Dog Events in Virginia Beach, VA

Enjoy a tail-wagging pool party featuring live music, food trucks, contests, pup swag bags, a beer garden, and a special cocktail menu for humans. Dogs can splash in designated swim areas while guests enjoy a fun day of socializing with fellow dog lovers. Participating dogs must have proof of current rabies vaccination and a signed waiver. Dogs must remain leashed outside designated swim areas, and owners are responsible for supervising their pets and cleaning up after them. One dog per person.

This dog-friendly Oktoberfest celebration features live music, cold beer, contests, games and activities for the whole family. Highlights include a dog dress-up contest, Dachshund races, kids’ games, a vendor market, bounce house, Miss Oktoberfest crowning and other festive competitions.

Bring Fido to celebrate a family- and pet-friendly gathering highlighting local animal rescue organizations and helping adoptable pets find their forever homes. Browse pet-focused vendors, visit informational and educational booths, meet adoptable animals, and enjoy a fun day supporting the local pet community.

Dock Dogs is a dock‑jumping competition featuring Big Air, Speed Retrieve and Extreme Vertical divisions where teams of handlers and dogs compete on a temporary pool set up on the beach. Spectator viewing is free and the event takes place on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront at 14th Street as part of Neptune Festival’s Boardwalk Weekend. The event’s organizer and DockDogs both state that anyone may bring a dog to compete and that viewing is open to the public.

Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at this festive event, where pups can strut their stuff in the Canine Costume Contest! Enjoy live music, cold beer, dog-friendly activities, exciting raffles, giveaways, and plenty of opportunities to mingle with fellow dog lovers.

Celebrate fall with Fido at this family-friendly event featuring trick-or-treat stations for kids and dogs, a harvest market, food truck, local rescue organizations, pet vendors, and festive activities throughout the afternoon. Highlights include a dog costume contest, pup parade, peanut butter eating contest, booth decorating competition, prizes, and plenty of seasonal fun for dogs and their people.

Dog lovers and their well-behaved canine companions are invited to explore the zoo together during this unique Halloween-themed night! Guests can stroll through select zoo areas with their dogs while enjoying new sights, smells, and interactive experiences designed to enrich both pets and zoo animals alike. The event also features themed activities and a costume contest. Participating dogs must be leashed, vaccinated, and comfortable around people and other animals.

Capture a stylish holiday portrait of your pet during an elegant seasonal photo experience set in a Tiffany-inspired room. Guests can dress their pups in festive attire and create memorable keepsakes surrounded by beautiful décor, holiday details, and a luxurious atmosphere perfect for celebrating the season. Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Enjoy the grounds of the Norfolk Botanical Garden with your furry friend on Sundays throughout the year! There are multiple spigots for freshwater throughout the garden, but bring your own bowl to keep Fido hydrated. Dogs need to remain leashed at all times. Please note that Fido isn't permitted in the Children’s Garden, Butterfly House, on trams or boats, or during the Garden of Lights season.