{"id":481971,"date":"2026-10-31T01:58:53","date_gmt":"2026-10-31T01:58:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/481971\/"},"modified":"2026-10-31T01:58:53","modified_gmt":"2026-10-31T01:58:53","slug":"furry-friends-visit-the-dallas-zoo-in-halloween-costumes-for-dog-days","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/481971\/","title":{"rendered":"Furry friends visit the Dallas Zoo in Halloween Costumes for Dog Days"},"content":{"rendered":"

Light rain fell at the Dallas Zoo<\/a> on Friday morning as the animals outside the exhibits stole the show. Dogs in raincoats, witch hats and colorful tutus arrived in their best Halloween costumes for the zoo’s Dog Days.<\/p>\n

Friday’s dog day marked the third time the zoo has invited owners to explore the zoo with their lovable furry friends. The zoo hosted its first Dog Days earlier this year,<\/a> and the number of visitors has increased each time, said Kari Streiber, vice president of marketing and communications.<\/p>\n

“It’s a really fun kind of day that’s very different from a typical day at the zoo,” Streiber said. “It’s such a morale boost as we all walk around and smile and enjoy seeing the dogs.”<\/p>\n

Dog Days has become popular, with 500 dog tickets sold for the event Friday. The rain may have impacted the turnout, but Streiber said a few showers didn’t stop all the fun.<\/p>\n

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Emily Scaccio agreed. The 43-year-old arrived with a raincoat and her colorful poodle Jupiter, whose fur was dyed black, orange and red for Halloween and decorated with colorful leaves. Scaccio said she usually goes all out with the dye, but this time she decided to do something different.<\/p>\n

“This is his first seasonal one,” she said. “Normally he’s just one whole character, like a racehorse or a giraffe, things like that. So this is our first time doing this, and it ended up being perfect to come to this.”<\/p>\n

\"Emily<\/p>\n

Emily Scaccio walks her poodle, Jupiter, around the Dallas Zoo during Halloween Dog Day on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, in Dallas. (Shafkat Anowar\/The Dallas Morning News)<\/p>\n

Scaccio was excited to bring the 4-year-old poodle to the zoo. Since learning about Dog Days, Scaccio said she’s been eager to bring Jupiter to see the animals and do some exploring.<\/p>\n

“I don’t expect places to be dog-friendly, but when there are dog-friendly things, I’m like, ‘yes, this is the funnest thing,'” Scaccio said. “I love meeting other dog people. I love seeing other dogs. I love seeing all the different breeds. And I love getting him out of the house.”<\/p>\n

Alma Salinas rushed to buy tickets after seeing a post about Dog Days. Salinas, 24, brought her puppy, a German shepherd mix who she said loves going to new places and meeting people. The pair wore matching witch hats as they walked around the zoo.<\/p>\n

“She really loved the gorillas and chimpanzees,” Salinas said. “All the other puppies were excited for them.”<\/p>\n

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Before checking out zoo exhibits, visitors could also stop by vendor booths, including an SPCA table with dogs available for adoption. Salinas, who adopted her puppy less than a year ago, said she appreciated the chance to bring her puppy to the zoo while workers helped other dogs find homes.<\/p>\n

“I think that’s really nice because I adopted her,” Salinas said. “They just dumped her in the street, her and her other siblings. I think it’s important for dogs to have homes.”<\/p>\n

While another Dog Days is already planned, some people are optimistic that the event will encourage more frequent dog-friendly days at the zoo.<\/p>\n

\"Patric<\/p>\n

Patric Perez and his partner, Shweta, dressed as Superman and Lois Lane, hold their dog, Ollie, during Halloween Dog Day on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at the Dallas Zoo. (Shafkat Anowar\/The Dallas Morning News)<\/p>\n

Dallas Zoo member Dawn Pillittere, 51, hopes the zoo might introduce a dog membership in the future for those who regularly want to bring their four-legged friends.<\/p>\n

Pillittere marked dog day on her calendar as soon as it was announced. She dressed her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Jessie, as Lilo from “Lilo & Stitch, while Pillittere, 51, wore a Stitch onesie.<\/p>\n

“We just love any opportunity to dress up,” Pillittere said. “If we can dress up with a dog, even better; time to let that crazy shine.”<\/p>\n

\"Denys<\/p>\n

Denys Hesskamp (left) talks about her dog, Penny, during Halloween Dog Day on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at the Dallas Zoo. (Shafkat Anowar\/The Dallas Morning News)<\/p>\n

Pillittere said she enjoyed taking the day to visit the zoo with her friends and her dog. She said she loved the rare chance to see dogs and exotic animals interact.<\/p>\n

“It’s neat,” Pillittere said. “You see the mutual respect between the animals. It’s really cool.”<\/p>\n

The zoo sold out of dog tickets for this Dog Days event. Those wanting to bring their pups for the next Dog Days event in February are encouraged to buy tickets early for their pooch. Tickets go on sale January 20.<\/p>\n

“The demand is there,” Streiber said. “We definitely see and feel like it’s been accepted, and it’s a thing people are already looking forward to.”<\/p>\n

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