We'll have vendors, toys, and free pup cups available!

There will be water bowls all around the zoo and trash cans to toss anything your dog may drop on the ground. Please be sure to clean up after your dog with the provided bags.

Your dog must remain on leash at all times. Retractable leashes are not allowed.

Certain areas of the park will be closed during the event due to health risk and sensitive animals. We don't want to ruffle any feathers or have our cats practice their grumpy faces, so please adhere to our rules. Keep barking to a minimum and keep your dog moving along if they or our animal residents get too worked up. We want this to be an enjoyable experience for all animals, big and small.

We have bandanas available!  Select the ticket type with the bandana, and we'll have it for you at check-in.  Make sure to let us know which size you need.

Rules and Expectations

Bringing your dog to The Akron Zoo is not just a fun opportunity for your furry friend. It's enrichment for our furry, scaly and feathered friends too! It gives our animals the chance to flex their protective and/or predatory instincts. With this in mind, we have a couple of rules in place to keep everyone involved safe and to make sure the animals involved are stress-free during the event. 

To ensure that everyone is following the rules, we ask that you agree to the below terms before buying your tickets. If you break the listed rules, then you may be asked to leave the event without a refund. The implementation of these expectations is at the zoo's discretion. 

1. Dogs must have an up-to-date rabies vaccination.
2. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Leashes must be no longer than 6’ and non-retractable. Leashes must be attached at all times, even if the dog is in a carrier or stroller.
3. Each dog must be accompanied by a designated adult. Your dog can visit most areas of the zoo with a couple exceptions. The paths will be marked and there will be staff/volunteers in the restricted areas if you have any questions. Please view the event map for more details.
4. Dogs must remain under their human control and not behave in an aggressive or disruptive manner. Excessive agitation of zoo animals or guests because of barking or other behavior will not be tolerated.
5. Poop bags will be given at the door. Poop is the owner's responsibility to clean.
6. Dogs only. No other pets will be permitted. Humans without dogs are welcome too!
7. The Akron Zoo is not responsible for any illnesses and/or injuries that may arise from attending the Bark After Dark event.

Thank you for understanding. We hope you and your dog have a wonderful experience!

This is a rain or shine event. Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged. There is a limit of 75 dogs per event.