Pet-Friendly Halloween Activities in Nashville
While Nashville is generally one of the coolest towns for pets, it truly comes alive in the days before Halloween. On any given day, you might see cauldrons full of scrumptious pet treats, pumpkin patches beckoning brave four-legged participants, or restaurant patios brimming with pet costume contests and seasonal revelry. Without a doubt, Nashville has a hair-raising array of pet-friendly events, activities, and spooky watering holes to set the mood. For the pets that enjoy Halloween, we’ve got you covered.
Scary-Ish Southern Hospitality
In a town that overflows with welcoming smiles, it may be a stretch to find a truly scary Halloween experience. If you’re a fan of Cheekwood Estates and Garden, you’re in for a real (trick-or-) treat with their annual Halloween Pooch Party. Either invite your dog to dress up, or just add a festive bandanna to their neck, and celebrate the holiday in this beautiful, natural setting with other pets and their people.
Fall Festivals in Nashville
The Nashville Fall Festival welcomes well-behaved dogs on-leash to accompany their owners. Choose between a corn maze or sunflower field for your photo opportunities, take in some delicious snacks at the food trucks, hop onto the tractor for a riverfront ride, and enjoy autumn’s splendor with your best buddy in tow.
Pet-Friendly Pumpkin Patches
This fall, you and your dog can attend the numerous Pups in the Park Days at Lucky Ladd Farms. Grab another decorative gourd or stock up on this year’s jack o-lantern contenders. A portion of the admission price goes toward local rescues and animal shelters. Win-win!
Taking It All In…Together!
The Pup Parade at the Nashville Oktoberfest is one of the year’s most fun experiences, and provides valuable social interaction, entertainment, and great memories for the years ahead. Don’t forget to pre-register your dog for the costume contest, and get ready to compete for some incredible prizes, including dog training packages and dinner gift certificates.
Friendly Reminders
Before you and your pet head out to take advantage of all that Nashville has to offer, please be sure they are ready and willing participants. If you notice any signs of stress or anxiety, stay home with them instead.
If your pet appears to be interested in attending crowded, noisy events with you, please remember that their willingness can quickly shift to irritation, agitation, or aggression. Give them frequent breaks in a quiet area, provide fresh water, and remove their costume, if applicable.
All the Checkboxes
Halloween is a special time, but pets can fall victim to their fight-or-flight instinct very easily. Be sure that their microchip information is up to date and check that their ID tags and collar are in tip top shape.
If we can assist you further in planning a truly memorable, yet safe, Halloween with your pet, please reach out to us at (615) 646‑7387. Our team at Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital is always here to help.
