National Dog Month Shines a Spotlight on Cary’s Canine Community

CARY, NC - August is National Dog Month, giving Cary's dog lovers plenty of reasons to celebrate the four-legged friends who make life a little brighter. From places to play and programs designed to keep pets safe to a fall lineup devoted to all things canine, the Town offers resources for dogs and the people who love them.

Dogs looking to stretch their legs can visit any of Cary's four dog parks: the Barkyard at Downtown Cary Park, Cary Dog Park at Robert V. Godbold Park, Cary Dog Park at Jack Smith Park, and Cary Dog Park at Neighborhood Park at Carpenter Fire Station Road. The Carpenter Fire Station Road location does not require a pass. Annual memberships and $5 day passes provide access to the other three dog parks.

Cary Animal Services also works year-round to keep animals and people safe. Animal Services officers investigate animal cruelty, reports of rabid animals, nuisance wildlife, and animal bites; enforce the Town's leash law and other animal ordinances; and help with stray and lost animals.

Through the Cary Them Home initiative, Animal Services is putting an extra focus on reuniting lost pets with their families. The program partners with local veterinary practices to provide free microchips, offers pop-up "Check the Chip" opportunities, and works to return found animals directly home when an owner can be identified through a microchip, identification tag, social media, or other means.

The celebration does not have to end with August. Barktoberfest returns to Downtown Cary Park throughout September and October with a series of programs and events celebrating four-legged friends. Dog lovers can find registration-based offerings including puppy yoga and pet portrait painting, along with dog trivia, pet-themed performances, and an Oct. 2 movie night featuring "Frankenweenie."

Barktoberfest culminates Oct. 10 with Barkitecture, bringing the celebration to a close with an event dog lovers will not want to miss.

Residents can celebrate National Dog Month by exploring Cary's dog parks, learning more about Animal Services and responsible pet ownership, and making plans to join Barktoberfest this fall.

Primary Contacts

If you have specific questions, visit carync.gov/311, dial 311 anywhere in Cary, (919) 469-4000 outside Town limits, or email [email protected].

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