ‘well-behaved dogs.’ I’m not entirely sure what the parameters of that is, but I’m sure we’ve pushed them on some occasions. I’ve never seen an event limit dog size or breed, but I have seen a limit of one per adult. Also, leashes are always mandatory even when some events have leash-free zones (like Pawlooza in London, Ontario).
- Prepare your dog for the event: Make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and heartworm prevention. If your dog is not used to crowds or loud noises, consider taking them to a smaller event first to get them acclimated.
- Bring the essentials: I’m not suggesting you carry it around, but packing a car bag with your dog’s food, water, bowls, leash, poop bags, and any medications is a good idea. Towels in the car I’ve found to be indispensable for so many reasons. (Here’s a list of dog travel essentials).
- Watch the temperature: Keep an eye on your dog and make sure they are not getting too hot, tired, or stressed. Well-organized dog events usually provide water and wading pools.
- Clean up after your dog: Always pick up after your dog and dispose of waste properly. This is the non-negotiable rule everywhere – and it’s the big one that gets dogs banned from places previously dog-friendly.
Overall, barring any unpredictable global situation, 2024 is shaping up to be a good year to travel around North America with your dog. We are hoping to head out east to Newfoundland, one of the provinces I’ve never visited and one my dog will likely appreciate considering how much she loved the waves, seashore (and seabirds), and open spaces in Nova Scotia during our maritime tour in 2022.
If you have any suggestions or places you’d recommend taking the dog, please let us know via email or in the comments below. We’re always looking for new dog-friendly experiences.
Writer bio: Sherri Telenko has been a professional writer for decades and a travel writer for the last two. She’s a member of TMAC (Travel Media Association of Canada) and Dog Writers Association of America and travels almost weekly with her canine companion, Victoria. Contact Sherri at dogtrotting.net here. All written content is original, written by a person, and based on experience and research. Please subscribe!
