Dog Boarding in Louisville

Mardi Growl Parade and Pet Party

Mardi Gras, the traditional New Orleans holiday, has been expanding to other states over the past few years, and in Knoxville, Tennessee, Mardi Gras has gone to the dogs with the Young-Williams Animal Center’s Mardi Growl Parade and Pet Party each year!

Mardi Gras usually hits in February or March, so the parade coincides with the closest Saturday of the event.

Every year, hundreds of dogs and humans dress up in fun costumes and hit the streets starting at Willow Avenue to walk to Market Square.

Parade participants should pre-register for the event for a $5 discount. Pre-registration is only $15 per dog, while day-of registration is $20 for each dog.

The parade begins at 11 a.m., followed by a party from noon to 2 p.m. at Market Square.

Paws on the Table

Each April, Knoxville Mercury puts together a list of restaurants that will donate proceeds from meals to the Humane Society of Tennessee Valley for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Many of these restaurants will also allow you to bring your dog to the restaurant to celebrate the occasion.

Eating at one of the participating restaurants will earn the Humane Society of Tennessee Valley 15% of the cost of your meal. This is one of the organization's springtime fundraisers to help raise money to care for homeless animals in the area.

Stop by SoKnow Taco Cantina, Zoe's Kitchen, Aubrey’s, Bistro at the Bijou, and many more restaurants to support a great cause.

Don’t forget to stop by River Dog Bakery for a “River Dog Paw” the day of the fundraiser, and they’ll donate $1 of every purchase to the humane society.

Bark in the Park

The Annual Bark in the Park event comes to World’s Fair Park each year. With activities for both dogs and humans, there will be something that everyone in your family can enjoy. With food and drinks available during the event, you and your pup can happily walk around all afternoon to shop vendor booths or participate in games and contests.

Don’t miss out on the lure chasing competition or the Mr and Ms Bark contest. Stop by the Barkin’ Beer Garden for refreshing brews. Let your children wander the Barkin’ Zoo Garden and meet superheroes and princesses during the event. You can even stop by rescue booths to adopt a new family member!

From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., enjoy the largest community event hosted by the Humane Society of Tennessee Valley for only $10.

Waggin’ Tails 5k Race

The Humane Society of Tennessee Valley hosts the Waggin’ Tails 5k Race each September to raise money to help the homeless animals in their care. Dog owners are encouraged to sign up for the race with their four-legged buddies. Not only is the race a way to earn more for the Humane Society of Tennessee Valley, but it is also a great way for dog owners to spend time with family, friends, and their dogs while enjoying food, drinks, and other fun activities.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. on race day, but the race won’t start until 11 a.m.

Registration prices will be determined closer to the date of the event, however, pre-registration does include a t-shirt.

Howl-O-Ween Pooch Parade and Pet Expo

Halloween is a fun time to dress up with family and friends - and your dog, too! The UT Gardens Knoxville host the Howl-O-Ween Pooch Parade and Pet Expo each year for dogs in the area.

Dress your mutt up and help raise money for dog-related non-profits and businesses in the Knoxville area. Prizes will be given out to the pups with the best costumes. Browse vendor booths and rescue groups while at the event. With the many food trucks on-site, there will be a plethora of choices for food and refreshments available, as well!

Registration to participate in the parade is $10 per costume entry before the event. On the day-of, the registration price jumps to $15 per costume entry, but being a spectator to the parade is free!