Join us here to discover some of the biggest, funnest, and strangest pet-friendly events in Columbus. Including an all-cat expo, art with your dog, and even yoga with cats. All in all, if you’re a pet parent, or maybe you’re looking to adopt a furry friend, Columbus just might be the place for you!
1. WAG! Festival
Occurring at the tail end of summer, usually around the end of August, this pet-friendly event in Columbus is definitely not one you should want to miss. The Wag! Festival is one of the Midwest’s largest pet-centric events. Both dog and family-friendly, this event includes tons of pet-product vendors, entertainment, food, pet contests, and more. What’s more, it takes place at an open park complete with a “Water Bark Beach”, where dogs can swim unleashed to their heart’s content. Organized by Franklin County Metro Parks, the Wag! Festival also hosts several rescue organizations from around the state. There are even adoptable pets on site, as well as expert veterinary and behavioral specialists just waiting to answer your questions. If you’re a pet parent in Columbus, this event is not one you want to miss!
2. Yoga…with Cats!
Have you ever wanted to do yoga, and help animals, at the same time? Well, look no further than this incredible, unique pet-friendly event in Columbus. Organized by Central Ohio’s Programs for Animal Welfare (CO-PAW), this yogic experience is by donation only. However, you’ll have to watch CO-PAW’s calendar of events for the next Yoga…with Cats event, as yoga days happen on a strictly fundraising basis. But, hey, let’s say you missed the last Yoga…with Cats experience, what are you to do? Worry not! CO-PAW also operates its very own Kitticcino Cat Cafe! Feel free to stop by, pet a cat or two, and maybe even bring home a new purr-manent addition to your family. If you love yoga, and you love cats, then CO-PAW’s Yoga…with Cats events are for you!
3. All-American Columbus Pet Expo
Organized for its 25th consecutive year (as of 2022) this spring pet-friendly event in Columbus might be one of the biggest pet expos around. The All-American Columbus Pet Expo is an annual event that showcases pet products, animal welfare organizations, and pet competitions. Taking place in late March, this expo is both family and pet-friendly (pets get in free!). It includes a “Running with the Weiners” race, a show by the “Southern Ohio Flying K9s”, and even a stage for bird shows. But wait, there’s more! The All-American Columbus Pet Expo also features a pet costume contest, a grooming competition, an exotic bird show, games for special-needs canines, and doggie dock diving. With such a wide array of activities, including pets of all kinds, it’s no wonder the All-American Columbus Pet Expo is one of the biggest pet events of the season.
4. All About Cats Expo
Occurring concurrently with the All American Columbus Pet Expo, the All About Cats Expo is one event cat lovers won’t want to miss. This pet-friendly event in Columbus is an opportunity for cat enthusiasts to strut their stuff, or, rather—for their beloved cats to strut their paws. Nearly 300 all-star cats compete at the All About Cats Expo’s TICA Cat Show—one of the biggest cat shows of the year. If you love cats, the All About Cats Expo is the place for you. Learn more about cats, and their various breeds, from renowned cat experts. Watch a cat agility competition, or visit the Cats 101 area to learn everything there is to know about cats.
5. Rico Pet Recovery Paw Print Fundraiser
It might just be one of the funnest, messiest craft nights you can have with your dog, but the Rico Pet Recovery Paw Print Fundraiser is not an event you want to miss. This pet-friendly event in Columbus takes place in November. It’s jointly hosted by Wine and Canvas and Pathways to Independence of Central Ohio. But, just what is this event? Well, your ticket buys you a wood canvas and dog-safe paint. Then, your dog walks through the paint, onto the canvas, and viola! You have art. At the Rico Pet Recover Paw Print Fundraiser, you not only get to help animals and people in need, but you also get to take home a one-of-a-kind piece of art!
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