Frequently Asked Questions
Pre-registration for adults age 16 and over is just $25 through 9/5/18. After that, you can register at the event for $30. Children under 16 are free, and must be accompanied by a registered adult.
If you register early, by 7/13/18, you will be guaranteed to receive a Bark t-shirt in your choice of size. For registrations after 7/13/18, t-shirts will be given out as supplies last, but cannot be guaranteed. So register early!
The Bark in the Park is first and foremost a fundraiser to help animals in our community! Therefore, all attendees 16 and over pay the $25 or $30 registration fee. Kids under 16 are free, with a registered adult. We provide you with a fun day for coming and helping us raise money for the animals!
Pre-Registration is online. If you experience a problem registering online, please feel free to contact us at 309-682-9015.
You're welcome to register on-site at the event. However, you can save time & money by registering in advance.
In Festival Park on the Peoria riverfront. Event entrance and Event-day Registration is at the Gateway Building, intersection of Hamilton Blvd & Water Street.
Of course! There will be tons of fun activities for both you and your canine best friend to enjoy!
Each person registered for the event may bring/handle one dog. Ask a friend or family member to join you by registering for the event and walking with your other dog. This policy is for the safety of all participants – both human & canine.
No furry friend? Your dog doesn’t do well in crowds? No problem! Join us at Bark in the Park and get lots of lovin’ from other pooches in attendance. It’s all for a great cause!
No retractable leashes please. Dogs should be kept on a 6 ft. or shorter leash while at the event.
We recommend that puppies younger than six months wait til next year to attend Bark in the Park. The stress of the event and the company of so many other dogs may be too much for your little guy or gal.
For your safety and the safety of your pet, dogs only please.
You’re welcome to skip the Walk and just enjoy the festivities in the park. There’ll be plenty to do and see! However, we love to see a huge gathering of animal lovers and their pooches step out on the Walk for Animals - in support of the less fortunate animals in our community.
The full Walk route is 1 ½ miles, but you can walk as much of the route as you like, or choose to not walk at all.
Raising pledges isn’t required, but it's certainly appreciated! Collecting pledges from friends, family, and co-workers can tremendously increase the fundraising potential of the Bark and enables us to do even more to help animals in need! Click here to create your personal fundraiser page.
Yes! Lots of volunteers are needed! Sign up to volunteer on our Get Involved page and we’ll contact you.
Volunteers have to be at least 16 years old.
Volunteers may not have their dogs with them while volunteering at the event. You’re going to need your hands for other things!
Local food vendors will be there with lots of yummy food for sale!
Several water tents will be set up to provide fresh, cold drinking water for you and your dog! If it’s a hot day, we’ll have swimming pools to keep the dogs cool.
T-Shirt Pick-Up will be held at the Peoria Humane Society, 2600 NE Perry in Peoria on:
Saturday, September 1, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 6, 12:00 noon - 6:00 p.m.
Yes, you are welcome to register at T-shirt Pick up!
The complimentary photo is a fun perk for registering for Bark! Everyone who registers can have their photo taken at the event by one of our professional photographers.
Yes, credit and debit cards will be accepted at Registration and at the Merchandise Sales Tent.
The Bark goes on rain or shine! Only in case of severe or dangerous weather, the event may be cancelled or cut short.
The Great American Marvelous Mutt Show is a hilariously fun canine talent show for any and all the dogs at the Bark to compete in! You can sign up your marvelous mutt for the show when you arrive.