Looking for a way to fête man’s best friend in April? Whether it’s a month-long celebration or night out that dog lovers are sure to enjoy, we’ve compiled a list of April 2018 dog events to check out.
Month-long Holiday Observances:
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
- Related reading: Celebrating Those Who Prevent Cruelty to Animals
- Pet First Aid Awareness Month
- Prevention of Lyme Disease Month
- Related reading: Lyme Disease in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
- National Heartworm Awareness Month
- Related reading: The Weird and Insidious World of Heartworm in Dogs
Through July 2018: “Celebrating the Year of the Dog” Exhibit at the Met
Dogs-in-art lovers won’t find a better way to commemorate this Chinese Lunar New Year (the Year of the Dog!) than going to New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art (at the Met Fifth Avenue). The “Celebrating the Year of the Dog” exhibit features selected remarkable works — paintings, metal work, pottery, etc. — from The Met Collection illustrating dogs’ “close association with Chinese daily life.” You’ll have plenty of time to catch the exhibit, as it runs through July 4, 2018. See metmuseum.org for details.
Tuesday, April 3: Rescue & Jessica, A life-changing friendship
Coming out today — “Rescue & Jessica: A Life Changing Friendship.” Based on real-life double-amputee Jessica Kensky, injured in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, and her service dog Rescue. This sweet picture book raises children’s awareness of service dogs and the needs of those with disabilities. Their loving relationship along with husband, co-author Patrick Downes (also an amputee as a result of the bombing) shows kids how true loyalty, compassion and perseverance overcomes obstacles and setbacks that life throws at you. Rescue was also recently named the ASPCA Dog of the Year! Available on Amazon.com
Saturday, April 7: Paws in the Park 2018
You’ll find more than 25 dog rescue groups and 150 vendors at this Charlotte, North Carolina, event located at the Pineville Lake Park. Enjoy live band Caution Blind Driver, demonstrations, food trucks, a dog walk and more from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hosted by Black Dog Appreciation Day & Black Dog Walk and Charlotte Black Dogs.
Saturday, April 7: Every Day Is Tag Day Holiday Observance
If your dog doesn’t have a tag and isn’t microchipped, run right out and get that done. Dogs without tags or micro-chips rarely make it home if they get lost. Plus, a microchip is the best way to legally show that a dog is yours. If your dog has tags and a microchip, take a moment to update the info. If you’ve got this one in the bag, celebrate this day by reminding family, friends and neighbors.
Tuesday, April 10: Available now — My Patients and Other Animals
Have you ever wondered how veterinarians see their patients? Go behind the consulting room into the life of Dr. Suzy Fincham-Gray. Her heartwarming memoir is filled with stories of love, loss and hope with her patients and their owners. Retails for $27; published by Spiegel & Grau.
Friday, April 13: Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero premieres
Based on a true story of a stray dog rescued by an American soldier on the eve of WWI, this animated feature film looks at the unbreakable bond between a young soldier and his dog. Sgt. Stubby — a true American hero — is still recognized today as the first dog promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the U.S. Army and the most decorated dog in American history. He’s widely considered the forerunner to the U.S. Army’s working dog program. Perfect for the whole family, the film features the voices of Logan Lerman, Helena Bonham Carter and Gérard Depardieu.
Sunday, April 15: Setting Guinness World Records Title for Largest Dog Photo Shoot
The film makers of Superpower Dogs, a film about dogs with super jobs and their human partners, is going to try to set the Guinness World Records title for the “Largest Dog Photo Shoot” and the final scene of the film — and they’d like you and your dog to join in the fun. Dog lovers just need to RSVP via Eventbrite. So if you live in Los Angeles, make the trip to Vista Hermosa Natural Park from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Attendees will receive Superpower Dogs swag, plus there will be plenty of dog-friendly activities. All participants will be emailed the record-breaking final image! See dog shoot rules to follow here.
Wednesday — Friday, April 18 — 20: NAPPS’ 2018 Education & Networking Forum
For the first time, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters will offering a live event along with a live-streaming component. Professional pet sitters or those interested becoming a professional pet sitter can connect, learn, interact or participate either in person or online. Takes place in Atlanta, Georgia at the AMA Executive Conference Center. Register here.
Friday and Saturday, April 27—28: America’s Family Pet Expo
Find plenty of dogs, cats and lots of other furry and non-furry friends in Costa Mesa, California, at this three-day expo. Dog-specific events include a dog stunt show, dock jumping, pup adoptions and innovative pet products. Go to petexpooc.org to find out more.
Saturday and Sunday April 28—29: 1st Annual Furbaby Ball/Fashion Show
Head to Virginia Beach to attend the Age of Enlightenment Ball, presented by G Girl Productions and Virginia Beach’s local The Royal BB Girls to raise money for nonprofit Lady’s Grace, which helps military members and vets in the Hampton Roads and around the country. This event will help them supply food to pets for the vets in need plus support Hounds for Vets. The Fashion Show begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday. The pet-friendly two-day event takes place at the Founders Inn & Spa. Go to enlightenmentball.com for more details.
Monday — Wednesday, April 23-25, 2018: Pet Food Forum 2018
For pet food professionals to network, do business, learn and participate in hands-on workshops. Discover the latest in pet food trends with an educational lineup consisting of 30 sessions, covering a variety of topics. Click here for more details.
Sunday, April 29: Long Island Veterinarian Open Houses
Paumanok Veterinary Hospital, along with other members of the Long Island Veterinary Medical Association (LIVMA), is hosting an open house for pet owners and animal lovers from 1 to 4 p.m. This is your chance to find out what goes on behind the scenes at an animal hospital. Paumanok’s barnyard-themed open house features dog teams from the Patchogue Rotary Animal Assisted Therapy Program (PRAAT), pet adoption, fire safety, info on pet health and wellness, pony rides, canine demonstrations, pet photography, wildlife rescue with Sweetbriar Nature Center and more. For more info, call 631-475-1312.
Monday —Thursday, April 30 — May 3: Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo West
Check out this national conference for professionals in the pet boarding and daycare industry. Features a two-day trade show of products and companies, top industry speakers and a full lineup of educational seminars. Event will be held at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport convention center in Burbank, California. More info here.
Thumbnail: Photography by Claire Plumridge/Shutterstock.
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