Halloween is right around the corner, and Chicago is buzzing with exciting pet-friendly events! From costume contests to festive parades, there are plenty of opportunities to include your pets in the fun. Here’s a roundup of upcoming events and some essential tips for keeping your pets safe and comfortable during festivities. Let’s all have a Pet-Friendly Halloween in Chicago 2024!
Upcoming Pet-Friendly Halloween Events in Chicago
1. Ruff Haus Benefiting One Tail at a Time
- Date: October 24, 2024
- Time: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Location: Ruff Haus – 4772 North Lincoln Avenue Chicago, IL 60625
- Dress your dog in their spookiest or silliest costume for a chance to win prizes! A $20 donation gets you entry into the contest, a professional photo, and a goody bag of treats.
- Learn more here
2. One Tail at a Time‘s Adopt a Boo – Half off Adoptions
- Date: October 26, 2024
- Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Location: One Tail at a Time’s Adoption Center – 2144 N Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60614
- Learn more here
3. The Great Pumpkin Howl-O-Ween Festival
- Date: October 26, 2024
- Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Location: Commons Park
- This festival features a costume contest, doggy games, snacks for dogs and humans, Party Pups agility show, a haunted dog house just for the pups, Police K9 demonstration, a variety of exciting pet product vendors, and live music from School of Rock
- Learn more here
4. 37th Annual Streeterville Doggy Halloween Costume Party and Parade Benefiting PAWS Chicago
- Date: October 26, 2024
- Time: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- Location: Museum of Contemporary Art Sculpture Garden
- Bring your pet dressed in their Halloween best for this annual parade where creativity knows no bounds. Admission is free with a donation of a pet toy or accessory
- Learn more here
And, check out their Facebook page for the Virtual Cat Costume Contest!
5. Howl ‘O Ween Doggie Halloween Party
- Date: October 29, 2024
- Time: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Location: Park and Field
- Enjoy an outdoor party with heated patio space, costume contests, and giveaways while sipping on local brews
- Learn more here
6. Various Events Hosted by the Chicago Park District
- Learn more about happenings, venues, dates, and times for events throughout Chicago here.
7. Chicago Residential Partners’ 4th Annual Halloween Dog Costume Contest and Cupcake Truck
- Date: October 30, 2024
- Time: 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Park Chestnut – 849 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL
- Bring your furry friend in their cutest Halloween costume to enjoy a cupcake truck, adorable pets, and a spooktacular evening. Dogs and costumes aren’t mandatory to participate in this free event.
- Learn more here
Tips for Keeping Pets Safe and Comfortable
1. Choose Comfortable Costumes
Ensure that your pet’s costume is comfortable and allows for easy movement. Avoid anything that restricts their breathing or may be chewed off.
2. Keep Pets Leashed
Crowded events can be overwhelming for pets. Always keep them on a leash to keep them from getting lost or injured.
3. Offer Water
Bring water for your pet, especially if the event is outdoors. Staying hydrated is crucial during busy activities.
4. Monitor Stress Levels
Watch for signs of stress in your pet including excessive barking or hiding. If they seem uncomfortable, consider taking a break or leaving the event early.
5. Avoid Hazardous Treats
Be cautious about giving your pet treats from strangers or unfamiliar vendors. Stick to treats you know are safe for them.
6. Plan for Weather Conditions
Check the weather forecast before heading out and dress your pet accordingly. If it’s too hot or cold, it may be best to skip the event.
By participating in festive events while keeping safety in mind, you and your pet are sure to have a Happy Halloween!
At Floofins & Co., we love to see the pet-loving community come together at festive events that welcome the whole family. If you make it out to any of these events, please tag us in your photos. We love to see your pets out and about in Chicagoland!
If you are new to Floofins & Co. and interested in our dog walking, pet sitting, dog training, or pet photography services, please fill out our contact form. Once received, we will be in touch to further discuss your interest. You may also give us a call at 630-478-8915 or drop us a line at info@floofinsandco.com. We are happy to discuss our services from Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Learn more about our in-home pet care new client onboarding process here.
If you are an existing client, please schedule services here. We look forward to caring for your pets. Happy Halloween!