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Muddy Paws and Sunny Days: The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Spring (2025)

Updated: 6 days ago

Spring has arrived in Minnesota (or perhaps it's just false spring?), and it's time to shake off the winter chill and step into the season of fresh blooms, longer days, and outdoor adventures! If you and your pup are ready to trade snowdrifts for sunshine and enjoy all the fun that spring has to offer, this guide to Twin Cities pet events is for you. From March to May, you’ll find everything from dog-friendly festivals to scenic spring hikes, patio hangouts, and more. Get ready for a season filled with wagging tails, fresh air, and plenty of muddy paws!


 

The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Spring


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Dog in a patterned bandana sits beside white flowers in a sunlit park. Warm, serene atmosphere with lush green grass.

Pet-Focused Events:


Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 6:30 - 10 pm

Leopold's Mississippi Gardens, Minneapolis, MN

Organized by: Inspire & Flourish


"Mark your calendars for the Annual Fashions for Furry Friends Fashion Show! This dog-friendly event will be held from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM on March 8, 2025, at Leopold's Mississippi Gardens in Minneapolis, MN, US. Admission is $30. Leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcome to attend this glamorous evening dedicated to raising funds for animal rescues! Guests will enjoy a live auction featuring exciting prizes like vacations, private chef dinners, and a diverse silent auction. Meet adorable, adoptable animals showcased by rescue groups strutting down the runway."


Saturday, May 3, 2025, starting at 9 am

Minnesota State Fairgrounds (International Bazaar), Falcon Heights, MN

Benefitting: Animal Humane Society (AHS)


"The Walk for Animals is Animal Humane Society’s largest and most important fundraising event of the year. This one-mile walk, fundraiser, and celebration benefits the thousands of dogs, cats, and critters AHS serves every year, and we're excited to bring you and your pets even more fun, food, and chances to make a difference this year. On Saturday, May 3, join thousands of animal lovers and their pets at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds to help more vulnerable, local animals receive the medical care, compassion, and second chances they deserve — one step at a time."


Saturday, May 10, 2025

Mission Animal Hospital, Eden Prairie, MN

Benefitting: Mission Animal Hospital


"Run, walk, skip, dance or prance! This two-mile route takes you from Mission Animal Hospital around Lake Smetana and back in time to enjoy the carnival. We expect most people to complete the route (walking) in about 60 minutes. Pet and family friendly!"


Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 9 am - 1:30 pm

Purgatory Creek Park Pavilion, Eden Prairie, MN

Benefitting: Helping Paws, Inc.


"Whether you prefer to wag, walk, roll, or run, there will be both long and short courses to choose from. Bring your friends and family! You can even form teams in advance to raise money for Helping Paws. Join us for the celebration, meet our assistance dogs, and get your Paws In Motion."


 
Dog with a yellow collar sits on a stone path, surrounded by blooming pink cherry trees. Peaceful, natural setting at dawn.

Pet-Friendly Art Fairs & Festivals:


More information is coming soon!


 
Dog with a red collar stands in a green field with wildflowers, surrounded by tall trees. Sunlight filters through, creating a peaceful vibe.

Pet-Related Benefit Events:


Saturday, March 1, 2025, starting at 9:00 am

Brühaven Craft Company, Minneapolis, MN

Benefitting: Warrior Dog Rescue


"Looking for a yoga class with an adorable twist? Join us at Bruhaven Craft Company and enjoy 45 minutes of yoga, where adorable dogs/puppies from Warrior Dog Rescue will roam freely around the room while you go through the yoga flow sequence. No previous yoga experience needed. Yoga mats are not provided. Participants must be 18 years or old unless accompanied by an adult that has also purchased a ticket to that same class."


Sunday, March 2, 2025, from 10 am - 3 pm

The Wilderness Fitness & Coworking, Minneapolis, MN


"Join us at The Wilderness Fitness & Coworking for a group session of PUPPY YOGA to support Healing Heart Rescue's mission to find safe and loving homes for animals in need. Through the power of rescue, lives will be saved, hearts will be healed and you might find yourself asking “Who Rescued Whom." Our instructor, Genvieve, will lead adorable sessions of Puppy Yoga here at The Wilderness on March 2, 2025. Limited spots are available. Select a timeslot at ticket purchase. Each session will last 50 minutes."


Sunday, March 2, 2025, starting at 10:00 am

Inbound BrewCo, Minneapolis, MN


"Looking for a yoga class with an adorable twist? Join us at Inbound BrewCo and enjoy 45 minutes of yoga, where adorable dogs/puppies from UnbreakaBULL Pit Bull Rescue will roam freely around the room while you go through the yoga flow sequence. No previous yoga experience needed. Yoga mats are not provided. Participants must be 18 years or old unless accompanied by an adult that has also purchased a ticket to that same class."


Sunday, March 9, 2025, starting at 12 pm

Carpe Diem Studio, Minneapolis, MN

Benefitting: Ruff Start Rescue


"Come ready to flow and cuddle with adoptable puppies while supporting a good cause!"


Sunday, March 16, 2025

Tonkadale Greenhouse, Minnetonka, MN


"KME Photography, Scruff Life Photography, and K Schulz Photography are excited to offer a morning of FREE professional photos for your FOSTER pets! RSVPs are required. You'll bring your foster to Tonkadale during your assigned time on Sunday, March 16th, and we'll take a few fun images for their adoption listing. Dogs, cats, and other pets are welcome as long as they aren't a flight risk. Tonkadale is a dog-friendly business and customers with dogs will be there throughout the morning, so please leave reactive dogs at home. By attending this event, you agree that you have permission from your rescue organization and that any photos taken may be used for promotional purposes. All animals must remain leashed. This is for adoptable animals only, no personal pets. Images will be available for download after the event, via a link on this page and our business pages."


Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 8:15 am to 12:30 pm

University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN

Organized by: University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine

Benefitting: Ruff Start Rescue


"The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine is excited for another year of the Hoof N Woof 5k! ALL PROCEEDS support Ruff Start Rescue, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of animals in need. They strive for a world where every companion animal has a safe and loving home and their family has the knowledge and resources needed to give them the life they deserve. Please join us in supporting an incredible cause and make a difference in the community!"


Saturday, May 3, 2025, starting at 9 am

Minnesota State Fairgrounds (International Bazaar), Falcon Heights, MN

Benefitting: Animal Humane Society (AHS)


"The Walk for Animals is Animal Humane Society’s largest and most important fundraising event of the year. This one-mile walk, fundraiser, and celebration benefits the thousands of dogs, cats, and critters AHS serves every year, and we're excited to bring you and your pets even more fun, food, and chances to make a difference this year. On Saturday, May 3, join thousands of animal lovers and their pets at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds to help more vulnerable, local animals receive the medical care, compassion, and second chances they deserve — one step at a time."


Saturday, May 10, 2025

Mission Animal Hospital, Eden Prairie, MN

Benefitting: Mission Animal Hospital


"Run, walk, skip, dance or prance! This two-mile route takes you from Mission Animal Hospital around Lake Smetana and back in time to enjoy the carnival. We expect most people to complete the route (walking) in about 60 minutes. Pet and family friendly!"


Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 9 am - 1:30 pm

Purgatory Creek Park Pavilion, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Benefitting: Helping Paws, Inc.


"Whether you prefer to wag, walk, roll, or run, there will be both long and short courses to choose from. Bring your friends and family! You can even form teams in advance to raise money for Helping Paws. Join us for the celebration, meet our assistance dogs, and get your Paws In Motion."


 
People walking dogs on a forest trail, surrounded by lush greenery. Bright clothing contrasts with the natural setting, creating a lively mood.

Dog Sports & Activities:


Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 10 am - 2 pm

Battle Creek Recreation Area, Maplewood, MN

Cost: $50


"Join K9 Powered Sports and Jack and the Pack at Battle Creek Recreation Area for the Dog Days of Winter clinic & Open Skijoring! The Clinic will be for those who are new to skijoring and would benefit from some foundational mushing skills/information. If you don’t have any skijoring gear, we will bring gear for you and your dog to try and also buy if you’d like. You must already be comfortable with skate skiing and have your own skis. Day pass required $15. Sign up @jackandthepack.com or K9Powered.org"


Saturday, March 22, 2025

Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.

Location: Northern Lights Trail Loop, Maple Grove, MN

Admission: Free (sign up here)


Saturday, April 26, 2025

Any Minnesota State Park

Admission: Free


"On four days each year, all Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas offer free admission to everyone - no vehicle permits needed!"


Date: TBD

Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.

Location: TBD

Admission: Free (sign up here)


Date: TBD

Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.

Location: TBD

Admission: Free (sign up here)



 
Brown and white dog sitting in a garden with vibrant pink and green plants, a pond, and trees in the background. Calm and serene setting.

Add an Event:

Am I missing a Twin Cities pet event? Do you have an upcoming event you'd like to add to a future blog post? Please submit your event here to get it added to this list! Thank you!


 

About Scruff Life Photography:

Hi, I'm Lauren, the pet-loving photographer behind Scruff Life Photography! Based in Minnesota, I specialize in capturing the unique bond between people and their beloved pets. Whether you’ve just welcomed a new furry friend into your life or are cherishing the years spent with a lifelong companion, I’m here to help you preserve those special moments. Pets are family, and their stories deserve to be celebrated with timeless, professional photos you’ll treasure forever. Let’s create something meaningful together — reach out today to schedule your pet photo session!


Woman smiling, holding a small black and white dog in a cozy room with a white wall. The dog's collar is gold. Calm and happy mood.

 

Dog with a patterned bandana sits by white flowers in a sunny park. Text reads: "The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Spring".


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Scruff Life Photography is a pet photographer for the wild and adventurous. Capturing the bond between people and their pets in Minnesota and beyond. Serving Forest Lake and the surrounding areas.

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