The City of Pickering’s Animal Services team works every day to protect and care for animals in their community. From reuniting lost pets with their families to responding to calls about injured or stray animals, the goal is always the same: keeping animals safe while supporting responsible pet ownership. As Pickering continues to grow, so does the demand for these services.
One of the biggest challenges the team faces is the lack of a permanent, purpose-built animal shelter. A dedicated shelter would allow Animal Services to provide better short-term housing, improved medical care, and a safer, more comfortable space for animals in need.
To help make this long-term goal a reality, Pickering Animal Services relies on community support and fundraising initiatives to assist with the costs of building a new facility. The Petapolooza Pet Festival has become the heart of those efforts. Every dollar raised through Petapolooza goes directly toward building and supporting a permanent animal shelter for the city.
What started as a small community gathering has grown into a much-loved event that brings together thousands of pet owners, animal lovers, local businesses, and families—all united by a shared love of animals and a desire to make a difference.
Petapolooza has been running for over 10 years and continues to grow each year. In 2025, the event welcomed over 4,500 attendees and raised approximately $40,000 toward building a new shelter. It has become a signature community event that many residents look forward to each year. Beyond fundraising, Petapolooza also plays an important role in community engagement and education by promoting responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and awareness of the services provided by the City’s Animal Services team.
The event itself offers something for everyone, with a full day of activities designed with pets and their people in mind. Petapolooza features over 100 exhibitors showcasing animal-related products and services. Live, high-energy performances by the SuperDogs, along with exciting dock diving demonstrations and competitions by Ontario DockDogs, are always a highlight for attendees.
Guests can also take part in interactive experiences such as yoga with your pup, animal reiki, lure courses, and many more pet-related activities. A caricature artist will be on site creating custom keepsakes, while photo opportunities with Sparky the Fire Dog and the Undercover Dachshund add to the fun. A wide variety of food trucks will be available throughout the day, offering something for everyone.
Petapolooza 2026 will take place on Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Esplanade Park, located at One The Esplanade, Pickering, Ontario. A voluntary $5 donation will be accepted at the entrance, with all proceeds supporting the development of a new animal shelter in Pickering.
Petapolooza is more than just a fun day out; it is a meaningful way for the community to come together and support animals who need help the most. By attending, spreading the word, or making a donation, residents play a direct role in shaping a better future for animal care in Pickering. With continued community support, the vision of a permanent animal shelter is closer than ever, and Petapolooza remains a joyful and impactful step toward making that vision a reality.
Visit pickering.ca/Petapolooza to learn more.
