Dog Events and Activities in Pittsburgh
Dog Events in Pittsburgh: What to Know
- Pittsburgh offers a wide variety of dog-friendly events and activities throughout the year, from fun runs and festivals to large pet expos.
- Many of these events support local animal rescues and charities, allowing pet owners to give back while enjoying time with their dogs.
- Social gatherings like park meetups and festivals provide great opportunities for dogs and their humans to connect with the community and discover new resources.
- After a day of adventure, local pet services such as grooming, training, and boarding are available to ensure your pup stays happy and healthy.
Looking for dog-focused things do to around Pittsburgh? Whether you’re a lifelong local or just visiting with your pup, the Steel City offers plenty of tail-wagging events and activities to explore together. From pet expos and dog parades to outdoor festivals and charity walks, there’s no shortage of ways to have fun with your pup year-round.
We’ve gathered some of the top dog-centered events and activities in the area so you and your pup can have a blast!
Top Dog-Centered Pittsburgh Events You Won’t Want to Miss
Grab your leash and start filling up your calendar with these dog-focused events and activities happening around Pittsburgh. Just keep in mind that dates and details may shift from year to year, so be sure to check for the latest info before heading out!
Annual Dog Derby
The Annual Dog Derby is a fun-filled 5K walk and run designed for dogs and their owners to enjoy together! Hosted each fall at Boyce Park Ski Lodge in Plum, the event features a scenic course with playful, pup-friendly obstacles that add excitement and variety to the experience.
Registration usually includes a race bib, dog bandana, and other fun perks, making it a festive outing from start to finish! This derby is a great way to get active and connect with fellow dog lovers in the Pittsburgh area.
Pittsburgh Pet Expo
The Pittsburgh Pet Expo is one of the country’s largest consumer pet shows, held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh. Spanning over 2.5 acres indoors, the event draws an estimated 14,000 attendees over three days.
With around 250 exhibitor booths and more than 30 rescue groups on site, the event offers everything from product demos and services to interactive attractions. Visitors can enjoy pet costume contests, photos with Santa, vaccines and microchipping, dock diving, and so much more! The expo is a must-visit for pet owners looking to explore, learn, and support local rescues in one exciting weekend.
Healthy Pet Day
The Healthy Pet Day event, presented by Petagogy, is hosted in the fall within multiple Pittsburgh-area pet stores. With in-store sales, free samples, vendor meet and greets, and informative booths hosted by local pet brands and rescue groups, it’s a great way to treat your pet and support the community.
Whether you’re there for discounts or dog-focused demos, this event offers a fun and helpful experience for pet parents like yourself.
Dog Days of Summer
Dog Days of Summer brings free, social evenings to Allegheny County’s off-leash dog parks every week throughout the summer. Held at locations such as South Park, North Park, Settlers Cabin, Boyce, and Harrison Hills, these events provide an ideal chance for pups to run, play, and mingle outside. Local vendors often stop by with free treats, toys, and giveaways, adding a community vibe to the relaxed park setting.
Additionally, no registration is required, making it easy to drop in with your dog at any time. It’s a perfect way to beat the summer heat and get your dog some well-deserved playtime.
Pints and Paws Brew Fest
The Pints and Paws Brew Fest, presented by Mondays Brewing Company, is a super fun, dog-inclusive craft beer festival held during the summer months. This summer event invites dog owners to sip on a variety of local brews while their pups socialize in a friendly outdoor setting.
Expect a lineup of craft beers, food vendors, and entertainment tailored to both four-legged and two-legged guests. Best of all, the event supports dog rescue efforts, so every pint poured goes to a good cause. This fest truly is the perfect blend of brews, bonding, and community!
Paws for a Cure
The Paws for a Cure walk takes place in the late summer and features a charitable 2-mile stroll that begins in the morning, bringing together dogs and their humans to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. After the walk, attendees can enjoy brunch, browse local vendors, and enter raffles, all in a vibrant and dog-friendly atmosphere.
Lace up your sneakers and your dog’s leash! It’s a feel-good event worth marking on your calendar.
Steel City Mega Pet Expo
The Steel City Mega Pet Expo is a massive, family-friendly pet event held in Pittsburgh at the Monroeville Convention Center. Running from morning until night, the expo packs in dozens of vendors, expert speakers, local rescue groups, and interactive contests, such as a pet parade and grooming competition.
Tickets start at around $10, with discounts for seniors and military personnel available. This is a great dog event for shopping, learning, and supporting local animal rescue groups, so give it a look!
Woofstock
The Woofstock Pet Party in the Park event brings a fun and community-focused celebration to Wild Things Park in Washington, Pennsylvania. The admission fee per person is only $5, and proceeds support the Washington Area Humane Society.
This lively outdoor festival includes pet contests, food trucks, vendors, live music, a retriever lure course, raffles, and more! It’s an ideal late-summer outing for dogs and their humans, blending entertainment and rescue support in one memorable day.
Puptopia Festival
The Puptopia Festival is an all-day, free-admission extravaganza celebrating dogs and their humans. The event delivers a dog-lover’s dream, blending high-energy stunt dog shows with interactive experiences like DIY grooming opportunities and giant photo ops.
With its festive atmosphere, entertainment lineup, and adoptable dog showcases, this event in Pittsburgh is perfect for a summer day of bonding, fulfillment, and canine community spirit.
Keep the Tail-Wagging Fun Going at Pet Palace
After a day of excitement in Pittsburgh, why not treat your pup to a little well-deserved care and attention? At Pet Palace Pittsburgh, we offer everything from professional grooming and expert training to overnight boarding and engaging doggy day care, all in a welcoming and pet-first environment.
Whether your dog needs a fresh trim after a muddy outdoor festival or a safe, comfortable place to stay while you’re away, the team at Pet Palace has you covered! Reach out to a member of our team with questions or book your dog’s reservation online today!
Categories: All Posts, Dogs, Pittsburgh