Miami's Pup Carnival!
Free admission! RSVP to help us prepare enough treats, water, and fun for everyone. 🎟️
Join Miami-Dade County’s Office of Environmental Risk & Resilience and Animal Services Department, in partnership with Debris Free Oceans, for a day of tail-wagging fun! 🐾
Play games, shop from local businesses, grab a bite from the food trucks, and meet adorable adoptable pups from Miami-Dade Animal Services’ Mobile Adoption Unit. Whether you’re bringing your own pup or hoping to meet your new best friend, there’s something for everyone!
🐶 What to Expect:
Pet gear swaps & DIY upcycling
Delicious food trucks
On-site pet adoptions
Games and contests
Exciting giveaways
Local pet retailers
It’s going to be a PAWTY in the 305! Celebrate Miami’s pets, support local adoptions, and learn how to care for your pups and the planet. 🌎 🐩
Agenda
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9:30 AM | Pup Carnival Opens
Welcome to the Pup Carnival! Stop by the Welcome Tent to check in and pick up your poop bag for the Treat Sweep. Take a stroll, and explore: The Pup Plaza, Zero Waste Zone, & more!
9:30 AM – 1:30 PM | All Day Activities
- Treat Sweep — Sniff around the Pup Carnival for hidden treats! Use the provided poop bag to collect them, and when you’ve found five treats, return to the Welcome Tent to redeem a poop bag holder!
- Pup Plaza: Shop & Connect — Wander through the Pup Plaza! Browse booths filled with pet accessories, tasty treats, and giveaways. Connect with organizations that make Miami a better place for pets and people alike.
- Food Trucks — Grab a bite at the Food Trucks! A variety of local food trucks will be on-site serving delicious snacks, meals, and beverages throughout the day.
- Zero Waste Zone: Swap, Upcycle, & Donate — Give items new life at the Zero Waste Zone! Swap gently used leashes, collars, or apparel. Upcycle materials into dog toys. Donate used toys to brighten a shelter pups day.
- On-Site Pet Adoptions — Meet the adoptable pups on the HOPE Express! This traveling shelter visits community events like the Pup Carnival to help pets find loving homes.
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Opening Remarks
Special guests will kick off Miami-Dade County’s first-ever Pup Carnival! Learn how small everyday actions can help protect Biscayne Bay and our furry friends.
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Pup Strut: Lookalike Contest
Do people stop your dog on the street mistaking them for a celebrity? Or maybe you and your dog can be twins? Now’s your chance to strut the runway with your pup! Our judges will award prizes for the Best Owner-Dog Lookalike, Best Celebrity Impersonation, and Most Creative Costume. Each duo will take the runway together to show off their look, and maybe their best poop-scooping pose!
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM | Pup Trivia
Think you know everything about dogs? Prove it at our Pup Trivia Challenge! Compete against fellow dog lovers in this fast-paced trivia game covering topics from breeds to pop culture. Grab a bite to eat and take a seat! Come with a team of 2-5 people or get paired up. Each team will answer two rounds of nine questions, with 30 seconds per question. No phones allowed. The team with the most correct answers will take home the prize!
1:00 PM – 1:15 PM | Best Pup Award
Join us as we celebrate our 2025 Best Pup and share a few closing remarks on responsible pet ownership and protecting Biscayne Bay.
1:30 PM | Pup Carnival Closes
Until next time! The Pup Carnival will wrap up at 1:30 PM. Thank you for joining us to celebrate Miami’s pups and learn how small actions make a difference for Biscayne Bay.
Register
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Know Before You Go
Do I need to register to attend?
Admission is free, but registration is encouraged so we can plan for all our furry friends and their humans!
Click here to register through Eventbrite.
Be sure to check in at the Welcome Tent to receive your poop bag and participate in the Treat Sweep! Find 5 treats to redeem a poop bag holder.
What do I need to know if I'm bringing my dog?
We’re excited to meet your pup at the Pup Carnival! Well-behaved dogs of all breeds and sizes are welcome.
To keep the day safe and fun for everyone:
- Dogs must be remain on a non-retractable leash (max 6 ‘) at all times.
- Dogs must be up to date on their rabies, DHLP, PARVO, and BORDATELLA vaccinations. Animal Services-issued license tags are required.
- Aggressive or disruptive dogs may be asked to leave for the safety and comfort of all attendees.
- Bring a water bowl to keep your pup hydrated. Water refill stations will be available.
- Ensure your dog is comfortable around other dogs, people, and loud noises.
- Pack anything your dog needs to stay comfortable such as food, treats, medication, or cooling items.
What if I don't have a dog?
All dog lovers are welcome, whether you’re bringing your pup, leaving yours at home, or just love being around dogs! If you’re ready to meet your new best friend, Miami-Dade Animal Services will have adorable adoptable dogs onsite through their Mobile Adoption Unit. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about their Pawventures Foster Fieldtrips where you can take a shelter dog out on a doggie date for a day!
Will there be food and drinks?
Yes! Local food trucks will have snacks, meals, and refreshments available for purchase. Be sure to bring your reusable water bottle! There will be water refill stations around the event.
Also, we encourage you to bring your own cup, to help minimize waste! We will also have reusable stainless steel cups available for purchase.
What should I bring?
We encourage you to bring:
- A reusable water bottle (water refill stations will be available)
- Sun protection
- A reusable cup (stainless steel cups will be available for purchase)
- Gently used pet accessories and toys for the Zero Waste Zone where you can swap and donate items
If you’re bringing a dog with you, we recommend bringing:
- A water bowl
- A non-retractable leash (max 6′)*
- Poop bags*
- Animal Services-issued license tag*
- Food and/or snacks
- Toys and/or treats
- Cooling items
- Medicine (if needed)
- Anything else your dog needs to be comfortable!
*Required
How can I participate in the games and competitions?
Sign ups for our activities will take place on event day. Spots will be first-come, first-served.
How can I become a vendor, partner, or sponsor?
We are accepting applications for vendors, partners, and in-kind donations.
Please contact amanda@debrisfreeoceans.org for more information.
Accessibility
Tropical Park is ADA accessible with nearby parking and restroom facilities. Some activities will take place on the grass. Water refills will be available for all attendees. For any accessibility inquiries, please contact amanda@debrisfreeoceans.org.
Partners
Be part of Miami’s most paw-sitive event!
Businesses and community partners are invited to connect with local dog lovers and help make this plastic-free celebration a success.
Participants will be featured across event promotions and can set up a booth to showcase their products, services, or mission.
