Dog-Friendly Chattanooga: Your October Calendar
October is the best month to own a dog in Chattanooga. Cool mornings. Leaves everywhere. Your dog would like to roll in every single one of them.
Here's where to take them this month and into early November, plus how to make sure they show up looking like they have their life together.
Halloween Pup Crawl: Saturday, October 24
3:00–10:00 PM, downtown Chattanooga. This is the city's only pub crawl built for people who'd rather bring the dog. The Humane Educational Society runs it, and every ticket supports their work with pets in need. HES is one of the groups we back year-round, so we'll be cheering loudly.
Your ticket gets you a PAWSport, which includes:
$3 pints at each participating brewery and taphouse
A raffle ticket for the grand prize drawing (extra tickets sold at the event)
Entry into the costume contest
A few notes from people who've walked a lot of dogs:
Seven hours is a long time. Pick a few stops, not all of them. Your dog will thank you by not melting down at stop six.
Test the costume at home first. If they can't walk, sit, or see in it, it's not a costume. It's a hostage situation.
Pack the basics: water, a collapsible bowl, bags, and a backup leash.
Grab tickets at heschatt.org before they're gone.
McKamey Animal Center's October Adoption Special
McKamey is running an adoption special this month. Chattanooga's shelters have been stretched thin this year, and every adoption opens a kennel for the next dog who needs one.
Follow McKamey Animal Center on social for the dates and details. Not ready to adopt? There's plenty you can still do:
Foster. Even a couple of weeks makes a difference.
Volunteer. Walks, socialization, events.
Donate. They keep a wish list of supplies they go through fast.
Coming Up: Tails, Trails & Ales, Saturday, November 7
10:00 AM–1:00 PM at Reflection Riding. Pick a 1-mile Pup Dash, a 5K, or a 10K trail run, all with your dog by your side. Timed and untimed options, so you can race it or just enjoy the scenery.
One dog per person, on a 6-foot leash
Dog-friendly aid stations with bowls provided (it's a cupless event)
Local craft beer, food, and pet vendors at the finish
Packet pickup at Nooga Paws or on race day
Registering now gives you about four weeks to train. Build up walk distance gradually, check paw pads after longer outings, and practice the "we are not chasing that squirrel" conversation. It will come up.
Get Event-Ready at Slobberbones
You've got the calendar. Now let's talk about the dog.
Self-wash, no appointment. Walk in, use our tubs, dryers, towels, and shampoo for $15. Your bathroom stays dry. Everybody wins.
Scrub Club. $25 a month for unlimited washes. Pup Crawl Saturday, trail run two weeks later. That math works.
Fresh seasonal treats. Baked in-store with real ingredients. Pocket a few for the crawl.
Hosting a costume party? Our custom dog birthday cakes don't need a birthday.
Stop by Slobberbones before your next adventure. Clean dog, full pockets, good month.
