One of the best parts of living in Orlando is the ability to take your dog down to Lake Eola in downtown Orlando when the fall weather starts to get a little cooler and you can comfortably take a walk around the lake.
Many of the restaurants are dog-friendly putting out a bowl of water for Fido and it’s just a great atmosphere all around. If you don’t happen to have a dog or are looking to add another one to your family, Barktoberfest on Saturday, September 27th, 2014 will provide you with the chance to adopt a dog that has been rescued by Orange County Animal Services.
Barktoberfest Orlando
A play on the words of Octoberfest that is associated with this time of year in Germany, Barktoberfest is the Orange County Animal Services annual event that hopes to raise awareness of the recovery and rescue efforts of homeless pets and aims to match up rescued dogs to new owners at the event. There were 20 animals adopted in the inaugural event in 2011 and nearly 50 animals were adopted at the event each of the last two years.
“Our Division receives around 24,000 pets annually and our rescue partners help to save many of those lives,” said Dil Luther, Division Manager of Orange County Animal Services. “Hosting this event is our way of saying thank you to our rescue partners and letting them know that we appreciate all they do.”
“The event will offer adoptable dogs of all different breeds and sizes,” said Luther. “Whether you’re looking for a Golden Retriever, Beagle, puppy or mixed breed dog, Barktoberfest will have it. Along with a variety of dogs, we’ve also received support from a variety of amazing pet businesses.”
Family Activities
In addition to the adoption of animals, there will also be a bounce house at Lake Eola for the kids to run around and play in, a caricaturist painter who will be drawing pets and owners as well as two photography booths where owners can have family portraits taken with their pets.
Barktoberfest Food Trucks
Various food trucks will be at this years event. The following Food Trucks will be at Lake Eola for the 2014 Barktoberfest event:
- Kona Dog
- Fork In The Road Truck
- SwedeDISH Food Truck
- Monsta Lobsta
- Sweet City Gelato and Gourmet Desserts
- The Yum Yum Cupcake Truck
- Louie’s Bistro
- Tastebuds-Catering Food Truck
The following rescue groups will be attending:
A Cause 4 Paws
A Forever Home Animal Rescue
Animal Advocates FL, Inc
Big Dog Ranch Rescue
Boston Terrier Rescue of East TN – FL Division
Broward Friends of Shelter Animals CFL
Cats Are My Love
Central Florida Pug Rescue
Dream Catcher German Shepherd Rescue
Florida Boxer Rescue
Furever Bully Love Rescue, Inc.
Furever Friendz, Inc.
Labrador Retriever Rescue of FL
Me and My Shadow Dog Rescue
Orlando Bully Rescue
Paradise for Pets Rescue
Passion 4 Pits Rescue
Phoenix Rising Animal Rescue
Poodle and Pooch Rescue
Pug Rescue of Florida
Ruff Times Rescue, Inc.
Sniffing Snouts Pitbull Rescue
The Pixel Fund
VIP Rescue
Free microchipping will be conducted by Animal Services from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Low-cost rabies vaccinations will be offered by the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando for $5 between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The event will be held on Saturday, September 27th, 2014 from 10 am until 4 pm.
Lake Eola Map