After learning that the organizers of Dogtoberfest, a popular event celebrating dogs in North Austin, were retiring after 10 years, one local Austin pet store decided to step in and save the event.

“We knew we didn’t want to lose the event,” said Taylor Polk Clee-Charlton, general manager of Phydeaux and Friends, located at 7816 Burnet Road, Austin.

Pet-Toberfest will be held Oct. 20 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Domain 2 between Dick’s Sporting Goods and Dillard’s. Activities will be similar to Dogtoberfest and include a costume contest and parade, a petting zoo, and two musical acts, Polk Clee-Charlton said.

One difference is the festival will not only recognize dogs this year but also cats, chickens and other feathered friends, Polk Clee-Charlton said.

“We’ve jazzed up the activities on the green space,” she said. “We also replaced the live auction with our wag bags and are preselling those for $20 each.”

Phydeaux and Friends started planning the event in early 2018 and involved other businesses to help sponsor Pet-Toberfest, including Merrick Pet Care, OC Raw Dog, Zignature and Austin-based Nulo.

Proceeds from Pet-Toberfest will also benefit several area rescue nonprofits. On Oct. 1, Polk Clee-Charlton said the organizers will randomly select three nonprofits that will split proceeds, and other nonprofits will receive a gift card to Phydeaux and Friends.

Attendees can also purchase a $20 wag bag filled with coupons, samples and other goodies, and Polk Clee-Charlton said proceeds will also go toward the nonprofits, and bags may be purchased at Phydeaux and Friends.

Volunteers are also needed to help out the day of the event, Polk Clee-Charlton said.

Pet-Toberfest



  • Date/time: Oct. 20 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

  • Location: The Domain 2, Dick’s to Dillard’s

  • Activities: competition Frisbee for dogs, a costume contest and parade, a petting zoo, two musical acts and appearances by a local canine unit

  • Contact: 512-956-9000 or www.phydeauxandfriends.com