Spring has sprung 🌸, and it’s time to thaw your pup’s paws! 🐾 Get ready to join us for our first ever Dog Days event. 🐶 We’re inviting dog-loving zoo fans and their well-behaved canine companions to explore the Zoo together! Your dogs will be treated to sights, smells, and sounds of animals they’ve never encountered before all while playing a vital role in enriching the lives of the Zoo’s animal residents.
To ensure that this event is safe for everyone, your fur babies MUST be well-trained and vaccinated. Dogs behaving in an unruly or aggressive manner (i.e. excessive barking, growling, lunging, biting, etc.) will be required to leave without a refund.
How to Join Us:
- Reserve a ticket for yourself AND your dog. Each adult ticket may only reserve a spot for ONE dog. Note: Our ticket form will not complete transactions that do not have a 1:1 ratio of adult humans to dogs.
- Submit a signed waiver (this link will be provided in your ticket confirmation email).
- Upload your dog’s veterinary records*. Medical records must be received no later than 4pm on March 14.
- Medical requirements:
- Up-to-date vaccination for: Rabies
- Up-to-date vaccination for: Distemper virus, Adenovirus (also called canine Hepatitis and Parvo virus)
- Up-to-date vaccination for: Bordetella
- Proof of negative heartworm test within the past year AND proof of purchase for heartworm preventative
*You will only have one opportunity to upload these documents, please verify before you select submit that all required documentation has been provided.
Entry will not be permitted if your medical records have not been received by the Virginia Zoo, or if our veterinary staff determines that your dog’s records are insufficient.
Activities
- Gift Shop kiosk in Event Pavilion with dog toys, leashes, collars, and bandanas ($)
- Virginia Zoo Express Train rides ($, no dogs allowed)
Vendors
- UltiMutt Toys
- Neptune Dog Bakery
- Windhound Photography
- Norfolk Animal Care Center
- Pawsnickety Pets
- Dogtown VA
- Ash & Bell Designs
Food and Drink Options ($)
- Sunshine Treats VB (Includes “dog friendly” menu items, like ice cream treats)
- African Village Restaurant open until 5:30pm
💲 Ticket Prices 💲
Tickets on sale to Zoo Members starting 2/7/25 and available to the general public starting 2/14/25.
🐾 Dog (requires registration and vet records): $18
🐾 Member Adult (18+): $8
🐾 Member Child (2-17): $8
🐾 Non-Member Adult (12+): $18
🐾 Non-Member Child (2-11): $13
🐾 Children under 2 are free
Target audience: Families with dogs
Will this event sell out?
– It’s possible! We recommend securing your ticket early just in case.
Will the price go up the week of?
– No. The week of pricing for human tickets will remain the same.
– Due to the vaccination record approval process, no Canine tickets will be
available to purchase the week of the event.
Do I need to reserve tickets ahead of time, or can I walk up with my dog?
– All dog tickets must be pre-registered by March 14th so our vets can review
your dog’s records to ensure they meet requirements. Only human tickets will
be available at the gate.
What if my dog’s records are rejected?
– If our vets do not approve your dog’s veterinary records, your ticket will be
cancelled and refunded. You will be notified at the email you provided when
tickets were reserved.
Does my dog need to be on a leash at all times?
– Yes, dogs must be on a leash at all times during the event, even if they are in a
carrier or a stroller. Leashes must be no longer than 6 feet and should be nonretractable.
Can I bring more than one dog to the event?
– Each adult (18+) can only be accompanied by ONE dog. If you would like to
bring more than one dog, you will need to have another adult present with you
in your party.
Can I bring a pet that is not a dog?
– No, only dogs are allowed at this time.
Will dog supplies be provided?
– Guests are encouraged to bring their own treats, water bowls, and relief bags.
Limited water stations will be available around the Zoo. Water will also be
available for purchase.
Can I go to all parts of the Zoo with my dog?
– Dogs are currently not permitted to enter the Zoo Farm, the World of Reptiles,
or Turtle Oasis. Other areas may not be available as programs or animals
dictate. Dogs must remain behind the guest fences or stanchions, not go
through them and obey all posted signage.
Where are the relief areas for my dog?
– The Zoo will be installing a designated relief area (see event map). All guests
will be responsible for cleaning up after their dogs should it be needed.
Are there any restrictions on the types of dogs that can attend?
– Puppies under 4 months, sick dogs, dogs with active injuries (i.e. stitches,
bandages), unvaccinated dogs, and female dogs in heat are not suitable for
the event.
Am I allowed to attend if I don’t have a dog?
– Yes, of course! All dog and Zoo-lovers are welcome!
Can I go back in and edit my waiver submission?
– No, all documents and completion of the waiver needs to be done at one time.
