Celebrate the month of love with the furry one(s) you love. Read on for some February 2018 dog events we can’t wait to check out!

All Year Long: Year of the Dog

This year, the Chinese New Year — which is based on the lunar calendar — starts on Friday, February 16th. Typically celebrations include firecrackers, bell ringing, dancing and lots of lights — all things, ironically, dogs don’t like. But what dogs will like are all the dog-themed activities that are planned for this year. Keep reading Dogster‘s monthly event blog to see what’s up for you and your pup.

February 16 through 2018: Kimpton Hotels’ Year-of-the-Dog Celebration

Starting Friday, February 16 — the Chinese New Year — The Kimpton Hotel Eventi, Kimpton Ink48 Hotel and the Kimpton Muse Hotel will be giving out not just a doggie bed and bowl for furry guests, but following tradition of good wishes and luck, will also hand out red envelopes with a bone-shaped dog tag. The tag includes the hotel’s name, social media handle and hashtag and Gong Xi Fa Cait! (Happy New Year! in Mandarin). All you need to do is say the social media password when checking in.

All Month Long: SF SPCA Pop-Up

Looking for something fun to do that gives back at the same time? Tomorrow night is the grand opening of the SF SPCA’s pop-up at One Embarcadero Center. The pop-up will be around all February in celebration of Year of the Dog. Check out the Cat Café, Puppy Cuddle Experience and Cone of Shame art gallery. There will be special events like Yappy Hours and Paint Your Pet Valentine. For more info, go to sfspcamorethanaconeparty.eventbrite.com.

All Month Long: Free Spay/Neuter for Chihuahuas, Pit Bulls and Shepherd Mixes to San Francisco Residents

As February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, the San Francisco SPCA celebrates by offering free spay/neuter for the dog breeds that represent more than half of all dogs entering local animal shelters: Chihuahuas, Pit Bulls and Shepherd mixes. Offer valid through March 31st for San Francisco residents only. Learn more at sfspca.org/fix or sfspca.org/gratis (Spanish), or call 415-554-3030.

February 16 — March 16, 2018: Grants Applications Accepted at Grey Muzzle

Animal shelters, rescue group, sanctuaries and other nonprofit organizations whose work includes helping senior dogs are invited to apply for Grey Muzzle grants, which typically range from $2,500 to $7,500. The Grey Muzzle Organization is looking for grant applications to fund programs for at-risk senior dogs all around the country. “We envision a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid,” says Lisa Lunghofer, Ph.D., executive director of The Grey Muzzle Organization. “We’re looking forward to awarding dozens of grants to help thousands of deserving old dogs spend their golden years in loving homes.” Learn more on greymuzzle.org.

Sunday, February 4: Mystic Krewe of Barkus Parade

Tails up for this parade! Join the canine Mystic Krewe of Barkus for its annual Mardi Gras Parade through the French Quarter in New Orleans. Don’t just be a spectator, register your own dog for the parade at barkus.org.

Monday, February 3 — Thursday, February 15: Sleeping Pet Photo Contest

Got a cute pic of your pup sleeping? Enter it in Embrace Pet Insurance’s “Where Does Your Sleeping Pet Lie?” photo contest. Submit your photo between February 3 through February 15th. Don’t forget to vote and get your friends and family to vote too. Voting closes on February 15. Winners announced on Embrace Pet Insurance’s Facebook page. Find more details and the top prizes on its website.

Saturday, February 10: Sweet Barks

Can’t get any better than a day of canine fun, shopping, festivities, a kissing booth and photographs brought to you by nonprofit Austin Pets Alive! and photographer Zilker Bark. There will be adoptable dogs too, along with lots of vendors. You can also sign up (while spaces last!) for a Valentine’s Day Dog Portrait with Zilker Bark. Not only will the event be a great time for dogs and dog lovers, but it’s for a great cause — Austin Pets Alive! The event takes place from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. CST at the ABGB, 1305 Oltorf St. W, Austin, Texas. More details on Facebook. Can’t make it to Austin? You can still donate here.

Saturday, February 10: The Cupid’s Crawl Pub Run

If you’re in the Houston area, you won’t want to miss the 2018 Cupid’s Crawl Pub Run, which benefits Houston’s Friends For Life Animal Shelter and Sanctuary. The annual 5K starts at noon at Kung Fu Saloon. From there, walkers, runners and beer enthusiasts will venture to four other pubs, then back to Kung Fu Saloon for an after party. One beer at each of the five bars on the run is included in the registration. Register online for $45, or pay $50 the day of the race. The run is hosted by Kung Fu Running Club and surrounding area running clubs. Go here for more information.

Monday and Tuesday, February 12-13: 142nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Live from New York, it’s the 142nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, presented by Purina Pro Plan. If you can’t make it to New York, you can catch the show on television. Follow the top dogs on the road to finding out who will be named Best in Show at westminsterkennelclub.org.

Tuesday, February 13: How To Fix a Broken Heart Available

What happens when your furrever Valentine passes away? Author Dr. Guy Winch tells us in How to Fix a Broken Heart, which includes advice on dealing with all kinds of loss, including pet loss. You can get it today for $16.99 ($22.99 CAN).

Friday, February 16: Pop-In@Nordstrom Celebrates Year of the Dog

Want to do some dog-centric shopping? Retail store Nordstrom celebrates the Chinese New Year with a shop carrying exclusive apparel, artist collabs and more starring Snoopy (everyone’s favorite Beagle), plus toys, treats and accessories from top brands. The whole thing is curated by Olivia Kim, dog aficionado and Nordstrom Vice President of Creative Projects. Check it out in stores and online.

Saturday, February 17: Midamerica Boston Terrier Rescue’s 1st Annual Valentine’s Celebration

Show your love by attending this fundraiser to help Boston Terriers find homes in Denver and across Colorado. All are welcome — including dogs with current shots! There will be lots of dog, drinks, prizes and a photo booth. Cost is $5 per person. The event, hosted by Denver’s Woof in Boots, goes from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. More information available on adoptaboston.com.

Saturday, February 17: 5K Paw Walk

Two great causes in one: Rescue dogs and the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas. Sprint down to the 5K Paw Walk in the Garden, benefiting the Rancho Coastal Humane Society and San Diego Botanic Garden, where not only will there be a lovely 5K walk through the garden, but there will be pet products, food, treats and, of course, dogs! Event runs from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. More info at 5kpawwalk.org.

Monday, February 19: Premiere of  Hallmark Channel’s 2018 American Rescue Dog

Watch more than 52 dogs from various rescues and shelters compete for $75,000 in grants from the Petco Foundation for their alumni shelters during Hallmark Channel’s three-hour television premiere. The 2018 American Rescue Dog Show celebrates rescue dogs in this personality-driven competition, with the goal to spotlight rescues and inspire viewers to adopt their next dog from their local shelter/rescue. Brought to you by Executive Producers Jennifer Schultz, who has worked on many high profile national pet adoption campaigns, and Michael Levitt, creator of Fox’s Cause For Paws, The 2018 American Rescue Dog Show is partnering with AdoptAPet.com to encourage local pet adoption. Hosted by Rebecca Romijn and Rich Eisen, the show also has celebrity judges Linda Blair, Rick Springfield, Brandon McMillan, Ross Matthews, Andrea Arden, plus Larissa Wohl covering all the action ringside.

February 20-27: Sgt. Stubby Lookalike Contest

In honor of Fun Academy Motion Pictures’ soon-to-be-released animated movie Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero, the production company invites shelters and rescues to enter its Sgt. Stubby Lookalike Contest. The contest hopes to highlight how life-changing animal adoption can be and to support the efforts of animal rescue organizations across the country. Submit a photo of an adoptable dog that most resembles Sgt. Stubby via email between February 20-27 and, on February 28, the photos will be displayed on the Facebook page for voting until March 8. Go to the Sgt Stubby Facebook page for more details and prize information.

Holiday Observance: Thursday, February 22: Walking the Dog Day

When the weather outside is frightful, dog lovers can get neglectful, which is why having a Walking the Dog Day as a reminder just makes sense. Re-commit to your dog’s regular walking schedule today, and go outside with your dog — bond, exercise and have fun!

Thumbnail: Photography by Lindsay Helms / Shutterstock.

Tell us: What fun dog events are you attending or celebrating this month?

Stay tuned for more from Executive Editor Melissa L. Kauffman on Dogster.com’s Dug Up at Dogster column and on social media with #DugUpatDogster.