Art, Dogs, and Fun: How to Enjoy the 51^st OneAmerica Broad Ripple Art Fair with Your Pup

The OneAmerica Broad Ripple Art Fair, which is hosted at the Indianapolis Art Center in Indianapolis, IN is a major annual event that attracts thousands of visitors from across the country. It’s also the perfect opportunity to enjoy art, music, food, and fun with your family and friends. But did you know you could bring your four-legged family members, too?

Below are some tips to help you and your pet safely enjoy the fair to the fullest, with a brief rundown of what you can experience throughout the day!

Preparing Your Pet for a Safe, Enjoyable Outing

If you’re planning to bring your pup along with you to the OneAmerica Broad Ripple Art Fair, here’s a checklist of what you need to do to ensure a fun, stress-free day with them.

Get Ready for the Day

Before heading out with your pet, make sure you take time to prepare for the day. Bring a leash*, collar, and ID tag for your pet, as well as plenty of water and snacks. It’s also a good idea to research the event ahead of time to see if there are any specific rules or restrictions regarding pets. Some areas may be off-limits to pets, so make sure you know which areas are accessible for you both.

*We recommend against using a retractable leash, which can break and allow your pet to roam out of your reach and make it harder for you to control them.

Practice Good Etiquette

Good etiquette should go without saying, but when you have your pet with you, it’s doubly important! Make sure your dog is kept on a secure leash at all times, and make sure they are fully under control and well-behaved. If your dog happens to be fearful and/or aggressive, it’s best to keep them at home for your safety and the safety of other art fair guests. Crowded events are also often stressful for pets, especially if they are fearful to begin with. Be mindful of other people and pets around you and clean up after your pet if they need to relieve themselves.

Enjoy the Art and Music

The Broad Ripple Art Fair offers an incredibly diverse range of art and music that everyone can enjoy. The fair is also a great opportunity for your dog to experience many new sights and sounds! We encourage you to take your time exploring all the different booths and exhibits so both you and your pet can soak in the atmosphere and see as much as you can. If your pet is sensitive to noise, guide them away to a quieter area or sit with them for a bit so they can relax. Always be mindful of your pet’s behavioral cues – if they seem stressed, take them to a more secluded area so they can regroup.

Take Breaks When Needed and Stay Cool

Walking around the art fair can be tiring – it’s a treat for the senses, but it can also become overstimulating over the course of several hours. Make sure you and your dog both take breaks here and there to rest, relax, and stay cool. Find a shaded area to sit in and bring an umbrella to protect yourself and your pet from the sun if necessary. Use your breaks to keep yourself and your pet hydrated, too.

If the weather is especially hot, consider bringing a portable fan or misting device.

Don’t Miss Out on Quality Time with Your Pet

The Broad Ripple Art Fair is a wonderful event for people of all ages, and it can be enjoyable for our four-legged friends, too. But before you bring your pet, plan accordingly with the help of our tips listed above. The art fair will take place Friday, May 19^th and Saturday, May 20^th, so start preparing now!

We also encourage you to contact us at Broad Ripple Animal Clinic if you have any questions or need to bring in your pet for a checkup!