This year's Yorktown Market Days Paws at the River event is scheduled for Saturday, October 26th, 2024. The event, designed to bring awareness to animal rescue organizations, will feature adoptable pets in search of their forever homes along with lots of fun for the whole family. Today, I want to share my tips for prepping your dog for Yorktown Market Days Paws at the River to ensure your dogs have as much fun as you do.
Yorktown Market Days Paws at the River
While the focus of Paws at the River is animal welfare and pet adoptions, the fun doesn't end there. The event is meant to be a fun way to spend a Saturday and attracts dog loving locals and visitors alike.
This year, event planners have confirmed a pet portrait station, doggy delights, and informational booths. Because it's 'spooky season,' they are also planning a doggy trick-or-treating activity featuring several Yorktown businesses and rescue organizations. There will also be live music, a Halloween parade, and chef demos outside of Gangster Dog Yorktown.
Per the VisitYorktown website, "Riverwalk Landing will be filled with vendors selling seasonal produce; fresh baked goods; meats; fresh-cut flowers; honey; and more! You’re sure to have a doggone good time!" For a full schedule of events click here.
Before Taking Your Dog to Paws at the River
Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Dog
Before making plans for what promises to be a fantastic event, I urge you to consider the following:
Is your dog healthy enough to attend a busy, crowded event and walk for an extended period?
Is your dog comfortable around strangers and crowds?
Can your dog comfortably and safely interact with unfamiliar adults, children, and dogs?
Does your dog enjoy unpredictable days and experiences?
If you answered "no" to any of the above questions, your dog is likely better off being left at home or in the care of a professional pet sitter.
Next, ask yourself if your dog has a bite history. If he or she has bitten in the past, no matter the circumstances, consider keeping your dog at home to ensure the safety of those around you. While the circumstances of the bite may be entirely different, a dog with a bite history is likely to bite again and we'd never want to put a dog in that position. Plus, you may be putting yourself at greater legal risk based on Virginia law.
Remember to register your dog per local law, ensure their rabies vaccine is up-to-date, and consider microchipping. And, make sure your pet is on a flea and tick prevention plan to avoid bringing home any pests from the event.
While at Paws at the River
If you decide that your dog will enjoy the experience, consider if your dog would enjoy being in costume. If not, opt for a festive bandana instead.
If your dog enjoys wearing clothing or is accustomed to outerwear and accessories, choose costumes that do not obstruct your dogs' sight or ability to hear. Also, ensure your dog can move freely in the get-up. A dog that feels restricted or vulnerable is a dog that may be reactive, nervous, or stressed.
While at the event, keep your dog leashed and ensure he or she is wearing a collar with ID tags. Opt for a standard 6-foot leash over a retractable leash and supervise all interactions with other dogs. If you notice your dog becoming stressed, overheating, or disengaging, call it a day and head home. It's always better to be safe than sorry. By staying too long, you may be pushing your dog past his or her threshold.
After Paws at the River
Once you get home, make sure you remove all costumes and accessories fully. Check your dog for ticks and other pests because late fall is still tick season in Yorktown. Also, give your dog a snout-to-tail assessment to ensure they didn't sustain any injuries or irritation from the costume or from walking at the event.
Water & Rest
Don't forget to offer your dog water throughout the day and once you get home. Let your dog rest after social events, which can be very taxing on dogs that aren't accustomed to them. And, keep an eye on your dog in the following days to ensure they are feeling well and acting their usual self.
At Hearts at Home Pet Sitting, we love to support 757 local businesses and events like Paws at the River. We also love to see contented dogs enjoying our beautiful city. That said, many dogs prefer to avoid crowded places and strangers. For this reason, we encourage you to ask yourself the questions above and to count on us when you head somewhere your dog would prefer to avoid. We're happy to stop by and visit with your dog while he or she remains safely at home. After all, to a dog, there's truly no place like home!
Hearts at Home Pet Sitting offers in-home dog walking and pet sitting services in Yorktown, Poquoson, Newport News, and Hampton, Virginia. To register your pet(s) or home with us, please complete a new client questionnaire here. Existing clients may request services here. Those outside our service area are encouraged to find a pet sitter near you at the Pet Sitters International or National Association of Professional Pet Sitters websites.
Please visit our website or contact us by email at Hello@HeartsAtHomePetSitting.com or by phone at 757-745-9868 to learn more.
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