Plants & Pets 2026
Plants, pets, and pure joy – our 5th Annual Plants & Pets event is almost here!
Bring your furry, feathered, or scaly friends for a morning of fun in the garden. Enjoy a lively Pet Parade with prizes, learn about pet‑safe plants, explore interactive pet stations, get your picture taken in our pet photo booth, meet adoptable pets, and more. It’s one of our happiest days of the year, so mark your calendars and join the fun!
This event is FREE to attend, and the activities are complimentary unless otherwise noted (there will be items/services available for purchase at some booths).
Check out Plants & Pets’ exciting opportunities below!
Saturday, August 8
9:30 am
Pet Parade with Prizes!
The Pet Parade is a fun opportunity for pet owners to show off their furry/hoofed/scaly/feathered family members. Enter your dog, cat, bird, llama, guinea pig, iguana – all animals are welcome! Your pet does not have to compete in the contest to be in the parade.
Each animal (with their owner) will take a turn walking in front of the judges and audience. We will announce each one’s name and a couple of fun facts about your pet.
When in front of the judges, if your pet has a special talent or trick, we want to see it. We’d love for your pet to entertain us with their awesomeness, so please come prepared to flaunt it!
The Parade will begin at 9:30 am.
Pet Parade Contest Categories
Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:
- Best Costume
Let your pet flaunt their alter ego. We always love a plant-themed costume, but if your pet is more of a Marvel fan or cannot get enough of the World Cup, have them show it off.
- Best Trick
Pets that participate in the “Talent/Trick” portion of the contest will be in the running for this prize. Whether they obey commands or can juggle pet treats, we look forward to seeing what they can do!
- Best in Show
This prize will be at the judges’ discretion. They will be looking for what makes one pet a Special Standout.
Enter the Pet Parade
11 am
Pet-Friendly Plants Talk
Plants and pets CAN live in harmony! Get ideas for your outdoor and indoor gardens with our Top 10 pet-friendly plants. Plus, we’ll give tips on how to keep your pets away from your plants.
9 am – 12 noon
Pet Photo Booth
Pet Obstacle Course
AnimalLuvr’s Dream Rescue
Adoptable Pets
Community Pet Project
Pet Splash Pad
Froonz Frenz
Plant/Animal Trading Cards for Sale by Designer
Gunner Goes Series
Children’s Books about a Dog Named Gunner for Sale by Author
Humane Society of Tampa Bay
Paw Print Painting
Trixie’s Gulfside Grooming
Walk the Walk Professional Pet Care
Registration is not required but appreciated:
Note: Please note that for everyone’s safety, animals must be properly restrained with a leash or in a pet carrier during the event. We recommend animals are fully vaccinated before coming out to public events. If you have any concerns about your pet using a public water dish (which will be provided), please feel free to bring your own.
Anybody can sell you plants, we make sure you succeed.