Though dogs aren’t allowed in the main gardens at the Arboretum, on this day they’re the stars of the Arboretum’s 65-acre Dog Commons, an on-leash dog trail designed by the Nature-Based Therapeutics experts at the University of Minnesota. Dog owners are invited to come together to walk the trails, heel for photos and meet other dog-lovers. A Pet Expo features 40 pet vendors while events include contests (cutest dog, best trick, best costume, dog-owner look-alikes), doga (dog yoga), agility demos and prizes.
The Arboretum’s Dog Commons area is not “just an on-leash dog trail." It is about the entire experience of being outside in a plant-rich landscape with an animal companion. A goal of the Dog Commons is to inspire a shift from walking the dog as a chore to walking the dog as a mindful and restorative experience that benefits health and well-being for humans and pets.
All dogs must remain on-leash at all times and be up to date on all vaccinations in order to attend the event.
New vendors are encouraged to apply!
If you’re a non-profit or for-profit dog-related business, we hope you’ll join us for the Pet Expo at All About Dogs Day.
Schedule
Explore the Pet Expo, fill out the vendor Paws-port for a chance to win the grand prize, and check out activities at the Dog Commons from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
9:30 a.m. Agility Demonstration
Additional details coming soon!
10 a.m. Doga (dog yoga) with Kristin Truedeau
Enjoy a 30 minute outdoor yoga class with your pup! Kristin Trudeau, founder of Yoga Layheehoo, will be offering two free doga classes throughout the day. During a Doga class, mats are arranged to give dogs their space. The first portion of Kristin’s class teaches some dog massage techniques to try on your pup. This really allows for you and your dog to settle into the space; creating a calm, relaxed atmosphere. Kristin will instruct some yoga postures and sequences that allow for connecting and bonding with your dog, no matter what their size. The final minutes are spent relaxing in savasana with your dog. You'll be amazed how your chill vibe rubs off on your furry family member! No registration required.
10:30-11:15 a.m. Contests
- 10:30 a.m. - Dog & Owner Look-Alike Contest
- 10:45 a.m. - Cutest Dog Contest
- 11 a.m. - Best Costume Contest
- 11:15 a.m. - Best Dog Trick Contest
Do you have a talented pup, the cutest diva in town or maybe the best dog and owner look-alike? Enter one (or all) of our contests for a chance to win prizes. On the day of the event, we will call the pre-registered contestants up to the stage, contest by contest, where they will be judged by the audience and a winner will be selected. See the timeline of the contest times above.
11:30 a.m. Doga (dog yoga) with Kristin Truedeau
Enjoy a 30 minute outdoor yoga class with your pup! Kristin Trudeau, founder of Yoga Layheehoo, will be offering two free doga classes throughout the day. During a Doga class, mats are arranged to give dogs their space. The first portion of Kristin’s class teaches some dog massage techniques to try on your pup. This really allows for you and your dog to settle into the space; creating a calm, relaxed atmosphere. Kristin will instruct some yoga postures and sequences that allow for connecting and bonding with your dog, no matter what their size. The final minutes are spent relaxing in savasana with your dog. You'll be amazed how your chill vibe rubs off on your furry family member! No registration required.
12 p.m. Agility Demonstration
Additional details coming soon!
12:30 p.m. Grand Prize Drawing
Fill out your Vendor Paws-port for a chance to win!
2023 Pet Expo Vendors
DnD Crafts Boutique
