Pawlacio Pets is returning to Rockaway Beach for its second annual Dog Parade on Sunday, Sept. 24.
The parade will begin on the Rockaway Boardwalk at Beach 108th Street and end with an afterparty and competition at Beach 95th Street.
“There will be plenty of space for everyone and the dogs,” said Dana Humphrey, the organizer of the annual Dog Parade.
Humphrey said the goal of the popular event is “forgetting ideologies and bringing the dogs together for some fun.”
Each participating dog will be provided with a numbered tag upon entry, refreshments and doggy treats, goodie bags filled with dog care items like disposable waste bags, as well as a free photo booth.
There will also be a competition in which judges will vote on which dog is the best dressed. The top three dogs with the most votes will earn prizes. There will be five judges with diverse backgrounds, including Bobbi Mitchell from Pups on the Runway, Samantha Cintron from Nurture U Wellness, Captain Rockaway Rizzo, who is a local pet sitter, Bettina and Jody.
With this year’s theme being “Dogtoberfest,” dogs are encouraged to wear “lederhosen;” however, “dogs don’t need a costume to win,” Humphrey said.
The total value of the prizes are $1,000. Prizes include an annual membership to TrustedHouseSitters Premium (valued at $350), a gift basket from Connor’s Canine Cookies (valued at $100), an animal communication session with Jill Lauri (valued at $159) and a Rockaway Creates membership (valued at $120) and more.
Additionally, there will be a pet fair and adoptable dogs on site.
Pawlacio Pets is a pet clinic that offers a range of pet care services, such as grooming and skincare with certified products imported from Italy, and stands as the “first and only” pet day care service in the area, according to Florence Chong, a certified pet aesthetician and groomer.
With their involvement, Pawlacio Pets aims to showcase their “ability to serve the community,” which is “a big need for facilities like ours,” Chong added.
The Dog Parade is being held in partnership with Allied Rockaway Foundation for Animal Recreation and Fitness (ARF ARF), which works in protecting, renovating and creating dog parks.
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 24. Tickets are $5 per dog entry into the parade and can be purchased here.
