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Paws-itively Paw-some Christmas Pet Events Near You!
Get your furry friend/s in on the holiday festivities this year! We’ve rounded up a few paws-itively pet-friendly things you and your fluffy friend can do together in and around our Cincinnati, Dayton, and Dallas locations. Please be sure your best buddy says “woof!” to Santa Paws for us!
OAKLEY, OHIO
Red Dog’s Santa Paws at MadTree
- Saturday, December 7, 11 AM – 5 PM
- 3301 Madison Rd.
Get an adorable digital photo of your pet with Santa for a $15 suggested donation to @leagueforanimalwelfare ! (Cash or Card). This year there is a new backdrop and set up for a fresh 2024 holiday photo!! Come join the holiday cheer with Red Dog at:@madtreebrewing
Pet Nights with Santa
Photos by:Alyssa Jeanine Photography
Santa played by: Lee of Mudpups’ Dog Training & Behavioral Services.
Paw it Forward!
They will collect dog & cat toy donations for the shelter pets to make their holiday extra special! Please bring your donations to the event. Fill up your dog’s stocking by shopping with Local Pet Businesses at Santa Paws!
Photos may take up to one week to edit before link is shared to Red Dog’s Facebook page. Please follow Red Dog to watch for the photo link.
Please note: Santa will need to take small breaks. Ther elves will work as fast as PAWsible to keep the line moving, so each dog has plenty of time with Santa, to get an adorable keepsake to cherish forever! During Santa’s breaks, have a beer, enjoy food, and shop with the small businesses on-site!
Event is free to attend, and all friendly, leashed dogs are welcome!
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ERLANGER, KENTUCKY
- Paws Canine Training
- Saturday, November 16, 4-7:30 PM
- Sunday, November 17, 10 AM – 1:30-PM
- 2844 Crescent Springs Pike #B, Erlanger, KY, US, 41018
Mark your calendars for Santa Paws Photos! This dog-friendly event will be held each day from (times vary based on appointment) to (times vary based on appointment). Sponsored by Allies Walkabout and For Paws Canine Obedience Training. Admission is a $35 donation and benefits Second Shot.
Get a photo with your best friend in plenty of time for your holiday card or to give as a gift at this fun event! There will also be music, snacks, campfires, beverages and more.
WEST CHESTER, OHIO
Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland
- Now – December 24
- RSVPs required
- 5951 Bass Pro Dr, West Chester, OH, US, 45069
Mark your calendars for Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland! This dog-friendly event will be held from (open times vary by day) to (close times vary by day; visit website for details) on Nov 3, 2024, to Dec 24, 2024, at Bass Pro Shops in West Chester, OH, US. Admission is free; reservations are recommended to see Santa. Experience the magic of Christmas with Fido! Visitors receive a free 4×6" photo with Santa. Other photo packages are available for purchase. Reservations are highly recommended and can go quickly.
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KENWOOD, OHIO
- November 11 – December 10, 4-7 PM Mondays & Tuesdays
- 4 PM – 7 PM
- Kenwood Towne Center Lower Level Center Court
Need a new holiday tradition or just want to get into the Christmas spirit with your pets? Don’t miss pet photos with Santa! Break out the ugly Christmas sweaters and dress your furry friends up for an un-fur-gettable photo shoot.
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MT. ADAMS, OHIO
Voted the “Best Family Event” in Cincinnati!
- Saturday, December 14. Registration begins at 12:30; the parade starts at 2:00 PM
- The Monastery, Mt. Adams. The parade will be led by Santa himself!
Dog Registration: 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm at 946 Pavilion (the parking lot between El Barril and The Hilltop)
There is no fee to register. Parade viewing starts at 2:00 and lasts until the last Holiday Dog finishes the route!
This unique parade, sponsored by The Mt. Adams Business Guild, has been a Mt. Adams tradition for over 20 years. The procession through the streets of Mt. Adams will be led by Santa himself, flanked by our Grand Marshall, Thom Brennaman
Every year we have a group of celebrity and sponsor judges that help us choose the best costumed dogs for prizes. Costume categories: Small Dogs (under 25 lbs), Large Dogs (26 lbs and over), Dog/Owner Look-A-Like, and Group (3 or more dogs). Be creative – we’re looking for fun, unique, and festive costumes for each category!
Great Raffle Prizes! Private Wine Tasting for 10 from Revel OTR, plus many more local gift cards Food and vendors will be available before the parade, so come on down and join the party ahead of time!
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ROCKWALL, TEXAS
Paint Your Pet! Christmas Edition!
- Thursday, December 12, 6-9 PM
- 513 E I-30 Rockwall
This is an advanced, custom class. Limited seating is available, and photos of your pet must be submitted prior to the event. Please send photographs of the pet you’re planning to paint back to the email address: [email protected]
Due to the difficult nature of this painting, the age is set at 15 & Up.
If you have an extraordinary young artist in their teens, they may do fine with this painting, and would be allowed to attend at your discretion.
Adults over 21 are welcome to BYOB.
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Downtown Dallas Christmas Vendor Market
- Sunday, December 8, Noon – 4 PM CST
- Harwood Park 408 S Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201
Bring Fido to browse the 25+ local vendors at this seasonal event! There will be specialty cocktails, restaurants on site, permanent jewelry, handcrafted items, lawn games and more! Leashed pups are welcome.
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GARLAND, TX
Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland
- Now – December 24
- RSVPs required
- 5001 Bass Pro Dr, Garland, TX, US, 75043
Mark your calendars for Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland! This dog friendly event will be held from (open times vary by day) to (close times vary by day; visit website for details) on Nov 3, 2024 to Dec 24, 2024 at Bass Pro Shops in Garland, TX. Admission is free; reservations are recommended to see Santa. Experience the magic of Christmas with Fido! Visitors receive a free 4×6" photo with Santa. Other photo packages are available for purchase. Reservations are highly recommended and can go quickly. Hours vary by store.
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DALLAS, TX
- Saturday, December 7
- 9 -11 AM
- 8484 Walnut Hill Ln, Dallas, TX, US, 75231
ring Fido to get his picture taken with jolly old Saint Nick! There'll also be vendors, hot cocoa, treats, raffle items and more. Mark your calendars for Pet Photos with Santa! This dog friendly event will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on December 7, 2024 at CHEW Animal Clinic in Dallas, TX, US. Sponsored by Haute Dog Pet Photography. Admission is a $10 donation.
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DAYTON, OHIO
- Daily Now – December 24
- 5500 Cornerstone N Blvd, Centerville, OH, US, 45440
- RSVPs required
Experience the magic of the holidays with Fido! Visitors receive a free 4×6 photo with Santa. Other photo packages are available for purchase. Reservations are highly recommended and can go quickly. Hours vary by store.
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MIDDLETOWN, OHIO
- Sunday, November 17
- 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
- 1330 Manchester Ave, Middletown, OH, US, 45042
Guests and their furry friends are invited to enjoy a beer and delicious food while checking out a variety of vendors! You'll find a diverse range of artisanal items, jewelry, handcrafted fall and winter items, sweets, and more.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, OHIO
Friends of SICSA Holiday Bazaar
- Friday, December 6, Noon – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, December 7, 9 AM – 4 PM
- SICSA 8172 Washington Church Rd. Washington Township, OH 45458
Come shop pet beds, blankets, and toys; handmade gifts for you and pet lovers, and much more! Make lasting memories by getting a picture with Santa (Saturday 9am to 3pm). Cost: $10 pictures – All proceeds help our animals.
Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays to you and your pup from your friends at Fath Properties.
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For years I tried to discourage my daughter from adopting a pup. She lives in New York City, and to me, NYC apartments are too small and everything there costs too much to add a dog to the mix. But there are large parks, many dog-friendly shops and restaurants, and she did need the comfort only a dog can bring. So she adopted a pup with my blessings (not that she really needed them). She found a person who was fostering a litter of what were supposed to be part-Chihuahua puppies who were all part of the Berry family – Blueberry, Cranberry, Raspberry, Strawberry, and Blackberry. Cranberry soon became her bestie and although there’s definitely no Chihuahua in him, he’s shaped up to be a perfect apartment dog.
So what makes a perfect dog for apartment living? If you’re thinking about adopting a dog, you may be wondering how a dog will fare in an apartment, and what kinds of dogs are best for apartment living. Important considerations! As an apartment dweller, your first step is to check with your property manager to make sure your lease allows dogs and to determine if there are any restrictions on size or breed. Other factors, besides size, to consider when researching apartment-friendly dogs, include the breed’s personality, activity level, grooming needs, and how much noise the pup will make. I have a friend with a Basenji that never barks. Heaven! My little dog barks when leaves fall off trees or when a doorbell rings on TV. Not an ideal candidate for an apartment.
You can search for dogs by breed on websites such as Petfinder or Adopt-A-Pet, or click here for the top 10 best pet adoption websites. To further assist you, read on to learn about the best large and small dog breeds for apartments, and how to be a good dog owner in a multi-family setting.
Great Dog Breeds for Apartment Living
According to the American Kennel Club, apartment residents have a lot of options when it comes to choosing a furry best friend. They say, “Apartment dwellers have many dog breeds to choose from when selecting a pet. The size of your living space isn't the only consideration, because many large-breed dogs have lower activity levels and are more than happy to lounge on the sofa. There are dog breeds that require high energy and plenty of space, so they may not be best suited for a smaller apartment. Some small dog breeds with high energy are satisfied with indoor playtime or a brisk walk. Just make sure to consider your neighbors when choosing a dog: You'll want a pet that doesn't bark incessantly and is polite when meeting other people, in the elevator, on the stairs or in the lobby.”
Click here for Highland Canine’s comprehensive list of the best breeds for apartments; below are a few of their top-rated.
- Basenji: My friend’s Basenji is a delight. This low-shedding, short-haired dog breed was originally used for hunting, so they like to chase, fetch and play. Basenjis are primarily known as a “bark-less” breed, as their larynx only allows them to “yodel.” Weighing around 25 pounds, they are slightly larger than other small dog breeds for apartments on this list, but they’ll do fine in a smaller space as long as they get some daily exercise.
- Bichon Frise: My dog was supposed to be a purebred Maltese, but he’s most definitely part Bichon. While he does like to bark, we’ve been able to control his barking with training. Bichon’s are part of the poodle family – fluffy but smaller. Like Basenjis, Bichon’s don’t shed, so they’re considered hypoallergenic. They don’t bark too much, and at 11 pounds, they’re among the top small dogs that are good for apartments. Bichons are playful, so they need regular exercise and walks. They’re also highly trainable, can learn tricks, love to cuddle, and are great with children.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: These sweet-faced dogs are small (13 to 18 pounds) so they don’t require a palace. King Charles Spaniels are smart, very trainable, and friendly with humans as well as other dogs. They love to be near their owners, so while King Charles Spaniels are perfect for apartment living, they don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time.
- French Bulldog: Smaller than their standard Bulldog cousins, French Bulldogs are small in stature (usually around 11 to 12 inches tall) but have big, goofy personalities. They have short hair, so you won’t have to groom them much, and they rarely bark, making them ideal small dogs for apartments. A daily walk or two should suffice for exercise.
- Greyhound: These lanky dogs are much larger than the other breeds on this list (females can reach 75 pounds, while males can weigh more than 80 pounds) but they are gentle giants who love a good snuggle. Bred originally for racing, Greyhounds need regular exercise such as daily fetch sessions – but they are true couch potatoes at heart. They also don’t bark much, which will make your neighbors happy. Best of all, many organizations find homes for retired racing Greyhounds, including Greyhound Welfare.
Apartment Dog Owner Etiquette
When living in an apartment community with a dog, a little etiquette – we call it petiquette – goes a long way. While you may love and adore your fluffy companion, that doesn’t mean your neighbor will. You can encourage positive neighborly relations by following a few simple tips. Click here for our Perfect Pettiquette post.
- Always pick up after your dog. It’s easy if you have the right bags and a bag dispenser.
- Always keep your pup on a good leash, unless at a dog park.
- Be cautiously sociable and let others know if your dog doesn’t like attention.
- Make sure your dog gets plenty of outdoor exercise.
- Train your dog, especially if Fido exhibits extreme barking, separation anxiety, or aggression. You may lose your permission to have a dog if neighbors complain about excessive noise or aggressive tendencies.
Dogs Welcome Here
Getting a dog is a big step, whether it is your first dog or you’re a seasoned dog parent, and especially if you live in an apartment community. Financial and emotional responsibility are key when opening your home and heart to a pet. You also have to be willing to put in the time and effort to train your dog to live in an apartment. And know that life will be different when you have a dog waiting for you at home. There will be sacrifices to your time – like going home after work to walk Spot instead of having a beer after work with co-workers.
Almost all Fath Properties communities are pet-friendly and a few even have dog parks. Start your search here! And tell your dog we said hi.
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The holiday season is upon us! It’s the most wonderful time of the year… provided it does not include an emergency visit to a veterinary clinic for your beloved pet. To keep your holidays merry and bright, and your pup or kitty safe, we’ve come up with a few tips so your pet gets nothing but love, plenty of scritches, and perhaps a new toy from Santa Paws. Here’s our guide with six ways to keep your pet safe this holiday season.
- FOOD
Food and the holidays go hand in hand. Even if you are not entertaining, you will probably have foods in your home that are new to your pet. The best practice is simple: keep all people food out of the reach of your pet. And if your pet is like mine, they can become quite devious in their seek-to-eat escapades. One year I was enjoying a glass of red and a bit of 65% dark chocolate while addressing Christmas cards. When I left the room to get a refill, I tucked the candy into the desk drawer. In the amount of time it took me to top off my wine glass, Ollie had opened the drawer (?!?) and consumed all the chocolate. He was only 10 pounds, the chocolate was dark and gone, so off we went to the emergency animal hospital. I find it so interesting that whenever one of my dogs gets into trouble, it's always after normal vet office hours. Cha ching.
So skip the table scrap snacks. If you’re a softie, and must treat your pup to human food,
Treat your dog to:
- Pumpkin purée (out of the can, not from the pie)
- Unseasoned cooked veggies (sweet potatoes, baked potatoes, green beans, broccoli, carrots)
- Turkey (unseasoned and without bones)
- Apples (no core or seeds) and bananas
- Unsweetened cranberries
- Special treats on the list to Santa Paws include:
- Chew toys that are basically indestructible
- Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods
- Chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible.
- Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the riskiest toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery.
- Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or an interactive cat dancer.
Tell Rover “Absolutely Not” to:
- Bones can easily splinter and can cause serious health problems (even death) for your pet.
- Candy contains the sweetener xylitol which can actually lead to liver failure, so keep sweets of all kinds away from your pup, cat or ferret.
- Chocolate contains theobromine, which can be extremely poisonous when ingested by dogs and may even result in seizures and death.
- Dairy products like milk, cream, cheese, and butter are bad for dogs. They can cause diarrhea and other digestive disturbances as well as allergic reactions in dogs.
- The entire onion family, including onion flakes, onion powder, chives, and garlic, may be an ingredient in many holiday foods, from mashed potatoes to gravy to stuffing. In fresh, cooked, dried, or powdered form, onions can lead to damaged blood cells and anemia.
- Ham and bacon can cause pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening disease, in dogs.
- Nutmeg, in significant amounts, can be toxic, causing hallucinations, stomach pain, and possibly even seizures. Other spices can be dangerous, too, so it’s best not to feed dogs treats from your holiday dinner.
- Nuts have a very high fat content and may contain other toxins that can result in stomach upset or other serious health complications. Macadamia nuts, in particular, when fed to your furry family member even in small amounts, can be especially toxic and result in vomiting, tremors, paralysis, rapid heartbeat, and other complications.
- Citrus and pits. Keep foods containing citric acid away from your pets. Foods such as cherry pits, peach pits and apple seeds contain essential oils that can cause irritations, blockages and even central nervous system depression if a significant amount if ingested.
- Caffeine from coffee, tea, or chocolate are an ingredient in some deserts or other holiday dishes. Caffeine can actually be fatal to canines.
- Raisins and grapes consumed even in small quantities may cause rapid kidney failure in some dogs, and fruitcakes are one holiday offering likely to contain them. If you were thinking that you could unload an unwanted fruitcake on your pup, think again.
- Salt abounds in many holiday dishes, and when consumed by dogs, can cause excessive thirst, urination, or worse. It’s especially detrimental to dogs with underlying kidney or cardiovascular conditions.
- Sugar found in most holiday desserts can fuel cavities, obesity, and even diabetes. It’s also bad for dogs with arthritis.
- Alcohol has the same effect on dogs’ livers and brains as on humans’, but it doesn’t take as much to cause serious damage and can even lead to respiratory distress, tremors, coma, and death. That rum cake? Off limits for Rover!
- Eggnog is loaded with fat, sugar, milk, raw eggs, and alcohol, making it a quintuple whammy, none of which is good for Whisker’s health — or yours, for that matter.
- DECK THE HALLS
Who doesn’t love a beautifully decorated home for the holidays? Your pets may love your decorations too much. To keep your pet safe, follow these tips:
- All By Myself. Never leave your pet alone in the room with lit candles, a decorated tree, or potpourri.
- Boughs of Holly. Avoid mistletoe, lilies, and holly. Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
- Tinsel Town. Kitties love the sparkly, light-catching tinsel "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
- Oh, Christmas Tree. Secure your Christmas tree to keep it from falling over if your dog bumps it or your cat climbs it. A falling tree may injure your pet (not to mention precious ornaments!). A properly secured tree will also prevent the tree water — which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset — from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe. Hanging lemon-scented car air fresheners in the tree may deter your cat from climbing it.
- Make sure your dogs or cats do not chew on limbs or droppings from the tree. Ingested pine needles could become lodged in the intestinal tract, puncturing the lining, or bunching together and causing an intestinal obstruction.
- That Holiday Glow. Never leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, and place them on a stable surface. When you leave the room, put the candle out.
- An Open Fire. If your dog enjoys chewing, avoid fake and fire starter logs. They contain sawdust and paraffin which can cause an irritated stomach or even intestinal blockage when ingested.
- All Wired Up. Keep wires, batteries, strings of lights, and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth and digestive tract.
- SILENT NIGHT
Give your pet its own quiet space to retreat, complete with fresh water, and a place to snuggle, and a favorite toy or two. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case, kennel, crate, perching place, scratching post shelf or hiding place or in a separate room away from the hubbub and to escape the excitement (such as if you’re entertaining guests).
Though the excitement of a party may overwhelm some pets, keep your pets inside during cold weather and provide plenty of toys to keep them busy.
Prepare ahead of party time with lots of play and exercise to discourage barking.
As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. And remember that many pets are also scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe, escape-proof area as midnight approaches.
- GUESTS
Inform your visitors ahead of time that you have a pet, as some folks may be afraid of dogs or have allergies to pet dander.
Establish house rules with your guests regarding your animals. These rules should include your food and treat preferences, whether guests can feed from the table, if your pet enjoys being held (or not), and what kind of play is appropriate. If your guests have small children, be sure you and their parents carefully watch to ensure kids don’t handle your pet too roughly or pay it too much attention.
Ask animal-loving guests if they’d like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party. If they are so inclined, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.
Safeguard all of your medications behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.
- TRASH
Pets who enjoy selecting their own snacks out of the trash bin can accidentally eat foods that are potentially poisonous to them. Keep trash in tightly sealed containers or hidden somewhere your pet can't access.
- IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Be prepared for the worst-case scenario:
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Identify your closest 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic before an emergency occurs.
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Write down or store the number for your veterinarian or pet hospital in your phone.
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Research, then save your pet hospital or clinic's holiday hours.
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Write down or store the number of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435 in your phone. Note that a consultation fee may apply.
For those of us who love our pets, the holidays wouldn’t be the same without them! Following simple guidelines can make sure your beloved pet stays safe this holiday season. And tell your dog we said hi.
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