Tails & Trails: Dog Day at the Zoo

Date and Time

• Saturday, Mar 22, 2025  3pm - 6pm

Location

visit website

Details

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are tickets available for purchase at the gate?
• All dog tickets must be pre-registered by March 14, 2025. Only human tickets will be available at the gate.

What are ticket prices?
• Zoo Member Adult: $8
• Zoo Member Child: $8
• Non-Zoo Member Adult: $18
• Non-Zoo Member Child: $13

Will this event sell out?
• It’s possible! We recommend securing your tickets sooner than later!

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.

What is included with my ticket?

Do any of the following discounts apply?
• No

I’m a member. Can I purchase additional tickets for my friends at a discount rate?
• Your membership discount is valid on tickets covered under your membership. If you have additional guests for the event, you can purchase at the regular event rate.

I can no longer attend. Can I get a refund?
• Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be used for another date. All sales are final. Should a ticket holder be unable to attend the event, the purchase will be considered a donation. You are welcome to give your ticket to a friend or family member.

What if it rains?
• This event will be held rain or shine

Can I enter the Zoo before the event starts? Or stay in the Zoo if I was here earlier?

What activities are available for an additional cost?
• Gift Shop, Train ($3), and Restaurant

Is smoking allowed?
• No smoking of any kind is allowed inside the Zoo including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, vapes, and e-cigarettes.

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.

My dog is well-trained. Can they be off lease?
• No; for the safety of the dogs, humans, and other animals, 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 more than 6 feet long and must be non-retractable.

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 dog 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!