San Antonio families looking for something fun to do this October can enjoy a little fall magic while making a difference for animals in need. Dogtober 2026, the annual fall pet adoption festival hosted by San Antonio Animal Care Services (SAACS), returns October 17-18 with two days of adoptable pets, seasonal activities, local vendors and family-friendly entertainment.

This year's festival will take place at Camargo Park, located at 5738 Castroville Road in San Antonio, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, making it an accessible weekend outing for families, animal lovers and anyone considering welcoming a new four-legged companion into their home.

Beyond the pumpkin patches and festivities, Dogtober offers something especially meaningful: a chance for shelter animals to meet the families who could change their lives.

Why Dogtober 2026 Is Moving to Camargo Park

One of the biggest changes for this year's Dogtober festival is its location.

According to San Antonio Animal Care Services, the event is moving from the city shelter's campus to Camargo Park in response to recent concerns about canine distemper affecting dogs at the shelter and throughout the community.

Located just minutes from the SAACS campus, Camargo Park provides an outdoor setting where families can enjoy the festivities while participating in an adoption event focused on finding homes for shelter pets.

The move also reflects the importance of animal health and community awareness as local rescue organizations continue working to care for vulnerable pets.

Pet Adoptions, Pumpkin Patches and Family Activities

Dogtober 2026 brings together several San Antonio animal welfare organizations, giving prospective pet owners opportunities to meet adoptable animals from San Antonio Animal Care Services, San Antonio Humane Society, Animal Defense League, SNIPSA and San Antonio Pets Alive!

Visitors can also look forward to plenty of fall-themed entertainment throughout the weekend.

The festival's popular pumpkin patch returns as a seasonal photo opportunity, while a foster pet beauty pageant will give some of the event's four-legged participants their moment in the spotlight.

New this year is a family-friendly straw bale maze, adding another activity for children and parents to explore together.

Entertainment, children's activities and food trucks serving seasonal treats will round out the festivities. The returning Dogtober Paw'p Up marketplace will also feature local small businesses, giving attendees an opportunity to shop while supporting San Antonio entrepreneurs.

For families who have been thinking about adopting a dog or cat, the festival offers an opportunity to meet available pets while enjoying a community event.

And there's an added bonus for those who find their match: the first 100 adopters will receive free gifts for their new pets.

What to Know Before Attending Dogtober 2026

• Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, 2026
• 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days
• Camargo Park, 5738 Castroville Road, San Antonio, TX 78227
• Free admission; optional Early Access tickets available for prospective adopters

Residents interested in adopting can find additional event information and Early Access ticket details through the official Dogtober 2026 event page.

A Fall Festival With a Bigger Purpose

For San Antonio's animal rescue community, Dogtober is more than another weekend festival. It's an opportunity to introduce homeless pets to potential adopters while bringing together organizations, volunteers, small businesses and families around a shared cause.

Whether visitors leave with a new companion, discover a local business or simply enjoy an afternoon in the pumpkin patch, their participation helps bring attention to the animals still waiting for homes.

With free admission and activities for multiple ages, Dogtober 2026 offers San Antonio residents a chance to celebrate the season while supporting the city's animal welfare community.

Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more San Antonio fall events, family-friendly activities, pet adoption opportunities and community happenings throughout October.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

Local business spotlight

Grow your business
where trust already lives.

Let’s introduce your business to the neighbors nearby.

Spotlight My Business →

Have a local favorite? Recommend a business