Bringing Your Pet to a Public Event
Animal Chronicles
May 25, 2025
By Dan Barner
Bringing Your Pet to a Public Event
Spring and summer bring many wonderful events to the Capital Region such as the Animal Protection Foundation’s Woofstock Music Festival and 5K Walk/Run on June 1 in Collins Park in Scotia.
Public events can be fun to bring your pets to, but it’s important to keep a few important considerations in mind so that it results in a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
The first step is to check if the event is pet-friendly. Once that’s confirmed, consider your pet’s comfort level in public. Are they ready for an event with many new people and other pets? If you feel they might need a little practice first, try a low-key outing at a park, where there is a smaller crowd, to see how they do.
Once they have successfully acclimated, graduate them to a more sizeable event and see how they do in that setting. It’s best to take it one step at a time rather than overwhelming them with an environment they are not ready for.
Before you begin your outing make sure you have everything your pet might need. Essential items include water, a travel bowl and waste bags. Opt for a nonretractable leash so that you can maintain proper distance and control at all times. Training treats might also be helpful.
When in public with your pet, watch their body language to see how they’re doing. If your pet is still or stiff when being approached by someone new they might be uncomfortable, and it would be best to politely decline the interaction.
Other signs of discomfort include pinned-back ears, showing of teeth, growling and shaking. When in doubt, comfort your pet and remove them from the situation if necessary.
If your pet is going to interact with someone try not to let them jump, especially if it is a child, older adult or person with mobility issues. If there is a child present, get low so you can manage the interaction and be prepared to gently intervene if necessary.
It is also important to be considerate of other pets. Every pet is different, and you should never assume they are comfortable being approached or interacting with other pets. It is best to maintain a safe distance and only approach if invited by the pet’s owner.
If you would like to bring your pet to a fun event, the Animal Protective Foundation is hosting its fourth annual Woofstock Music Festival and 5K Walk/Run in the Lions Pavilion at Collins Park in Scotia on Sunday, June 1.
The event raises critical funds for APF to help touch the lives of thousands of animals each year. Learn more about Woofstock at animalprotective.org/woofstock.
