Seattle is filled with critters walking with their humans, gazing out of windows, and waiting to be adopted from shelters—not to mention the wild creatures that fly through the air, slither through gardens, and swim through the seas. In honor of The Stranger's Pet Issue, we've compiled all the best ways to spend time with animals and support their well-being through local organizations from now until August. Follow the links below to snag tickets to ever-popular events like Yoga with Cats, fundraisers like Seattle Humane's Tuxes and Tails Gala, boozy events like the Baby Goats & Brews, fun competitions like the Vashon Sheepdog Classic, general animal-appreciation opportunities like First Caturday, and everything in between. Check out our animals calendar for even more pet-centric events.

Found something you like and don't want to forget about it later? Click "Save Event" on any of the linked events below to add it to your own private list.

APRIL 14-SEPTEMBER 12

Bark at the Park
Your dog can join you while you watch the Seattle Mariners play the Houston Astros (Sun April 14), the Texas Rangers (Tues May 28 & Mon July 22), and the Cincinnati Reds (Thurs Sept 12). Tickets also include a postgame walk around the bases and giveaways.
T-Mobile Park, Sodo

APRIL 17

Meditation with Cats
Given the frequency with which the average cat curls up in a sunbeam and closes its eyes for hours on end, it's not surprising that kitties make excellent meditation models. Follow the lead of felines everywhere by joining Katie Meyer for an hour-long zen session, then spend another 30 minutes hanging out with friendly kitty cats.
Neko Cafe, Capitol Hill

APRIL 20

Goat Yoga
Raise money for the Puget Sound Goat Rescue by doing some morning stretches and then hanging out with two sweet hoofed creatures named Milky Way and Galactic.
Elysian Taproom, Georgetown

APRIL 25

After Hours: Dive Bar
Meet some of Seattle Aquarium's divers and learn about ocean exploration while you wander through rows of fish exhibits—all while sipping an alcoholic beverage.
Seattle Aquarium, Downtown

APRIL 26-28

SEA-Cats Cat Show
Kitty cats of all shapes, sizes, and breeds will be evaluated based on their overall condition, appearance, and personality. 
Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Monroe

APRIL 27

Mutt Mixer
At this social event for mixed breeds, your unique pup can prance around and make friends in a 7,000-foot outdoor play yard.
Downtown Dog Lounge, South Lake Union

APRIL 28

Bulldog BBQ
Support the shelter pups at Bulldog Haven NW by enjoying BBQ fare like hot dogs, chips, and sweets. If you're looking to take home your own doggo, there will be plenty of adoptable bulldogs present.
Seattle MINI, Lake City

Dogs of Peddler Party
Let your doggo roam free in an off-leash area while you sip some beer and hang out with other pups from Pasado's Safe Haven. Mud Bay and Tail Wag Treats will be onsite with treats.
Peddler Brewing Company, Ballard

Walk'n Wag
You can join your pup in a 3K before letting them hang out in a doggie village, take obedience courses, and enter a juried pet show. A King County Police dog and his handler will also give a demonstration.
Lake Sammamish State Park, Issaquah

APRIL 30

The Kitty Catfe Benefit Concert
Local bands Sandi Fernandez & the Beacon Hillbillies, Professor Sweater, Crashing in Karma, Brianna Skye & the Dark Clouds, and Fond Farewell will play live for the benefit of California feline rescue shelter Kitty Catfe. 
Central Saloon, Pioneer Square

Yappy Hour Seattle
Grab a themed craft cocktail and celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day by meeting adoptable pups from Motley Zoo Animal Rescue.
W Seattle, Downtown 

Yappy Hour Bellevue
Bring your three- or four-legged friend along for an afternoon of Tito's cocktails (for you) and puppy treats (for them) to benefit Seattle Humane.
W Bellevue

MAY 4 & JUNE 1

First Caturday
Because even the laziest housecat is wild at heart, this monthly event is the perfect opportunity to treat your beloved feline to an outdoor adventure among other (leash-trained) kitties, whether they want to chase birds, eat bugs, or take a nap in the grass.
Cal Anderson Park, Capitol Hill

MAY 11

Northwest Reptile Expo
Meet venomous snakes, amphibians, and other cute scaly and/or slimy creatures at "the only captive-bred reptile show in America." You can even look into adopting a new pet.
Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Monroe

Tuxes & Tails
Support the vulnerable animals of Seattle Humane at the shelter's biggest fundraising gala of the year.
Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue

World Migratory Bird Day Bash

Flock to Bellevue on World Migratory Bird Day to browse for winged creatures on a ranger-led hike. Plus, make bird-themed crafts! 

Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm, Bellevue

MAY 16

After Hours: Plankton Blooms!
Did you know that seasons change under the sea? Grab a drink and hear all about how spring affects the microscopic inhabitants of the Puget Sound at this after-hours affair.
Seattle Aquarium, Downtown

Paint Your Pet & Sip To Benefit Heartland Animal Shelter
Your pet deserves to be immortalized in a portrait painted lovingly by you, its faithful human guardian. Make one here to support the dogs and cats of the Heartland Animal Shelter. 
Tap House Grill, Downtown

MAY 18

Auburn's Petpalooza 2019
Whether you want to do something fun with your pet or you're thinking about adoption, this event has plenty in store for animal lovers. Start out with a Dog Trot 3K and 5K Fun Run with your furry family member, then go ride a pony, cheer on pig races, and meet pets looking for homes. 
Game Farm Park, Auburn

Paws for a Cause
Did you know that the American Cancer Society helps both people and pets? At this fundraiser, you'll get to do some shopping, witness a dog agility contest, enter a costume contest, play games, and participate in a 5K run or walk to support survivors and those undergoing cancer treatment. 
Juanita Beach Park, Kirkland

MAY 21-23

The Amazing Acro-cats!
Unless you're going to Chicago, where these cats live, it's probably safe to say that this will be your only opportunity to see circus-trained felines perform—"jump through hoops, roll on balls, ride skateboards, and more"—this summer.
Carco Theatre, Renton

JUNE 6-9

Vashon Sheepdog Classic
The only thing better than taking the ferry to Vashon is the promise of seeing athletic sheepdogs chase livestock around a field. In addition to the competition, this annual herding extravaganza—now in its 10th year—brings local fare, a fiber arts village, bagpipe performances, shearing demos, and more to the charming island.
Misty Isle Farms, Vashon Island

JUNE 9

2019 Furry 5K
You and your dog can help raise money for the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation's Help the Animals fund at their annual Furry 5K fundraiser.
Seward Park, Rainier Valley

Bulldogs and Beagles
Greyhounds can take a personal day and let two unconventional racing breeds—bulldogs and beagles—take over the show.
Emerald Downs, Auburn

JUNE 15

Seattle Pug Gala
Bask in your love of one of the cutest dog breeds in the world (deal with it), pugs, by sharing your adopted pug's story, entering raffles, shopping for pug-themed wares, and more at this fundraiser for Seattle Pug Rescue.
Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Monroe

JUNE 18

For the Love of Cats!
Play trivia, drink beer, and eat sweets for the well-being of the homeless kitties of Seattle Area Feline Rescue.
Lagunitas Tap Room, Ballard

JUNE 22

Northwest Animal & Nature Festival
This "all animal inclusive" event honors birds, cats, dogs, reptiles, and all other non-human creatures found in the Northwest.
Burien Town Square Park

PetsWALK
Round up your pets for Poulsbo Animal Clinic and Kitsap Humane Society's annual fundraising walk in downtown Poulsbo. 
Lions Park, Poulsbo

JUNE 22-23

Orca Awareness Celebration
Learn about the Puget Sound's favorite whale, orcas, at this spotlight event. You'll even get to see a 20-foot-long inflatable orca modeled after Granny, the matriarch of the endangered southern resident population, and the oldest known orca.
Seattle Aquarium, Downtown

JUNE 23

Catsino Silent Auction
Four local animal rescue and advocacy groups—including Furry Faces Foundation and Community Cat Coalition—will host this benefit with silent auctions, games (like keg rolling), and plenty of brews. 
Beveridge Place Pub, West Seattle

JUNE 25

Bark-n-Brew
Drink beer to help raise money for Pawsitive Alliance, whose goal is to "end the euthanasia of adoptable dogs and cats in Washington." There will also be raffles and a food truck.
Lagunitas Tap Room, Ballard

JUNE 27

After Hours: aQUEERium
Are you a queer adult who loves marine life and cocktails? Head to the Seattle Aquarium after hours for some educational fun. 
Seattle Aquarium, Downtown

JULY 7

Wiener & Wiener Wannabe Races
Teeny-speedy Wiener dogs will race each other to the finish line in four preliminary heats culminating in a top-two advance round. They deserve your encouragement!
Emerald Downs, Auburn

JULY 11

Baby Goats & Brews
For the fourth year in a row, you can bask in the company of newly born ruminant creatures, drink Northwest beer, and support the Puget Sound Goat Rescue at the same time. Give these baby goats all of your attention, because you'll be allotted a mere five minutes of cuddle time.
Reuben's Brews, Ballard

JULY 13-14

Shark and Ray Days
Learn to protect the ocean's misunderstood sharp teeth-havers through special talks and activities. 
Seattle Aquarium, Downtown

JULY 20

PAWrade
You and your pup could win prizes for categories like "Most Colorful," "Most Creative," and "Best Dog and Owner Combo" at this adorable procession. 
West Seattle Junction

JULY 21

Old Dog Haven Walk for Old Dogs
Everyone loves puppies, but let's not forget about our sweet old hounds. Old Dog Haven's Walk for Old Dogs supports the dogs in the shelter's permanent foster homes.
Cromwell Park, Shoreline

AUGUST 2-30

WildNights
With the exception of sunbathing, everything you can do in the daytime is more fun at night. At these after-hours events, you'll get to explore the zoo's exhibits and hear keeper talks while you sip watermelon sangria and snack on s'mores.
Woodland Park Zoo, Phinney 

AUGUST 3

Dog Days of Summer Wine Tasting
Taste wine and enter raffles in the good company of your dog. Your proceeds will benefit Pawsitive Alliance. 
Northwest Cellars, Kirkland

AUGUST 4

Corgi Races
Picture this: a single stubby-legged, perma-smiling corgi running around a race track with carefree abandon. Multiply that vision by 70 and you've got the third annual Corgi Races, wherein lovable pups compete in six qualifying heats and a final championship. You can also meet adoptable dogs from the Auburn Valley Humane Society in the picnic area.
Emerald Downs, Auburn

TUESDAYS-THURSDAYS & SATURDAYS-SUNDAYS

Yoga with Cats
The almost indecently charming Seattle Meowtropolitan lets you caffeinate while stroking, throwing toys for, or serving as a chair for a host of shelter kitties, many of whom are adoptable. Once in awhile, they up the ante by hosting Yoga with Cats, so you can contort your body into shapes that cats find interesting to climb on. To us, this sounds slightly discouraging—even the limberest yogin can't match the whiplike flexibility of a cat spine. But needless to say, you should pounce on these tickets, because they will probably sell out soon after they're put up.
Seattle Meowtropolitan, Ballard