Spooky Pooch

Spooky Pooch is coming to the Houston Botanic Garden on Sunday, October 18, and again on Saturday, October 31. It's a day for dogs in costume to visit the Garden, and if you dress up too, you'll get a $5 discount off standard admission at the ticket window. The whole thing is run in a family-friendly atmosphere, and no weapons are allowed.

Spooky Pooch is part of the Garden's Dog Days, which invite responsible pet parents to bring their dogs along. Dog Days run every day in August and on first Sundays and third Wednesdays from March to July and from September to October; at all other times, the Garden's no-pets, service-animals-only policy remains in effect. The day is run with the Garden's sponsor, The Corner Vet - Bellaire.

There are a few rules for the dogs: they must be on a lead six feet or shorter, current on their shots and registered, and kept to marked paths and open lawn areas rather than horticultural displays, the Welcome Pavilion or event tents. On Spooky Pooch days, dogs in costume visit the Garden at no charge. Dogs not in costume are welcome for a $5 dog ticket, and members receive complimentary dog admission according to their membership level.

For non-members, the pricing is straightforward: dogs in costume get in free, and dogs not in costume are $5 each. Owners in costume get $5 off standard admission at the ticket window. Members get complimentary dog admission based on their level—one dog for individual, two for dual, and up to four for family and above.