1. Choose the Right Type of Pet-Friendly Event

Here are a few paw-some ideas:

• Adoption Day + Local Vendors
  Partner with shelters to showcase adoptable pets alongside booths for pet treats, custom art, or gear.

• Pup-Up Portrait Party
  Invite a pet portrait business (👋 Pearls & Paws!) for live sketches or photo ops.

• Pet Costume Contest or Parade
  Great for Halloween or holidays — offer prizes for best costume, trick, or matching outfit!

• Fundraiser or Donation Drive
  Support a local rescue by collecting supplies, donations, or hosting a raffle.

2.  Pick a Safe, Pet-Approved Venue

Make sure your location:

• Allows pets (check local ordinances if it's a public park)

• Has access to shade and water

• Includes waste stations (always stock poop bags!)

• Offers space for both energetic dogs and chill zones for shy pups

Great venue ideas:
Local parks, brewery patios, dog parks, community centers, or even pet-friendly shopping plazas.

3. Invite the Right Vendors & Partners

Support local by inviting:

• Pet food and treat brands

• Groomers and trainers

• Animal shelters or rescues

• Artists and makers (especially custom pet portraits like Pearls & Paws!)

• Mobile vets or vaccination clinics

💡 Tip: Ask vendors to donate prizes, giveaways, or a portion of proceeds for fundraising.

4.  Promote It Like a Pro

You’ll want people (and pets!) to show up. Try:

• Creating a Facebook Event

• Posting countdowns on Instagram & TikTok

• Partnering with shelters or pet shops to spread the word

• Using local hashtags:
  #YourCityPets, #PetFriendlyYourCity, #DogEventYourCity

Include visuals — happy dogs, smiling humans, and cute invites go a long way.

5. Offer Giveaways & Freebies

People love freebies — and pets do too! Try:

• Custom stickers

• Discount codes (like ADOPT20)

• Doggie bags with treats

• Raffle entries for a custom portrait from Pearls & Paws

6.  Prioritize Safety & Pet Etiquette

Set clear expectations:

• All dogs must be leashed unless in a fenced play area

• Ask owners to pick up after their pets

• Provide water bowls and cooling areas

• Have signage guiding the flow of people and pups

7.  Create Shareable Moments

Set up a photo wall or portrait booth with props!
Encourage attendees to tag your business in posts and use a custom hashtag like #PetsOf[YourCity].

Bonus: Offer a discount or giveaway entry if they share and tag your brand!

8.  Make It Meaningful

Wrap your event around a cause — like promoting adoptions, raising funds for rescues, or spotlighting long-term shelter animals.

Example: “All proceeds from our pet portrait booth go to [Local Shelter Name] — let’s help these furry friends find forever homes!”

🎉 Final Thoughts

Hosting a pet-friendly event brings your community together in the best way possible — with wagging tails, smiling faces, and maybe a few muddy paw prints. Whether you’re raising awareness or just spreading joy, your event will be something people (and pets) remember.

👉 Want to partner with Pearls & Paws?
We love working with shelters, rescues, and pet-friendly events to support adoptions and celebrate animals. Email us at support@pearlsandpaws.com to chat.

Don't forget to order your custom pet portrait today!