Petapolooza returns to Pickering with dog yoga and pet wellness fun

Petapolooza turned Esplanade Park into a pet-friendly wellness stop on Saturday, May 9, with yoga with your dog emerging as one of the day’s most eye-catching draws. The annual Pickering festival ran from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and mixed movement, animal care and community fundraising into a single outing built for pet owners and anyone who wanted a low-key spring event with plenty to watch.

The City of Pickering said Petapolooza brought together pet owners, enthusiasts, industry professionals and rescue groups, and the 2026 edition pushed that mix harder than ever. More than 100 exhibitors filled the grounds with animal products and services, while the entertainment schedule featured live performances by the SuperDogs and demonstrations and competitions with Ontario DockDogs. Alongside the ring-side action, visitors found animal reiki, lure courses, pet colouring activities, a caricature artist and photo stops with Sparky the Fire Dog and the Undercover Dachshund.

The festival’s newer touches gave it the feel of a full community wellness market rather than a straight pet fundraiser. Organizers added a pawtio, a cat walk and a Paw-casso Painting Party, all of which helped make the event feel social-media ready without losing its local, rescue-minded core. For families wandering through the park with dogs in tow, the draw was the range of things to do in one place: move through a yoga session, watch athletic demos, meet mascots and then browse vendor booths at an easy outdoor pace.

A voluntary $5 donation was accepted at the entrance, with every dollar going to Pickering Animal Services. The city said the money supported the development of a new animal shelter, while also helping cover day-to-day care and unforeseen medical costs for animals housed at the Highway 7 shelter. Admission was free for seniors, children under 12 and pets, widening the crowd beyond the usual fundraiser audience.

The event already had momentum. Local coverage said Petapolooza raised more than $40,000 in 2024 and drew more than 4,000 human attendees, while INsauga reported about 4,500 people and more than $36,000 raised in the previous year cited in its 2026 coverage. The city also thanked attendees from Petapolooza 2025, confirming the festival has become a recurring spring fixture. With dog yoga at the center, Petapolooza kept the format fresh by making wellness, animal bonding and a day out in the park feel like the same thing.