Dog Boarders in Garland

Does your pooch love pool time? Does she love making a splash every chance she gets? Dog-A-Poolooza is probably her idea of a paw-fect day out! Held at Holford Pool each August, this wonderful pet celebration sees the pool opened up to canines of all shapes and sizes. The four-legged attendees have a whale of a time splashing and playing with their pooch pals, and their owners get to have just as much fun spectating. Other event highlights include pet service and supply booths, pet adoptions, and some spectacular prizes! Proceeds benefit Garland Pawsibilities’ mission to increase shelter pet adoptions in Garland, and the cost is $5 per dog and $1 per human.

If you’re looking for an event that gives you an excuse (as if you needed one) to get your pet decked out in a cute costume this Halloween, you’ll love the Howl-O-Ween costume contest! Hosted by Mutts Canine Cantina in Dallas, the event sees canines of all shapes and sizes compete across three prestigious categories — Funniest Costume, Most Creative Costume, and Best Overall Costume. There are stacks of grrr-eat prizes on offer, with winners chosen by celebrity judges, but the focus at this event is entirely on fun! Food and specialty drinks are part of the fun, so get set for a whole day full of spooky, furry socializing with heaps of other animal lovers.

Why take your pooch for a walk when you could take him for a strut instead? The annual Strut Your Mutt dog walk, hosted by the SPCA of Texas, is a massive fundraiser focused on putting an end to animal cruelty. With your four-legged friend at your feet, you can join crowds of other animal lovers to tackle a timed 5K run or a 3K fun run/walk! It all kicks off at the base of the Margaret Hunt-Hill Bridge in Dallas, and there’s always a laid-back, celebratory vibe throughout the day. There’s also plenty more to see and do other than strut your mutt, with vendors, refreshments, and lots of dog-friendly games and activities all day long!

Want to relive some memorable football memories with your dog, and do it all on the hallowed turf of Fair Park’s Cotton Bowl Stadium? Each April, the former home of the Dallas Cowboys hosts the Dog Bowl, a fun and free event that turns this legendary stadium into a super-sized off-leash park. Dogs big and small, young and old alike can romp, run, play, and explore with heaps of new furry friends, and there are water stations and giant “dip and sip” splash bowls to help them stay cool. And when your pooch gets tired of playing, local dog rescue groups, clubs, and pet-related vendors sit on the sidelines to offer information and advice!

Do you love beer almost as much as you love your dog? Do you want to try a few tasty brews and raise money for pets in need at the same time? If you answered yes to both these questions, Hops for Hounds is the paw-fect event for you. Hosted by Community Beer Co., this annual Beerfest raises funds for DFW FurGotten Friends. With each pint you buy helping a dog in need, the event also features food trucks, games, and raffle prizes throughout the night! You can also meet some adoptable dogs if you’re searching for a new family member, while well-behaved dogs are more than welcome to join you and help support their furry friends in need.