Join us for our annual pet extravaganza, Barktoberfest on the first Saturday in October! Experience a day filled with furry friends as dogs and cats of all breeds and ages will be available for adoption through local non-profit approved and invited rescue organizations. Adoption fees and processes are determined by each organization.
The park will transform into a hub of pet adoptions and family-friendly activities. Kids, leashed pets, and the entire family can enjoy a range of entertainment. Explore unique items from our fantastic vendors, specially curated for both you and your pets. Indulge in delicious food, groove to great music, and test your luck with our amazing raffle prizes.
Convenient, free parking surrounds the park, and public restrooms will be available for your convenience.
All proceeds and donations from this event will go toward supporting participating non-profit rescues from Highlands and Hardee County, Florida. Your presence and contributions will make a significant difference in these animals' lives!
We welcome your socialized, well-behaved, and leashed dog. We ask you do NOT use retractable leashes at this event.
Please be prepared to pick up after your dog.
Plan Your Day at Barktoberfest
Nail Clipping
A little me time!
Get your pet's nails professionally clipped during the event by Puppers & Hairballs, professional groomers
9:00am - 2:00pm
$10.00 minimum
CASH donation
Pet Blessing
Get the little devil blessed right out of them!
Bring your pet to be blessed during the event by
Rev. Rose Sapp-Bax, Deacon,
& Rev. Dr. Robin Reed,
St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church.
9:00am - 2:00pm
Donations gladly accepted
Pet Costume Contest
They'll forgive you, we promise!
Bring your pet in costume and enter to win great prizes!
Contest starts at 11:00am
Located at the Large Pavilion
No Entry Fee
Wag Bag
First 30 adoptions or while supplies last!
Free Wag Bag with adoption, filled with goodies for you and your new pet
Microchipping
Never ugly cry again!
Bring your cat or dog to get microchipped during the event by Highlands County Animal Services.
9:00am - 2:00pm
$10.00
Cash or check donation
Pet Photo Fun
Say Cheese!
Get your photo instantly in your email or text!
$5.00 minimum cash donation
Mini Petting Zoo
by CudaBears Lair Animal Sanctuary
Bring the whole family by for a hands-on experience with some adorable, gentle farm animals!
9:00am - 2:00pm
Special Presentations
In Front of Large Pavilion
Barrett and Scott Gordon
Showcase of Barrett's Abilities and Talent
10:00 am at the Pavilion
A Barktoberfest favorite returns! Meet Barrett, a Belgian Malinois saved from death row by Barking Out Loud Rescue, and his handler, Scott Gordon. Adopted by Scott and his wife Georgia, Barrett is living proof of the incredible potential rescue dogs possess. Come watch him showcase his remarkable skills, focus, and determination in an all-new demonstration! Afterward, we invite you to stop by our booth to meet Barrett and chat with Scott about your own dog training needs.
Dispelling the Myths of E-Collars and Prong Collars
12:30 pm at the Pavilion
There is a lot of misinformation out there regarding E-Collars and prong collars. In this educational session, we will break down the facts, dispel common myths, and explain the science and safety behind these training tools. Learn how, when used correctly and fairly, they can be highly effective communication aids for you and your dog.
Leash Manners: How to Get Your Dog to Stop Pulling
1:00 pm at the Pavilion
Tired of being dragged down the street on your daily walks? Join us for an interactive session on leash manners! We will share practical, easy-to-understand techniques to help your dog walk politely by your side. Stick around after the demonstration for an open Q&A session where we’ll troubleshoot your specific walking woes.
Brook with Brook's Dog Training
11:30 am at the Pavilion
Brook with Brook's Dog Training will be sharing invaluable information for residents with Pets in Highlands County.
This presentation focuses on where to go with your pet or where you can leave your pet in the event of an evacuation prior to a hurricane hitting. This collection of data will be very useful, especially if you live in a community that evacuates. Please plan on stopping by during the presentation, as it may prove to be very useful in the future for you or someone you know.
You can also learn the services Brook offers with Brook's Dog Training at her booth during Barktoberfest.
Heartland Dog Club
Paws & Permission: A Kid’s Guide to Safely Meeting Dogs
10:30 am at the Pavilion
Bring the little ones for an interactive mini-workshop led by an official AKC Canine Ambassador! Kids will learn the proper steps for approaching new dogs and asking permission to pet, plus crucial safety tips on what to do if an unfamiliar or stray dog comes up to them when they're out alone. It's a fun, practical session full of great confidence-building safety rules—and special giveaways just for the kids!
Heartland Dog Club: Training You to Train Your Dog
12:45 pm at the Pavilion
Join Cindy White and Ann Yeager, from the Heartland Dog Club, to learn all about the fantastic services, training classes, and activities they offer our local dog-loving community! Whether you have a brand-new puppy or want to teach an older dog some new moves, HDC has you covered. Stick around for a live demonstration where club members and their talented pups will show off their impressive obedience skills and fun tricks. Come see what you and your dog can achieve together!
Therapy Dogs in Community Service: Sharing Smiles and Joy
Stop by booth #13 to learn more throughout the event!
Have you ever wondered what it takes to share your dog's love with those who need it most? Join Colleen Rafatti, a certified Tester/Observer from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), to explore the incredibly rewarding world of therapy dog work! This informative session will walk you through the certification process, explain the important differences between therapy, service, and emotional support dogs, and hopefully inspire you to start your own therapy dog journey.
Barking Out Loud
The Perfect Match: Choosing & Adopting the Right Pet
9:45 am at the Pavilion
Thinking about adding a new four-legged family member to your home? Claudia Beaver from Barking Out Loud breaks down how to choose and adopt a pet that truly fits your lifestyle. Learn how to evaluate energy levels, daily routines, and home environments so you can create a smooth transition and set up a long, joyful partnership together!
Bugs, Bites, and Prevention: Protecting Your Pets from Pests
12:00 pm at the Pavilion
Join Claudia Beaver from Barking Out Loud for an eye-opening look into the world of fleas and heartworms! You'll learn how these pesky parasites breed, develop, and multiply—and why keeping up with preventatives is the absolute best defense for your pet. Come get the facts and keep your pets happy, healthy, and bug-free!
Food & Supply Collections at Barktoberfest
The Rescues can't do this alone!
When you bring any of these items to the large pavilion at Barktoberfest you will receive a
FREE RAFFLE TICKET for a chance to win a great raffle prize during BARKTOBERFEST.
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PUPPY, ADULT, SENIOR DOG OR CAT FOOD. (USA made only please)
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FLEA/TICK TREAMENT
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BRUSHES/COMBS
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SHAMPOO/CONDITIONER
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TREATS
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TOYS
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PET BEDDING
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TOWELS & BLANKETS
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DISINFECTANT CLEANERS, PAPER TOWELS, GARBAGE BAGS & GLOVES
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CRATES/CAGES
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KITTY LITTER
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LEASHES & COLLARS
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or anything else you think could be helpful to a shelter.
Even gift cards to Petco or Pet Supermarket, Amazon, Walmart prove to be very helpful as well.
