Doggie & Pet Palooza

Saturday, February 7, 2026
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Indian River County Fairgrounds, Vero Beach

Join us for the Annual Doggie & Pet Palooza, a fun and educational community event celebrating pets, wildlife, and responsible animal care. This family-friendly day brings together animal lovers, rescue groups, and wildlife experts for an engaging experience filled with entertainment and learning.

About the Event

As Indian River County continues to grow, local animal shelters are reaching capacity, and many residents—especially newcomers—may be unsure how to respond when they encounter wildlife in their neighborhoods. Pet Palooza is designed to provide the community with valuable resources, education, and guidance for both domestic and wild animals.

Event Highlights

Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including:

• Doggie fashion show & costume contest

• Pet-owner look-alike contest

• Photo booth & owner/pet portraits

• On-site pet adoptions

• IRC Sheriff’s K-9 demonstrations

• SWAT team demonstrations

• Wildlife education exhibits

• And much more!

The event is pet-friendly, and attendees are welcome to bring their leashed animals to join in on the fun.

Community Impact & Education

The Florida Wildlife Hospital will be on-site with rescued wildlife, offering insight into how injured animals are rehabilitated and released back into their natural habitats. Additional rescue organizations will be present with adoptable pets, providing opportunities for families to meet animals looking for their forever homes.