The Best Pet-Friendly Events In Los Angeles

Los Angeles, also known as L.A., is the largest city in California, and the second largest city in the United States, second only to New York City. Positioned between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra-Nevada Mountains, this megacity is perhaps best known for its Hollywood history. It’s true—L.A. is the home of the film industry, but it’s also home to a staggering number of pets. So, with all those pet owners, it should come as no surprise that there are many pet-friendly events in Los Angeles. 

If you’re looking for an event to take your dog to in Los Angeles, you need look no further! Read on to discover the biggest, most fun pet-friendly events the city has to offer.

Beverly Hills Doggy Daze 90210

Located at Wiggly Field in Roxbury Park, this pet-friendly event in Los Angeles has it all. This dog-centric event, introduced in 2010, takes place every November. The Beverly Hills Doggy Daze 90210 is a full-day festival featuring food, vendors, and on-site adoptable pets. Where elsecan you find not only a pet parade, but a pet talent contest?

In addition to being a day of fun for pets and pet-parents, Beverly Hills Doggy Daze 90210 also hosts several animal rescue organizations. These include the Best Friends Animal Society, the Dove Project, and the Golden Retriever Club of Greater Los Angeles Rescue. So, enjoy the doggie day while learning more about what you can do to help animals in need through these great organizations!

Surf City Surf Dog

You may have heard of skateboarding canines, but surfing dogs? That’s right, only in Los Angeles can you find Southern California’s Surf City Surf Dog event. This event brings together both dogs and dog parents who have one thing in common—a love of surfing. Taking place in late September every year, this all day celebration of dogs and surfing features both a dog surfing competition and a Doggy SurFUR Expo. 

This incredible pet-friendly event in Los Angeles does more than get dogs in the water, it also contributes to several dog-centric organizations. These include the Westie Rescue of Orange County and Beyond, the Miracle Foundation SD, the Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue, Heal our Troops America, Barks of Love, and the French Bulldog Rescue Network. This September surf’s up for both you and your dog!

Wiener Dog Races

Located at Old World Village (home of Oktoberfest) this pet-friendly event in Los Angeles is sure to bring a smile to your face. Los Angeles’ Wiener Dog Races are for dachshund and dachshund mixes only, so if you’re a wiener dog owner, it’s perfect for you! Don’t have a dachshund? No worries! You can always attend the races as a viewer! A good time is virtually guaranteed!

Weiner Dog Races occur on select Sundays throughout the year, so be sure to check the yearly event schedule. Also known as the Running of the Wieners, this event is both dog and family friendly. If you’re curious, head on down to Old World Village!

Haute Dog Howl-oween Parade

Since 2011, the Haute Dog Howl-oween Parade has been an integral part of the Los Angeles pet parent scene. Organized by the Haute (pronounced hot) Dog organization, this pet-friendly event in Los Angeles takes place every Halloween. It features hundreds of costumed dogs, and their doggy parents, pulling in thousands of spectators. But, this event isn’t just a parade—it also features dog-centric vendors, food, and on-site adoptions. 

Dress up your pet and strut their Halloween stuff at the Howl-oween parade. Can you think of anything more amusing than watching hundreds of dogs in costumes parading through the park?

Pawliday Photos

Interested in procuring holiday portraits of you and your pet? Then head on down to Healthy Spot for Downtown L.A.’s Pawliday Photos! Pawliday photos donation fees benefit Wags and Walks, a pet rescue and adoption organization local to Los Angeles and Nashville. 

What’s not to love about this paw-tastic event, where you receive professional holiday photos of your pets while helping pets in need. Wags and Walks is particularly focused on underserved populations of dogs, like mothers and their puppies, dogs with medical issues, and bully breed dogs. Be aware that while the background for the photos is provided, you’ll need to dress your pup in their on holiday attire. What could be better than helping other dogs while receiving a seasonal photo of your beloved pet(s) that you will cherish for years to come?

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Ирина Мещерякова