All pets and owners are welcome to join in the Pet Parade that will start at 1:15. We will have a festive parade to where the Blessing will be held.

Please bring your pets: dogs, cats, horse, pig, chicken, bunny, etc… for a blessing from our pastor. Please be sure that your pet is secure/leashed so they are safe. Blessings will begin at 1:30pm. We look forward to “blessing your pets!”

Picture this: pups in pirate hats, dachshunds dressed as hot dogs, and golden retrievers rocking superhero capes—all wagging their way through our parking lot with decked-out trunks and tasty (dog-safe) treats.

Get ready for a series of high-stakes, low-to-the-ground race heats where our daring dachshunds will dash, dart, and maybe even dawdle their way to glory!

3 Race Categories:

Little Links, our tiniest speedy sausages, ages 2 and under.

The Brat Pack brings the zoomies for pups ages 3–9.

The Golden Buns division gives our seasoned superstars, ages 10 and up, their moment to shine.

Championship Races:

Winners from each heat will advance to the Champion Race, where the fastest paws will compete for the Champion prize. This year, we’ll crown Grand Champions in all three divisions: Little Links, Brat Pack, and Golden Buns.

Prizes:

Heat Winners will receive tail-wagging prizes and bragging rights.

Race Rules - please read over careful.

The costume contest is open to all dogs!

Categories are:

Owner/Dog Combo Costume

Movie or Character Theme

Prizes will be awarded for First Place, Second Place and Third Place for each category.

Frist place winners will compete for the Grand Prize!

Winners from each heat will advance to the Champion Race, where the fastest paws will compete for the Champion prize.

We’ll crown Grand Champions in all three divisions: Little Links, Brat Pack, and Golden Buns.

The championship race kicks off at 4:00 p.m.—so fluff those ears, tighten those tiny racing shoes, and get ready for some serious wiener-dog glory!

Prizes:

The Champions will be crowned the Top Dog of their division, complete with a trophy, treats, and a lifetime supply of belly rubs (well, at least for the day).

Grab your most ridiculous, majestic, or downright hilarious inflatable animal costume and join the stampede! Whether you’re galloping in a giant unicorn, waddling in a waddling penguin, or flapping your way to glory as a flying chicken—this race is all about big laughs, big inflatables, and even bigger fun.

How it works:

Suit up in your inflatable animal of choice.

Waddle, bounce, or awkwardly sprint your way through the course.

First one across the finish line wins… but let’s be honest, everyone wins when you’re racing in a 7-foot dinosaur suit.

Animals rely on compassionate people and organizations to speak up for them, especially when they’re hurt, neglected, or in need of a safe home.

Animals can’t speak for themselves, so they depend on humans to protect their rights and well-being. Advocates help by:

Rescuing injured or abused animals

Providing medical care and rehabilitation

Educating the public about responsible pet ownership and wildlife conservation

Promoting adoption over buying pets

Fighting for stronger animal protection laws

Fetch Thrift Store

Howard County Office of Emergency Management

Blue Ridge Veterinary Blood Bank

Pet Rescues that will be at the event. Dogs will be on site for potential adoptions. All applicants will need to go through the rescue’s proper vetting. No dogs will be taken home that day.

Mid Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue

Darby’s Place Cat Rescue

Jenn’s Uncommon Critters

The Furry Paws Foster Inn

Operation Paws for Homes

Double Dog Dare Rescue

Looking for the purr-fect place for your pet? Whether it’s a cozy boarding stay, a tail-wagging playdate, a fresh new ‘do, or a stroll around the block—these businesses are here to pamper your furry friend like the royalty they are.

Morgan Chapel Pet Pantry

Ready Pet Go

The Paw Pad

The Logical Dog

Happy Hubz

Dog Owners Training Club of Maryland

These amazing organizations train our beloved animals to support humans in all kinds of meaningful ways—like becoming therapy dogs, helping people with disabilities, and so much more.

My Caring Paws

Mount Airy Police Department K9

Meet Our Vendors – The Real Party Animals!

From gourmet treats that’ll make your pup drool to catnip toys that’ll send your feline into orbit, our vendors have it all! Whether you're looking for stylish collars, cozy beds, or the latest in hamster haute couture (yes, that’s a thing), you’re in the right place.

Food? Check. Accessories? Double check. Surprises you didn’t know your pet needed? Triple check.
Come sniff around – your furry, feathered, or scaly friend will thank you!

Beast Eats

Puzzled Pet Treats

DMV Taqueria

Cryin’ Johnnies