When cities are pet-friendly, it’s easier to enjoy activities with your best friend by your side. That’s why once again in 2019, we partnered with the National Cherry Blossom Festival to make pets welcome throughout the month-long event in Washington, D.C.

Pet comfort services were available at the Tidal Basin Welcome Area and during activities such as the Blossom Kite Festival and Petalpalooza.

With Milk Bar Flagship at Logan Circle, we hosted a “yappy hour” with dog-friendly activities like a dip in a puppy pool. More than 200 people and pets joined the fun. Proceeds from the event went to help Humane Rescue Alliance in its work to end pet homelessness.

During the festival, we also announced a partnership with Washington D.C.’s Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID) to make the area more pet-friendly. A $20,000 grant from Mars will support a pet-friendly makeover, adding hands-free seating, portable hydration, expanded pet waste stations, shaded areas, educational materials and signage.

Plus, Mars hosted a booth at Petalpalooza, offering shade and water for four-legged visitors, as well as a chance for pet owners to pick up pet swag and learn about responsible pet ownership. More than 1,900 people stopped by, bringing along over 350 pets.

Volunteers helped visitors use tablets to visit BetterCitiesForPets.com and take our survey about the pet-friendly city features and policies they value most.

Like Petalpalooza in 2018, this year was another great opportunity to talk with people and learn about what matters to them and their pets. We’re excited to continue putting these insights to work.

Please share your thoughts! From anywhere on the BetterCitiesForPets.com website, you can click the orange “Assess Your City” button at the top to get started.

Below are more scenes from this year’s festivities…