Events for Dogs in Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the largest urban area in the U.S. and has many options for people who have dogs. It's easy to entertain and exercise their pets, raise funds for charity and show dogs in the city throughout the year. The city has leash and no-leash dog parks, and clubs and organizations where dogs take the center stage.

  1. Wags for Wishes

    • Wags for Wishes is a two-day winter event for dogs that invites dog owners to help raise funds for the Make-a-Wish Foundation by buying tickets. The organization that sponsors Wags for Wishes, R &Q Dog Sports Inc., charges vendors booth fees to exhibit at the event and donates about 40 percent of revenue from the event to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, a national nonprofit that helps terminally ill children and young people

      The activities for dogs include events and competitions such as agility training, dock diving and catch. Additionally, dogs can demonstrate their ability to herd, act as assistance dogs or just have their photos taken. Vendors set up booths and provide information and products for dogs.

    Pet Expo

    • The Pet Expo invites pet owners of all kinds to bring their animals to the University of Phoenix Stadium, typically in May each year. The domed sports stadium lies due west of Phoenix a few miles and the stadium turns on the air conditioning to keep everyone comfortable. The expo is free for the public and vendors set up booths where they provide products of interest to dog and other animal owners. The expo also sponsors low-cost microchips and viable treatment information for heart worms and fleas, as well as free nail-clipping services.

      The expo schedules stage events and some dogs parade around the stadium floor in costumes. There is an award to the best pet costume for a large and a small dog. The Pet Expo is also a venue for low-cost pet adoptions, including dogs and cats.

    Dog Shows

    • Phoenix hosts dog shows throughout the year at several venues. Most of the shows are held in Phoenix proper, although the suburbs also host shows. Almost all the events are sponsored by local American Kennel Club branches and the shows are specific to each registered breed. The shows take place throughout the year.

    Heart to Heart Pet-a-Rama

    • The Heart to Heart organization in Phoenix hosts a dog parade and a full day of activities to raise money for canine heart research and to fund placing homeless dogs in homes throughout the metro area. The Heart to Heart Pet-a-Rama takes place at Steele Indian School Park annually in February. The activities feature a two-mile walk.

      Steele Indian School Park is the largest canine park in Phoenix and has two separate leash-free areas for large and small dogs. Attendees seek sponsors among their friends, family, co-workers and employers to donate to the Heart to Heart group.

    Lucky Dog Rescue

    • Lucky Dog Rescue is a nonprofit animal rescue organization in Phoenix that holds fund raising efforts to support dogs while the homeless animals wait for new homes. Their fundraisers occur throughout the year in different locations in the city and the metro area.