Mark your calendar and start planning your dog’s costume. The Puppy Parade that St. Thomas Animal Services postponed in August is back on the calendar for Sunday, September 27th, and this week the department filled in what the evening will look like.
The parade steps off at the Pinafore Park Bandshell. Guest registration starts at 5 p.m., the parade around the park begins at 6 p.m., and prizes follow at 6:30 p.m.
The original Summer Puppy Parade was supposed to happen August 8th, but Animal Services postponed it because of that weekend’s forecast. Rather than simply reschedule the summer event on its own, the department folded it into its annual Halloween Puppy Parade, calling the combined event the biggest Puppy Parade of the year. Costumes are encouraged, and Animal Services says it can’t wait to see what people come up with this time. This year’s attractions include a professional photo booth for pets, vendors and community partners, and prizes.
Last year’s Halloween Puppy Parade drew dozens of dogs and their families in costume, according to Animal Services.
When the City was raising money to build its new Animal Services shelter, it named puppy parades as one of the ways residents could help, alongside a $1 million gift from Sara Teare. That shelter, at 325 Bill Martyn Parkway, opened its doors on July 23rd.
Earlier coverage: Puppy Parade at Pinafore Postponed, New Date Coming
Sources: City of St. Thomas Animal Services on Facebook, September 2, 2026 · City of St. Thomas Animal Services on Facebook
By Anthony Zruna · About the LocVox Newsroom
