Trick-or-Treat with the Pups

Trick-or-Treat with the Pups is happening at the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center on Saturday, October 24, from 10 AM to 12 PM. It's a free event, and the whole thing is built around the shelter's adoptable dogs. The shelter is at 4340 Tamarack Blvd in Columbus.

The setup is a bit different from your usual Halloween walk. Kids are encouraged to dress up and trick-or-treat through the shelter, where treat stations, crafts, games, and holiday activities are spread throughout the building. The twist is the 'reverse trick-or-treat': instead of just getting candy, guests give dog treats to the adoptable dogs as they make their way through. Since you're walking right past the dogs looking for homes, it's a pretty direct way to spend the morning with them—and families might just find a pup they want to take home.

There are a few practical things to keep in mind before you head over. Only the shelter's adoptable dogs are part of the event, so you'll need to leave your own pets at home. Costumes are encouraged for the kids, and if you're wearing a face mask, you'll need to take it off when you're in the kennel areas. The shelter also welcomes donations of soft and chewy dog treats, which you can bring along to help out the pups.

It's a free morning for families, running from 10 AM to 12 PM on Saturday, October 24, at the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center, 4340 Tamarack Blvd.