Brrrr. The days are shorter and the nights are colder. But this doesn’t mean that you and your canine buddy can’t go out and meet other pets and their owners. The holidays can become quite busy for us and our pets may wonder what the decorations and running around is all about. Take a day and spend it with your dog at a pet friendly event near you. Many of them benefit your local pet rescue organizations or shelters and you may find an awesome toy or new treats that your pet will just love.

Check out some of the events listed below and if you’re not near these, check with your local humane society and newspaper for local pet events.

With so many pet events across the country, this list can’t be quite comprehensive – at least not without your help. Is your pet event, or one in your area, missing from our list? Please help us update this list to keep it current by leaving the information in a comment below!

Pet Events in the USA – December 2012

3rd Annual Holiday Pet Festival

When:December 1, 2012 10am to 5pm
Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale 16601 North Pima Road Scottsdale, AZ
Admission: Free
More information: Holiday Pet Festival Website
Hotels in Scottsdale

Mark your calendar! Sponsored by PetSmart, come and see the demonstrations, browse vendors selling the latest and greatest pet products, and bring your dog. Join the contests and races. Your pet can also get their picture taken with Santa and meet hundreds of other animals who are looking for forever homes. There will also be a silent auction and low-cost vaccinations available if your pet is overdue or needs a booster.

Los Angeles Pet Adoption Event

When: December 2, 2012 11:30am to 4pm
Where: Pan Pacific Park 7600 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, CA
Admission: Free
More information: Animal Advocates
Hotels in Los Angeles

Animal Advocates Alliance is hosting a mobile pet adoption event! Great dogs from the LA County animal shelter will be available for adoption at Pan Pacific park at the corner of Beverly & Gardner in Los Angeles! All animals at this event are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go home with you from the event. Find your new best friend and save a life!

Service of Remebrance

When: December 6, 2012 7pm to 8pm
Where: The Old Church 1422 SE 11th Ave Portland, OR
Admission: Free
More information: DoveLewis
Hotels in Portland

Every December DoveLewis Pet Support Program holds a Service of Remembrance to celebrate the bond between humans and their beloved companion animals. Together with others, candles are lit in memory of those who are no longer here.

Palm Beach Pet Expo

When: December 8-9, 2012 10am to 5pm
Where: Palm Beach Convention Center 650 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL
Admission: $8 in advance, $10 at the door
More information: Palm Beach Pet Expo Website
Hotels in Palm Beach

Bring your pet and have them get their picture taken with Santa. Talk with professionals, shop, and enter your pup in the contests. There will be a Doggie Fun Zone, an obstacle course and play area, as well as demonstrations for you and your family to watch. There is also a kid zone and activities that they can do. Family fun for everyone. Bring an unwrapped toy or gift as well for the Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” drive.

PetSmart Pictures with Santa

When: December 8-9, 2012 10am to 4pm
Where: PetSmart 10260 Maysville Road, Fort Wayne, IN
Admission: Free
More information: Perfect Paws Rescue
Hotels in Indiana

Come get your picture taken with Santa and your best canine buddy! After you’re done, do some holiday shopping and spend the day pampering your pet.

Pet Photos with Santa

When: December 8, 2012 9am to 12pm
Where: Community Resource Federal Credit Union 20 Wade Road, Latham, NY
Admission: $5 to $15
More information: Albany Website
Hotels in Albany

Pet Photos With Santa Saturday, December 8 – $5 donation for digital image – $10 donation for 5″x7″ print – $15 donation for both digital & print. All proceeds benefit Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.

Safe Harbor Celebrity Dog Wash – 25th Anniversary

When: December 8, 2012 12pm to 9pm
Where: Carlin Park 400 Highway A1A Jupiter, FL
Admission: $15 advance, $20 at the door
More information: Safe Harbor Website
Hotels in Florida

25th Annual Dog Wash will be on December 8, 2012 benefitting the Safe Harbor Rescue Organization. It’ll be a day of food, drinks, vendors, and fun. Check out the pet fashion show and have your dog washed by some local celebrities. There will be music and plenty of booths selling the latest and greatest pet products. Bring the family. It’ll be a great day.

^{Images from Holiday Pet Festival and DoveLewis}

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