The 19th Annual Pet Fest is coming to Caras Park on Saturday, August 24, 2024!
Check back in July 2024 for a schedule or see below to take a look at the fun we had in 2023!
Enter the Doggie Olympics!
Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Caras Park from 10am until 3pm! It’s fun and crazy!
Pets of all ages, sizes and abilities have a chance to go for the gold in the Doggie Olympics.
Check out the schedule below but check back often because we will update as the event nears and all times are approximate and subject to change at any time. Pet Fest opens at 10:00am.
How to Register Your Pet for a Contest
Register your pet for contests at the Pet Fest Registration table 30 minutes prior to each contest. You must have ONE registration form completed for EACH pet. Some contests may have limited participants, so entries are accepted on a first come, first served basis. All times are approximate.
All Day – The Humane Society of Western Montana Vaccination Clinic
HSWM’s vaccinator van will be at Pet Fest! They will hosting a walk in, pay what you can vaccination clinic offering annual core vaccines (DAPP/FVRCP), rabies, and microchips.
10:30 – Demonstration
To be announced for 2024.
11:00 – Best Dressed Pet– Sponsored by Nikki Kelly-Real – Cosmetologist
Open to all sizes and ages
The dog days of summer are still here but think Howl-O-Ween. Be creative but remember that costumes should both be fun and safe. 3 winners will receive 1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals, according to how well owners and their pet companions impress the judges. To make the competition more interesting, owners are encouraged to dress in costume with their dogs.
11:30 – Best Pet Trick –Sponsored by Missoula Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery
Open to all sizes and ages
Come show off your pet’s best trick for a chance at awesome prizes! Performances will be judged on creativity, difficulty, and execution. TIP: It helps if you and your dog dress-up together! Like Little Bo Peep and her sheep! First 3 receive 1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals and prizes.
12:00 – Peanut Butter Lick – Sponsored by HiCrest Restoration and Clean
Divided into 2 weight categories: Creamy – under 20 -40 lbs., Chunky – over 40 lbs.
Who can empty the spoon of peanut butter the fastest? Did we mention the spoon’s handle is in the owner’s mouth? No hands allowed! Owner kneels (bring a pad if you want because it is concrete) and on the signal, puts the end of the spoon in their mouth. As soon as the dog has finished, stand up and hold the spoon in the air. Spoons must be completely empty of peanut butter. First 3 receive 1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals and prizes.
12:30 – Puppies for Patriots of Montana Demonstration – All About Service Dogs
Puppies for Patriots has a mission to show gratitude to our nation’s Veterans and first responders for their immeasurable sacrifice of mind and body by facilitating, educating, training, and providing service, assistance, and therapy animals to aid our veterans in their daily lives. This demonstration touches on what service dogs do, how they’re trained, and proper public etiquette regarding interactions with service dog teams. Visit the Puppies for Patriots of Montana website to learn more about the organization.
1:00 – Babe Ruth Obedience Baseball
Open to all sizes and ages.
Dogs complete a command at each base to score. Dog and handler stand at Home Plate. When the judge says “go” dog & handler move to 1st Base. Handler commands dog to sit. As soon as dog sits, dog and handler move to 2nd Base, handler commands dog to lay. As soon as dog performs command, dog & handler move to 3rd Base. Handler commands dog to sit/stay & handler walks to Home Plate with their back to dog. As soon as handler reaches Home Plate, they release dog. If dog moves from 3rd Base before being released, dog & handler must return to 3rd Base to do command again. The three best times win 1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals and prizes.
1:30 – Timed Agility Course
Agility is one of the fastest-growing dog sports in the country – and for good reason. It’s incredible exercise for both you and your dog, and it forges an even deeper relationship between you. Plus, it’s exhilarating to watch as your dog nimbly and quickly crawls through tunnels, weaves around poles, and leaps through hoops! At Pet Fest, we don’t take anything too seriously, so this is a fun event for all dogs, all sizes, all abilities and all ages. The fastest three times win 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
2:00 – Wacky Wiener Dog Dash – Sponsored by Sentinel Veterinary Specialists & Emergency
Open to Dachshunds ONLY. Divided into 3 age categories: Little Smokies – up to 3 yrs., Frankfurters – 3 yrs. up to 6 yrs., Bratwurst – 6 yrs. and over.
Dog and handler line up at starting mark. Second handler kneels at finish line. On a signal, the dogs are released. Handler stands as soon as their dog reaches them. First 3 dogs to reach finish line wins. Register your dog at Pet Fest at least 30 minutes prior to the race. Wiener Dog Dash may run in heats by the age groups. The length of each heat will depend on the number of entries in each group. Please be prepared for warm weather with fresh water for your pet.
2:30 – Animal Wonders Presentation
You’ll love this presentation that focuses on education first, and entertainment second. Though you will surely be amazed be amazed and have fun, you will absolutely come away with new knowledge and a full heart. The animals at Animal Wonders love people and love to teach. Their human caretakers love to teach and love animals. All in all, when the animals come to visit everyone will be captivated by these amazing animals of our planet. The environment is so enriching that the kids won’t even know they’re learning. Adults might even find themselves raising their hand to ask that itching question or shouting out an answer!
How to Register Your Pet for a Contest
Register your pet for contests at the Pet Fest Registration table 30 minutes prior to each contest. You must have ONE registration form completed for EACH pet. Some contests may have limited participants so entries are accepted on a first come, first served basis. All start times are approximate.