Pet Fest at Harbaugh Village

As you prepare to participate in our event, we ask that you please review our rules and guidelines before you arrive. These rules and guidelines are put in place to ensure the safety of all our guests throughout the day.

• Only dogs and cats on standard (non-retractable) leash will be permitted to attend.
• Dogs & cats attending, should be well-behaved, non-aggressive and not intimidated or stressed in large crowds or by loud noises. There will be small children, other animals, exciting exhibits and loud announcements/music throughout the event. All attending pets will experience barking, loud speaking voices, clapping and cheering throughout the expo. We ask owners to please be considerate of these factors before you and your pet attend our event.
• All pets must always be leashed. No retractable leashes are allowed. No exceptions and this will be grounds for removal from the Village.
• Pet first aid will be available at the festival. In the event of an emergency pet health situation, a recommended emergency treatment facilities will be provided.
• Be careful to note of all pet-potty locations. Village staff also ask that you bring waste pick-up bags and be sure to clean up after your pet in the event of an accident.
• Take note that this is an outside event with no real shade. Be sure to bring enough water for your pet and if heat is an issue with your breed, please take the proper precautions.
• The event may be an overwhelming experience for some breeds. We ask all owners to plan accordingly if your pet does attend. If your pet is small or tiny, we do ask owners to consider carrying their pet to avoid injury or stress. There will possibly be many large and extra-large breeds present, as well as many excited humans, we do not want to see any small or tiny pets trampled or stepped on.
• Excessive barking will not be tolerated.
• All attendees should also review safe pet greeting and handling behaviors with children. All staff members will be carefully watching crowds and pets to ensure everyone’s safety. It only takes seconds for a pet bite to occur. Please remind children to ask any owner or handler for permission before petting an animal. Please allow a calm animal to sniff their hands before touching them on the chin, chest or back (not on the top of the animal’s head). All children should speak calmly to any animal they greet and should never “stare down” or attempt to intimidate an animal while at the event. Any physical abuse or rough housing of any pet will not be tolerated or permitted and will be grounds for removal from the Village.
• Many exhibitors may offer treats to pets as they visit their booths. Please be aware of your pet’s dietary needs or allergies before accepting any snack. It is also important to control your pet’s consumption of snacks while at the event, as too many may cause illness in your pet.
• All attending pets should have the age-appropriate shots or vaccinations before attending the event. The Village will be asking for verification of the rabies vaccination on every attending pet, as required by New Jersey state law.

Every state in the United States has their own respective laws regarding vaccinations a pet must obtain before it can be registered in their home state or county.

• New Jersey state law reads that all dogs/cats must have the rabies vaccination or a certification of exemption before a pet can be registered.
• The Harbaugh Village will require proof of vaccination upon arrival at the facility and before any visiting pet will be granted access to the event. We will only require the rabies vaccination as per state law and insurance requirements.

All accepted proof of immunizations at the Harbaugh Village are:

• Vet-issued rabies certificate
• City/county license
• A rabies tag that lists the current year
• A receipt of vaccination purchase/label (for those who self-vaccinate)
• A vet receipt that itemizes the vaccination payment
• Adoption paperwork that lists the pet has current vaccines (age appropriate)

If you are planning to adopt a new best friend while attending the Pet Fest Event, it is advised to bring your own carrier, leash, collar or car restraining device. While we may have vendors offering these products on site, we cannot promise they will be available on-site or right away.