The Best Annual Dog Friendly Events In Indianapolis Area

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Indianapolis isn’t shy about their love for pets, especially dogs!

That’s why there are always dozens of events that take place every year, typically with the intention of raising a charitable donation for a dog rescue or shelter organization.

If you live in Indy and you want to be involved in some of the up-and-coming doggy events, then keep reading to find out which ones we love the most!

dog friendly events in indianapolis area

By Allison Salonko.

Allison is a Veterinary Technician in the state of Indiana. She graduated from International Business College and Vet Tech Institute of Indianapolis with a degree in Animal Science and Technology in 2011.

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Annual Dog Events In Indianapolis Area

#1 Annual Bow Wow Bash

Labeled as one of the “best dog events in Indy” the Bow Wow Bash has created a huge following of pet lovers, owners, rescue volunteers and veterinary professionals with their vendors, contests and all things animal adoption!

Every year, they mix up the games, rewards and sponsors, keeping it exciting and new each time.

This year, the Bow Wow Bash will include some doggone good food, the infamous Speck’s Dog Contest, Top Dog/Top Cat Competitions and even a silent auction for some impressive and unique prizes!

There will be over 100 dogs and cats available for adoption at this event, so if you’re in the market for a new companion and you live in Indianapolis, you should be sure to check out the Annual Bow Wow Bash on September 25, 2022.

As mentioned earlier, the locals, including myself, find the annual Bow Wow Bash to be one of the best animal events in Indianapolis and thousands of us look forward to it every year!

#2 IndyVet Pet Carnival

Looking for an event this summer that is super fun, hosted by a well-known veterinary hospital and it benefits local pet rescues and shelters?

Well, the IndyVet Pet Carnival is exactly what you’re looking for!

A family-friendly event that, of course, welcomes the four-legged members as well! The IndyVet Pet Carnival will host numerous fun and exciting activities, such as the famous Dachshund 500, Doggy Pie-Eating contest, and the Best Dressed and Best Trick competition.

There will even be performances by the Elite Performance K9’s.

If you’re interested in partaking in the festivities of the IndyVet Pet Carnival, save the date on your calendar for July 16th, 2022.

As a local and a veterinary professional, this event has always been something that I’ve gone to and enjoyed very much!

IndyVet does a great job of bringing funds to rescues and other animal-related organizations.

#3 ARPO Dog Olympics

The 16th annual ARPO Dog Olympics is set to take place on September 17, 2022 at Broad Ripple Park.

This event includes numerous competitions, such as a t-shirt race, shedding competition, doggy pie-eating competition, obstacle courses and bone finding contests!

And that’s not even everything!

Be sure to mark your calendars and be available on September 17, 2022 for the 16th annual ARPO Dog Olympics! You and your pup are sure to have a blast! Check out their Facebook page here for more info.

This event has a long history of happening every year.

When attending in the past, it was truly so much fun seeing the dogs in their t-shirts and all of the funny, dog and owner competitions!

Dog-Friendly Events In Indianapolis Area

Maybe you’re not specifically looking for a “dog event” but you’d like to socialize and have fun somewhere where your dog can be included.

There’s certainly nothing wrong with that! Thankfully, Indianapolis has several “dog-friendly events” to offer!

#1 The 5K Beer Run

Like to stay active but also enjoy a nice, refreshing beer after a long day?

Want to include your dog as well?

Well, the 5K Beer Run in Indianapolis will certainly not disappoint.

The brain-child of the Indiana Brewery Running Series, these individuals strive to stay healthy, have fun and, of course, enjoy some delicious craft beer at the end of the day.

This 5K Beer Run is exactly that, you can walk, jog or run to the finish line and there will be a tasty beer waiting for you!

Walking has always been more mine and my dog’s style and they’re totally fine with that! You still get your beer and your dog gets their treat at the end.

If you’re looking for a way to include your dog in your fun, they are more than welcome to participate!

But there’s no beer waiting for them at the finish line.

#2 LYKKE Summer Fest

LYKKE is a Danish word that means happiness and good fortune.

So why not bring your canine companion to celebrate with you at the LYKKE Summer Fest in Mooresville on June 25, 2022.

If you enjoy hand-made items, antiques, local art and delicious food, then you won’t be disappointed in this dog-friendly event.

Pet’s are welcome as there is nothing that brings more happiness and gopod fortune than a wonderful canine companion.

Dogs and kids are welcome at this fun craft show!

My dog had a blast meeting new people and even got to snack on some yummy fair food.

I took my grandmother with us last year and she couldn’t get enough of the cute doggies in costumes and all of the adorable antiques.

#3 Fourth Of July Celebration At Metazoa Brewing Company

This pet-friendly event at the Metazoa Brewing Company is sure to bring a huge crowd to Indianapolis over July 4th weekend.

Bring Fido along for the fun and festivities that are sure to create lasting memories with your pet, friends and family. It will be a relaxing day of tasty barbecue, craft beers, yard games and local music and DJ’s.

The Metazoa Brewing Company is pulling out all the stops for the festive 4th of July holiday.

Their spacious patio, dog park and taproom will be available to all those who come out.

My favorite feature was the super unique dog park that is available for this restaurant’s customers. Everyone there had well-behaved dogs and it was so easy to hang out with friends while my dog enjoyed her people-watching.

Photo by Anima Visual.