Pooches in the Park is a unique opportunity for Santa Cruz dog lovers to showcase their pets in an environment that fosters education, advocacy, and fun. Register your Greyhound, Terrier, Poodle, Labrador, Dalmatian, Spaniel, Pug, Sheepdog, mutt, or whatever breed is a part of your family, and take part in the Dog Pride Costume Parade!

Admission (for humans) is free; the dog registration fee is $5.00. Dogs must be at least 6 months old to participate.

Pooches in the Park is a multi-agency collaboration in association with the Santa Cruz County Department of Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services (POSCS) and Supporters and Helpers of Arts, Recreation and Parks (SHARP), as well as Santa Cruz County Animal Services Authority (ASA), the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and the Sheriffs Department K9 Unit.  This event is also sponsored by the Monterey Bay Dog Training Club, Kindred Spirit Dog Training and Coastal Canine Magazine.

There will be lots of activities for everyone to enjoy--contests, performances, demonstrations, kids’ activities, rescue organizations and specialty vendors. A costume and pet trick contest, a Pug race, low cost vaccinations, animal rescue groups, pet vendors, pet gifts, training experts, grooming services, and delicious animal and human food will be available.  Additionally, Sandi Pensinger and her business Living with Dogs will be there for their second year performing Lure Coursing and making it available to members of the public that are interested in trying it (first come first served basis).”

Looking for a new addition to your family? The Santa Cruz County Animal Services Authority (ASA) will be hosting an “Adopt-a-thon,” featuring a presentation of the dogs available for Anyone interested in adopting a dog will go through a compatibility screening with the ASA, allowing the potential adoptee access to one-on-one time with a dog prior to making an adoption commitment.

Come and enjoy the largest dog park in the County, POLO GROUNDS DOG PARK, and meet our very own Santa Cruz Animal Cops! A day of fun, education, and information for all dogs and people. Please come and join in on all the festivities!

Please contact Rebecca at 454-7930 for more information.

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR POOCHES:

• Pooches Vendor Application & Rules
• Print Flyer