Halloween is going to the dogs in 2012. Dog costume contests and canine demonstrations meet up with pumpkin decorating and pet product vendors at these dog-friendly events. Pack your portable water bowl for him and a water bottle for you.
Fredericksburg Dog Fair & Masquerade Dog Parade: Oct. 6
Fredericksburg, Va.
Dog-friendly Fredericksburg, Va., hosts a day designed for canines. There will be a Canine Casino, an Ask-a-Vet booth, dog adoption, canine demonstrations, dog show competitions, a dog costume parade, and skill events. Live music and a beer tent keep pet parents happy. The Fredericksburg Dog Fair & Masquerade Dog Parade takes place on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is $10 per person with proceeds benefiting adoption, and spaying/neutering. Events take place at Riverside Park and Maury Field .
Pumpkins 'n' Pooches Autumn Fair & Dog Fest: Oct. 7
Colchester, Conn.
There's plenty to see and do for you, your dogs and your kids. Enjoy hay rides, pumpkin painting and decorating, a dog costume contest, awards for non-costumed pets, and tasty fair foods. Pumpkins 'n' Pooches Autumn Fair & Dog Fest takes place on Sunday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on the Colchester Town Green located on Main Street in Colchester, Conn. For more information, please call (860) 537-6555. Admission is free.
2nd Annual Doggie Derby: Oct. 7
Forked River, N.J.
Dogs can participate in novelty competitions or the costume contest. Watch canine demonstrations and browse the vendor booths at this dog-friendly event which benefits the Rotary Club of Forked River Charitable Foundation The 2nd Annual Doggie Derby takes place at Jones Park Soccer Field, on Jones Road in Forked River, N.J. The hours are Sunday, Oct. 7, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Admission is $5, and children 10 and under are admitted for free.
Halloween Howl: Oct. 20
Edmonds Way, Wash.
Dress up your pooch in his favorite costume for the annual Halloween Howl. There's also an auction and plenty of fun pet products to try and buy. Head to Edmonds Dog Park located at 498 Admiral Way in Edmonds, Wash. on Saturday, Oct. 20. Let your dogs off their leashes so they can enjoy the waterfront, dog-friendly space.
Halloween Pet Parade: Oct. 28
Columbus, Ohio
The Capital Area Humane Society hosts a Halloween Pet Parade on Sunday, Oct. 28, from noon until 2:30 p.m. The location is Easton Town Center in Columbus, Ohio. The event is part of October's Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month.
Howl-o-ween: Oct. 31
Coral Gables, Fla.Celebrate Halloween at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31. Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the gardens with their families. There will be special activities for your dogs. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road in Coral Gables, Fla. For more info please call (305) 667-1651. Members are free, otherwise admission is $25 for adults, $18 (65 and older), and $12 for children ages six through 17.