Orlando’s Premier Pet Events: From the AKC National Championship to Cat Café Gatherings
Discover Orlando’s top pet events—from the AKC National Championship to cat cafés—complete with dates, ticket info, and pet-friendly fun.
Pet lovers, gather your companions for a month‑long tour of Orlando’s best canine and feline activities. From the nation’s biggest dog show to intimate cat café evenings, we’ve compiled a calendar that invites both pets and their humans to join the fun.
American Kennel Club (AKC) National Championship Presented by Royal Canin
Meet Hundreds of Breeds at Orlando’s AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin
The AKC National Championship—hosted at the Orange County Convention Center on Dec. 14‑15—draws more than 5,000 top canine athletes from across the country and beyond. As the largest dog show in the United States and the only one organized by the AKC, it’s a must‑visit for dog enthusiasts.
The show features the AKC Agility Invitational, the AKC Obedience Classic, the AKC National Owner‑Handled Series Finals, and junior competitions in Conformation, Agility, Obedience and Rally. Spectators can also marvel at North American Diving Dogs and AKC Trick Dog exhibitions, then meet the dogs at AKC Meet the Breeds.
North American Diving Dogs at the AKC National Championship in Orlando
After the competitions, explore the Doggie Boutique for unique gifts, and let kids enjoy the AKC Patch Program.
Tickets are just $10 per day, with free admission for children under 13 and active military members holding valid ID. Purchase online or at the gate.
North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) Fun(d) Run/Walk With a Pet
Take Your Pet Along for the NAVC Fun(d) Run/Walk in Orlando
On Jan. 19, 2020, the NAVC Fun(d) Run/Walk invites owners to jog or stroll with their pets while supporting the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, which advances companion‑animal care worldwide.
Entry fees are $35 for humans, pets enter free. Each participant receives a commemorative bag and T‑shirt, and afterward all runners share a light breakfast and snacks at a private post‑race party.
Participants can also pair with rescued shelter dogs from Pet Rescue by Judy—giving both a chance to bond and a chance for the dogs to run.
Paws in the Park
Leashed Pets Are Always Welcome at Lake Eola Park in Orlando
Paws in the Park returns to downtown Orlando’s Lake Eola Park on Feb. 8, 2020, featuring dog games, a beer garden, food trucks, adoptable pets and more. All proceeds benefit Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando.
The event is free, but the PAWrade—an inclusive obstacle course for humans and pets—requires a fundraising goal. Raise $15 and receive a commemorative bandana; $75 or more earns a 2020 Paws in the Park T‑shirt.
This year’s highlight is the PAWrade Costume Contest, with categories such as Superheroes, Favorite Food, and Binge‑Worthy TV Shows. A $30 entry fee applies.
Monthly Events at Orlando Cat Café & The Kitty Beautiful
Hang Out With Companionable Cats at Orlando Cat Café in Clermont
If you’re in Orlando without your cats, or simply love feline company, two local venues let you share time with rescue cats while enjoying coffee, pastries and more.
Orlando Cat Café—just 15 minutes west of Walt Disney World—was Central Florida’s first cat café. Visitors encounter 12‑20 cats, all available for adoption through SPCA Florida. Reservations are advised for regular visits and mandatory for special events such as Trivia Nights and Yoga With Cats.
New to downtown Orlando, The Kitty Beautiful offers a similar experience, serving food, wine, beer, and hosting events like Cat Yoga and Mewvie Nights. Their cats are adopted through the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando.
Other dog‑friendly activities include downtown farmers markets, Winter Park and Winter Garden markets, and several resorts that welcome pets. For cats, a quiet hotel room often feels more appealing than a crowded adventure.
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