What to know before attending: FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get to the festival?
A: Piedmont Park--Atlanta's beautiful green space--a dog's favorite place for a dog festival! The festival is all along Charles Allen Drive that runs through the park and in the meadow. ON YOUR MAP APP: SEARCH FOR: Charles Allen Dr NE & 10th St NE, Atlanta, 30306
Q: Where do I park?
A: There is parking all throughout the streets around Piedmont Park and paid parking lots. You may find free parking on the streets--make sure to follow all the Parking and NO Parking signs around the streets to avoid an issue.
Q: Do I have to register?
A: Yes, Its FREE! Everyone can PLAY…you just have to register! Pre-registration link
Q: Do I have to register separately for each dog that I bring with me?
A: Only register the humans. One registration per human. And then the human can bring their dogs!
Q: Are only rescue dogs invited?
A: ALL DOGS & THEIR HUMANS ARE WELCOME! Rescue Dog Games is a festival to celebrate rescue dogs and their forever families and to shine a light on pet adoption! We also celebrate dogs by encouraging all dogs and their humans to get outside and PLAY!
Q: What happens if it rains?
A: It wont!!!! But....Your dog won't mind....and this is all about the DOGS! We will see you out there at our rain or shine event and festivities. Let's all vision a sunny beautiful day to help SHINE a light on pet adoption!
Q: What Health Precautions will be taken?
A: We ask attendees and dogs to stay home if they are sick or have any symptoms of COVID-19 or any contagious illness , and to get tested for COVID-19.
We ask that attendees cover coughs and sneezes and wash hands at the available hand washing/sanitizing stations
Q: Once I pre-register online/ do I have to check in once I arrive?
A: Yes, please go to the Registration Tent. You will then be given an entry wristband and entered into the drawings and can participate in all the fun.
Q: Does my dog have to be on a leash?
A: Yes, please have your dog on a leash at all times, except in the lure chase fenced area.
Q: Does my dog have to be up on his/her vaccinations?
A: Yes, you are required, for the safety of your dog and others, to be up-to-date on all of your vaccinations.
Q: Will all the dogs get along?
A: That is our plan; after all it is a day to celebrate dogs… and they can feel that! If there is a dog that is not being friendly or does not share this positive point of view, they may be asked to leave. Bring your friendly dogs that enjoy being around a crowd.
Q: Can I attend without a dog?
A: Of course, but we really hope that you will leave with a new best friend, or at least the start of your adoption plans through one of our Pet Rescues. There will be many onsite with lots of adoptable, sweet lovin’ dogs that need homes. Adoption is certainly not limited to those without a dog…we are all about a many dog family… so everyone can come ready to meet your next best friend.
Q: How can I get to know which dogs are available for adoption?
A: Plan to hang out with some adoptable dogs at each of the adoptable organizations' booths and meet your next best friend. You can also meet all of the Pet organizations and rescues that are on site to get to know ways that you can help throughout the year!
Q: Are the Dog Game Stations difficult?
A: NO, they are fun! All dogs can PLAY and Learn (you just have to register and have a participation wristband) The game stations are to have fun with your dog!
Q: How does the Dog COSTUME Contest work?
A: Start planning your Howl-O-Ween costume so your dog can join in the Halloween fun.
Enter or watch as pups transform into ghouls, goblins, and everything in between! Join the spine-tingling procession of costumed canines as they strut their stuff in a spook-tacular Doggie Costume Contest brought to you by Arrow Exterminators
Make sure you Pre-Register prior to the event--its free--Then stop by the onsite Registration Tent to get your participation wristband and your Costume Contest number WITHIN THE ONE HOUR PRIOR TO THE CONTEST
- SMALL DOG CONTEST: NOON. Must register onsite between 11 am - 11:50 am and get lined up at 11:50 am
- LARGE DOG CONTEST: 2 PM. Must register onsite no later than 1:50 pm and get lined up at 1:50 pm
Winners will be announced from the stage at each contest time!
Q: How does the Dog Silly TRICK Contest work?
A: Start practicing your dog trick that you will present to our judges.
Show off your dog’s greatest trick. There will be two trick contest times-enter either one!--1 pm & 4 pm.
Make sure you have Pre-Registered for the event -its free and have stopped by the registration tent to get your wristband.
- 1:00 pm Contest: Stop by the Pet Paradise booth to perform your trick before 3:50 pm. The top contenders will be invited to the stage to perform & complete at 1 pm!
- 4:00 pm Contest: Stop by the Pet Paradise booth to perform your trick before 12:50 pm. The top contenders will be invited to the stage to perform & complete at 4 pm!
Winners will be announced on the stage each contest time!
ALL DOGS MUST STAY ON LEASH FOR THE TRICKS. Check back for the details and times
Q: What is the schedule for the day?
A: The activities go throughout the day--so you can join in any time from 11 am - 5 pm. But, be prepared for the CONTEST TIMES, (and all the other event highlights)
Q: Should I wear a costume?
A: Well you don’t have to, but your dog should wear a costume in order to enter our Dog Howl-O-Ween costume contest ! And it is always a big hit to have matching outfits with your dog!
Q: Do you need volunteers?
A: YES! Please contact us at [email protected] so we can coordinate your volunteer work with us. You can volunteer as an individual and/or as a group. Thank you for asking!
Q: Do you need entertainment?
A: Yes, Please contact us at [email protected] so we can coordinate with you!
Q: Will there be food and drink?
A: Yes, there will be food trucks and beer for sale!