When: Sunday, September 14, 2008 from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Pre-registration is closed as of Friday September 12, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. Dogs with proof of current rabies vaccination can be registered at the Garden entrance on Sunday.

It's a Dog Day of Summer at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Bring your cold-nosed friend to Fairchild and enjoy dog-friendly activities like agility and obedience demonstrations, dog massages, CPR demonstrations, lectures by local dog rescue organizations, dog tours of the Totally Dog doggy bus and other dog-related vendors.

This is the only day of the year that Fairchild will permit dogs.

Please have the following information readily available when you register your pet.

• Please have your pet's Rabies Tag Number ready when you call to register.
• Please have your pet's veterinarian name and phone number ready.
• We will need to know if your dog has been spayed or neuetered.

Admission is free for members and children up to 5 years old, $20 for non-members, $15 for seniors and $10 for children 6-17. A percentage of the proceeds from this event go toward local pet charities.

Rules and Regulations

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of our visitors, your dogs and Fairchild's collections, the following rules and regulations must be followed. Upon entering Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, you agree to adhere to the following rules and regulations.

· In order to protect Fairchild's important plant collections, we ask that you please keep your dogs on the paths or on grassy areas. Dogs are not permitted to walk onto planting beds. Fairchild's plant collections are part of an important global research focus, and we, therefore, need your help to ensure their safety while you and your best friend visit us.

· We hope you will take the time to stroll the garden with your pet; the new sights, sounds and scents will be exciting to both of you. However, we ask that you please use discretion where you permit your dog to urinate. Fairchild has the world's most important collection of tropical plants, which may be sensitive to dogs' urine. Please look for non- Doggy Potty signs in the designated mulch areas.

· Our lakes are habitats for birds, turtles, small fish as well as certain aquatic plants. In order to ensure these precious habitats, please do not allow your dog in the lakes or ponds. Even walking your dog on the edges of the lakes can damage this sensitive eco-system.

· Only one dog permitted per registration. Only one dog permitted per visitor.

· Dogs must be current on all vaccinations and have a current (at least 2008) Miami-Dade County rabies registration tag attached to the dogs' collars. Registration tags must be worn at all times during your visit.  Please have your rabies registration number ready when you register your pet. 

· Dogs must be leashed at all times and under the control of their handlers. Dogs must not be unleashed at any time during your visit.

· Dog handlers are required to clean-up after their dogs.  Dog handlers must use "doggie bags" and dispose them in the designated receptacles.

· Aggressive dogs are not permitted in the garden. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden reserves the right to refuse entry to or remove any dog thought to be dangerous to visitors or other dogs.

· Dogs in heat are prohibited from entering the garden.

 Most importantly, we ask that you use good judgment on all matters concerning your dog. This will ensure an enjoyable and safe visit for you and your four-legged friend.