June's Best Dog-Friendly Events

Posted by Lauren Barker

Throughout June, dogs are invited to attend an array of events created specifically with them in mind. Enter your competitive canine in a variety of contests from the world’s ugliest dog to prom king, let your fearless pooch try out new activities like surfing, dock diving or lure chasing, and bond with each other during activities like a poker run or while touring an art gallery. No matter what dog-friendly event you pup’s looking for, he’s sure to find it this month!

Puppy Prom

New York, NY
The Royal Court. Photo by Facebook.com/pupsontherunway

Dress Fido and Fifi in their most elegant evening wear and celebrate 10 years of Puppy Prom in New York City. In addition to the crowning of prom king and queen, there will also be contests for best prom eleganza and best prom theme attire. While you mix and mingle with other two- and four-legged attendees, be sure to stop at photo ops throughout the venue and enter to win cool prizes in raffles an other giveaways.

Puppy Prom will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on June 14 at U Party in NYC. Admission is $50 per person and $10 per contest entry and proceeds will benefit a local rescue. After a night of fun, Fido can unwind at Aloft Harlem.

Dog Day Out at Purina Farms

Gray Summit, MO
Best. Day. Ever. Photo by Facebook.com/PurinaFarms

Mindful mutts and high-energy hounds will have a ball at Dog Day Out at Purina Farms. Canines of all skill levels are invited to attend this two-day event of sports, games and activities designed to challenge your dog mentally and physically. Fido can try his paw at lure chasing, dock diving or disc catching, and can show off his talents on the agility course.

Dog Day Out at Purina Farms takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. on June 7 and 8 in Grey Summit, MO. Admission is $20 for the first dog, $15 for each additional dog and advance reservations are required. Proceeds from the event will benefit Five Acres Animal Shelter. Attend both days of the event and spend the night at Fox Haus in nearby Villa Ridge.

Hang 8 Dog Surfing Extravaganza

Flagler Beach, FL
"Surfs Up, Dood!" Photo by Facebook.com/Hang8DogSurfing

Grab your boards, your shades & some sunblock and head out to the Hang 8 Dog Surfing Extravaganza. Whether your pup is a wave-riding pro or wants to try surfing for the first time, he’s invited to this 2nd annual event on Flagler Beach, one of the best pet-friendly beach towns in the U.S. The festivities will feature dog surfing competitions, lessons, a costume contest, a kissing booth, vendors and more.

Dogs are only permitted on this section of Flagler Beach during the event which will be held on June 8, beginning at 8 a.m. Spend the night at nearby Hilton Garden Inn Palm Coast Town Center and visit more beach towns along Florida’s A1A.

World’s Ugliest Dog Contest

Petaluma, CA
A face only a mother could love. Photo by Facebook.com/Sonoma.MarinFair

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder at the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest, where mutts so ugly they’re cute are celebrated for their uniqueness. While only human spectators are allowed to enjoy the event, if you think your pup has what it takes to compete for the coveted title, enter him in the contest. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 ugliest dogs and additional trophies will be handed out for the Spirit Award and People’s Choice.

The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is set for 6 p.m. on June 21 at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. Canine contestants must pre-register and there is a $10 fee to attend. Spend the night at nearby Hampton Inn Petaluma and grab a bite from one of the dog-friendly downtown restaurants.

Dog Mountain Founders Celebration Dog Party

St. Johnsbury, VT
It's a dog's world here. Photo by Facebook.com/stephenhuneck

At Dog Mountain Founders Celebration Dog Party, it’s a dog’s world and we just live in it. Bring Fido along for a day honoring of the lives and loves of Dog Mountain’s visionaries, Stephen and Gwen Huneck. Pups can play off leash in the property’s ponds and pastures, and stroll with their owners through the art gallery. There will be live music by Loud Moon, food from Mo’s Backyard BBQ, treats from local vendors, a doggie walk of fame, a pie-eating race and a tennis ball launch, plus contests, raffles, an agility course and more.

Dog Mountain Founders Celebration Dog Party takes place June 22 from noon to 4 p.m. The event is free to attend and will be held rain or shine. If you want to stay nearby, set up camp at Moose River Campground or book a room at Fairbanks Inn.

Puppy Poker Run

Medina, OH
"It's a full house!" Photo by Facebook.com/TheGivingDoll

Bring your canine companion to Pooch Paw-Ty in celebration of National Dog Party Day. This three-hour event is packed with family-friendly activities, including visits with the Pierce County Sheriff K9 Team, America’s Next Top Dog costume contest, and live training by All Ears Petcare. As you make your way between activities, pick up a complementary puppuccino for Fido, stop for pet photos, and enter the "ruffle drawing" for a chance to win prizes!

Pooch Paw-Ty takes place on June 21. After a fun-filled afternoon, retreat to the pet-friendly Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Puyallup. Once Fido is well rested, head to Habitat Dog Park at Meridian Habitat Park & Community Center to meet the four-legged locals.

Are you and your pup attending any dog-friendly events in June? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Facebook.com/stephenhuneck.