It’s the running of the bull(dogs) this weekend in Vancouver.
Thousands of pet owners and enthusiasts and their canine companions will descend on Yaletown’s Coopers’ Park Sunday for the West Coast’s largest outdoor pet festival.
Pet-A-Palooza, put on by the non-profit Just Love Animals Society, includes free seminars from pet health and wellness experts, products to keep your pet happy and healthy, and super entertaining demonstrations.
Ever heard of dog flyball? The Dogwood Pacesetters group is showing off this very raucous dog sport – where pups participate in a high-speed relay race – sailing over hurdles.
But the day’s highlight is sure to be the Running of the Bulls, a hilarious 20-foot race for English and French bulldogs. The first to cross the finish line wins a year’s supply of Bullwrinkes, billed the “ultimate treat for dogs.” Races start at noon.
Beyond the entertainment, there’s a focus on pet wellness. Dr. Spooner from Yaletown Pet Hospital will be on site from noon until 2 p.m. answering your questions, and there are also info booths showcasing animal first-aid.
Fido in need of some beauty time? No problem. The festival offers on-site “bang trims and Pawdicures” by The Pet Shop Boys. It’s $10 by donation, with all proceeds going to JLA Society’s Spay & Neuter fund.
There’s also a photo lounge so you can have your pet’s photo taken by Karen Moe.
Canines will be kept cool with the Barking Babies ‘Doggie Dip’ – cool-down stations across the park.
Like any great trade show – and really, that’s what this is – there are also loads of cool contest prizes, including teeth cleaning, free pet food for a year, free stays at Uptown Dawg “Stay & Spa” or a pet psychic reading.
The first 500 people to visit the Petcurean tent will receive a tote bag with a ½ pound trial size bag of its natural dog food. And everyone will receive a free copy of Modern Dog magazine, produced right here in Vancouver.
Yaletown Pet-A-Palooza 2014
Date: Sunday, August 24
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Coopers’ Park, 1020 Marinaside Crescent (at Nelson Street)
Cost: Admission is free and all proceeds benefit low-cost spay and neuter clinics.
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