Image by Flickr user San Diego Shooter

The Dogtoberfest Pet Expo is returning to Freshfields Village on Kiawah Island to give dogs all over a chance to show off their owners. 

Canine companions will be the stars of the show Saturday, October 22 at the Kiawah Island Community Association’s Dogtoberfest. This fur- (and family-) friendly event hosted by Freshfields Village will feature pet service vendors, live music and libations.

Dogtoberfest will take place from 2:30 p.m.- 6 p.m. on the Village Green where pet vendors will be on-site offering the latest products and services, while rescue groups
answer questions and showcase adoptable pups. Adoption groups will pre-screen potential owners at the event, but there will not be on-site adoptions.

October is “Adopt a Shelter Dog” month, so it is the perfect time to learn about pet ownership during a special presentation by Tanya Dowdy of Angel Oak Animal Hospital. Karen’s K9s, Pet Helpers, Carolina Coonhounds Rescue, Grateful Goldens Rescue, Great Dane Rescue, Waters Edge Animal Rescue and Shih Tzus & Furbabies Rescue will be present with adoptable dogs and information.

Also participating in Dogtoberfest are pet services and vendors: Star Therapy, The Charleston Dog Show, Middleton Place Hounds, Pawsitive Style, Lowcountry Dog, Gentle Grooming by Jacqi, Laura Olsen Imagery, Melissa Gray Design, Patti Lawson (author of The Dog Diet), Charleston Veterinary Referral Center, Complete Animal, The Beached Dog, Purely Pawsitive Pet Training, Veterinary Specialty Care and Paws ‘n Bows.

New this year is the Doggy in Disguise Costume Contest. The competition is complimentary with the purchase of an event ticket, and pups can be entered at either the time of ticket purchase or beginning at 2:30 p.m. (deadline for registration is 3 p.m.). A gift certificate to The Brick House Kitchen will be awarded to winners in categories such as “Crowd Favorite” and “Most Creative Costume.” Dogs must be on a leash to enter.

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets must be purchased to enjoy wine and seasonal beer from Total Wine, music from Dave Berry and entry into the costume contest.  Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the event. This year’s Dogtoberfest will also feature a prize drawing, with a grand prize being a vacation in an oceanfront villa on Seabrook or Kiawah islands. Prize drawing tickets are $1 each or $5 for seven. Tickets can be purchased at the Kiawah Island Community Association Administrative Office, The Sandcastle and at the Freshfields Village Guest Services office.

For questions or more information, contact Freshfields Village at 843-768-6491, or contact Jessica Richardson at 843-768-3875 or jessica.richardson@kica.us.