Independence Day in Bend will include the beloved pet parade. The parade begins at 10 a.m. Lineup for the parade starts at 9 a.m. at Harmon Park.
A partnership between Bend Park and Recreation District and the City of Bend, the July 4th Pet Parade is a community tradition since 1924, and is also designated as an Oregon Heritage tradition.
Parade participants are encouraged to arrive in costume with a pet or stuffed animal and on pulled wagons, bikes or trikes. Parade spectators are also welcome to watch all the action on the parade route.
Second year of parade route
Parade staging is set for Harmon Park and the route will head north on Harmon Boulevard to Newport Avenue, east on Newport to Wall Street and onto the finish at Drake Park. It’s the same parade route as last year’s pet parade.
“The pet parade is an annual tradition and there is as much enthusiasm for spectating as there is for walking in the parade,” said Julie Brown, communication and community relations manager, BPRD. “This year’s forecast looks toasty, so we encourage everyone to plan ahead for their health and safety as well as pets.”
The morning parade will conclude before the warmest part of July 4th; however, the following tips are intended for all parade participants on two legs or four legs.
Beat the Heat tips:
- Drink before you feel thirsty. Being thirsty is a sign you are already behind on fluid replacement.
- Wear breathable fabric and a hat; apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
- Water for dogs is located on the lawns at Harmon and Drake parks on the parade route. Look for the tall orange bicycle flags. Bring a water bottle for you and your pet as well.
- Temperature of pavement and asphalt can increase faster than air temperature, so be aware of paws and seek cooler surfaces if needed.
- Watch your pet for signs of overheating. Faster, heavier panting; excessive thirst and/or drooling with hanging strands of saliva; increased pulse/ heartbeat; barking, whining or signs of agitation; dark-colored gums or tongue; glassy eyes; elevated body temperature and staggering, weakness, collapse, seizures and/or unconsciousness.
- Do not leave pets in your car after the parade, not even for a few minutes.
Returning for this year’s parade are traditional entries of the Pioneer Queen, a 1929 Pershing fire truck and Boy Scout Troop #25 as flag bearers. One of the largest parades in Central Oregon, it is anticipated that more than 8,000 people participate and watch the parade.
Parade details and parking:
- All ages welcome.
- No registration necessary.
- Leash up and clean up after pets.
- No rabbits, cats or aggressive animals. Do not give away or sell animals.
- No e-bikes, motorized vehicles, motorcycles, solicitation, commercial floats or distribution of anything, including candy.
- Large animals need to arrive early; trailer parking on Riverside Blvd.
- Equestrians, please wear helmets.
- Best parking: Outer perimeter of downtown and in parking garage.
- ADA parking available at Highland at Kenwood School on Newport Ave., in downtown parking garage and in City of Bend parking lot on Franklin Ave.
- ADA viewing area west of Franklin & Wall St. intersection.
Volunteers are needed to help as monitors on the parade route, to carry banners and walk in the parade and to assist in the parade start and finish areas. Information and volunteer sign up available at www.bendparksandrec.org/activities/4th-of-july/.
While tradition calls for fun at the 4th of July Pet Parade, precautions are necessary for pets and people. The Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) want parade participants’ pets to remain healthy and safe, especially with predicted high temperature.
Everyone is welcome to participate in the Pet Parade. Organizers ask that your pet remains on a leash and that you clean up after your pet. Do not bring rabbits, cats or aggressive animals. Large animals need to arrive early and equestrians should wear a helmet. Details can be found at bendparksandrec.org/july4th.
“We all know the dangers of leaving a pet in a hot car, but there are heat concerns when our pets are outdoors,” said Crystal Bloodworth, DVM, of the Humane Society of Central Oregon. “Dogs need to pant to cool themselves, as they do not sweat. This isn’t always enough, however, as cool water and shade can help. Paying attention to your pet while outdoors in the heat is critical to ensuring a fun day for everyone.” said Dr. Bloodworth. Senior, obese, short muzzled dogs (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, etc.) and long-haired breeds are discouraged in extreme heat. Another concern in high temperatures is hot asphalt which can cause damage to paw pads.
Be prepared to adapt your parade plans based on your pet and the heat. Some considerations include bringing a stuffed animal instead, using a wagon to pull your pet or, if needed, leaving the parade route if your pet demonstrates intolerance towards the heat.
Tips for keeping your pet comfortable at the Pet Parade include:
- Before and after the parade, find a cool, shaded place to rest.
- Do not arrive too early: staging begins at 9:00 am; the parade starts at 10:00 am.
- Bring plenty of cool water for you and your pet. HSCO will provide water en route – just look for the orange flags.
- Allow dogs to cool off in the water pools at the staging and end of the route.
- Get creative and place your pet in a shaded, decorated stroller or wagon to keep them off of the hot asphalt.
- Watch for signs of your pet’s paw pads overheating or soreness – picking-up paws, seeking shade and avoiding walking by sitting or lying down.
- Do not leave your pet in the car, not even for a few minutes.
- Learn to recognize the signs of heat stroke: Faster, heavier panting; excessive thirst and/or drooling with hanging strands of saliva; whining or signs of agitation; decreased responsiveness; glassy eyes; increased pulse/ heartbeat; elevated body temperature and staggering, weakness, collapse, seizures and/or unconsciousness.
- If your pet shows heat-related symptoms, immediately go to a shaded area or a dog-friendly business that may let your dog cool in the air conditioned store so you can assess your pet’s condition.
If you think your pet will be challenged by warm temperatures, the Humane Society of Central
Oregon encourage you to leave your pet at home.
Should you need any emergency veterinary services over the holiday weekend, there are two emergency animal clinics in Bend, Bend Animal Emergency Center and Specialty Center (541 385-9110) and Veterinary Referral Center (541 210-9200) or call your veterinarian.
For additional information on the Pet Parade, visit www.bendparksandrec.org.
