The pet festival season is off and running. Here's a roundup of the big events and some helpful tips.

If we missed your event, send us an email about it at tailsofseattle@seattletimes.com.

MAY

Petpalooza
May 19, Game Farm Park, Auburn. The Dog Trot 3K and 5K start 9:30 a.m. The pet parade is at noon. Other activities include a petting zoo, Skyhoundz Disc Dog Championships, demonstrations of dog sports, pony rides, pet contests, vendors and giveaways.
http://www.auburnwa.gov/petpalooza

JUNE

Emerald City Reptile Expo
June 2-3, Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. Education, conservation and resource fair, adoptions,vendors and a chance to meet reptiles up close.
http://www.emeraldcityreptileexpo.com/

Mutt March
June 2-3, McCollum Park, South Snohomish County. There's 5K dog walk, Puget Sound DockDogs Spring Training Clinic, Northwest DockDogs Club Challenge, flying disc dogs, cancer talk with Q&A session, costume contest, scavenger hunt and pet adoptions.
http://www.k9muttmarch.org/

Kitsap Humane Society PetsWalk
June 9, Kitsap County Fairgrounds. Benefit walk, vendor fair, costume and talent contests, adoptable pets, agility demonstrations and microchip ID clinic.
http://www.kitsap-humane.org/petswalk-2012

Furry 5K Fun Run & Walk
June 10, Seward Park, Seattle. The benefit run/walk event includes entertainment and a pet expo.
http://www.furry5k.com/

Doggie Olympic Games
June 15-16, Long Beach. Friday's events include activities for pups too young (dogs must be at least 4 months old to take part in even the puppy activities) or too old for Saturday's games. The games include I've Got Rhythm Musical Sit, Peanut Butter Lick, Doggie Dash, Luciano Pavarotti Commemorative Sing-off, Nadia Comaneci Agility, Babe Ruth Obedience Baseball and Filla Fuller Brush Shedding.
http://doggieolympicgames.com/

Dachshunds on Parade
June 16, downtown Ellensburg. The parade of long dogs starts at 11 a.m. but go early for the Breakfast with the Dogs and costume contest. After the parade, watch the dachshund races and pet tricks.
http://www.dachshundsonparade.com/

Bark in Bonney Lake
June 23, Allan Yorke Park, Bonney Lake. The event includes a 6 Legs/6K Run/Walk for Bark for Life, exhibits, vendors and contests.
http://www.ci.bonney-lake.wa.us/section_community/parks_recreation/special_events.shtml#bark

Duvall Dirty Paws Dog Walk
June 23, McCormick Park, Duvall. This is a double event. There's the 5K Poker Walk that benefits Homeward Pet Adoption Center and The Motley Zoo Animal Rescue and there's also the Dirty Paws walk/festival area benefiting Duvall Chamber of Commerce.
http://duvalldirtypaws.com/

JULY

Mill Creek Festival Pet Plaza
July 14-15, Mill Creek Boulevard, Mill Creek. Check the website for updates on the Pet Plaza portion of the larger festival.
http://www.millcreekfestival.com/index

Go Dog, Go! Kirkland Canine Festival & Dog Walk
July 28, Juanita Beach Park, Kirkland. The event includes a dog walk, exhibitors, food booths, demonstrations of dog sports, music, contests and other entertainment.
http://www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/parks/SpecialEvents/GoDogGo/Event_Information.htm

AUGUST

Pasado's Bark at Marymoor Park
Aug. 19, Marymoor Park, Redmond. There's a dog walk plus a full-day of demonstrations, vendors, games, animal rescue groups and contests.
http://pasados.pasados2012.dojiggy.com/index.cfm?455721500D750B04057071050C1324452459440F7C7E700601740F

SEPTEMBER

PAWSwalk
Sept. 8, Marymoor Park, Redmond. Check the website for updates on this benefit walk.
http://www.paws.org/pawswalk.html

Tips:

-- Check the event registration to make sure your pet is welcome. Most walk/run events are limited to dogs. Others common restrictions include no dogs in heat, no dogs under 6 months old and no aggressive dogs.

-- Make sure vaccinations are up to date.

-- Use a proper leash. Short (6-foot), nonretractable leashes are usually required.

-- Carry bags for poop scooping.

-- Make sure your pet is going to be comfortable around large noisy crowds and unfamiliar animals. Some pets may find the events overwhelming.

Hope to see you at the festivals!