Photos with Santa
A few lucky pups attending on Wed., Dec. 11 could have the chance to meet Santa! Meeting Santa does require a bit of magic, though.
• Santa can only meet up to 40 attending dogs between noon and 3 p.m. on Wed., Dec. 11.
• We’ll distribute only 10 ‘Santa Dog Day’ tickets every 30-minute entry time, beginning at noon.
• Ask for a Santa ticket from the elf (look for the Santa hat!) in Quarters for Conservation plaza after your tickets are scanned at admissions.
• Then, be in line to meet Santa in Safari Lodge by 2:30 p.m. Bring your phone or camera to snap a photo of the magical moment!
This is a brand-new option for Dog Days, so please bring your patience and understanding as we test this. We wish we could, but we cannot welcome all dogs attending Dog Day to meet Santa. Space is limited in Santa’s workshop. If your dog does not do well in close proximity with other dogs or people, please do not take one of the limited tickets available for this Santa experience.
Where Can You Go During Dog Days at the Zoo?
How to Purchase Tickets
– Purchase a dog ticket for the date and time you’d like to visit. Dog tickets are limited by entry time and date.
– Dog tickets are required for both members and non-members visiting the Zoo with their dog.
– The “Dog” ticket type can be used for one dog’s entry per ticket for both member families and non-member families.
– Please put your dog ticket in your cart before your human tickets, because dog tickets are limited and likely to sell out. Once your dog’s ticket is in your cart, use the buttons at the top of the ticketing to navigate to either “Reserve Member Tickets” or “Non-Member Tickets.” Then, choose the number of human tickets you need for the same day and time as your canine tickets.
– Your dog must have a dog ticket to enter the Zoo; human tickets will not be honored for dog admission.
Requirements:
- Dogs must have an up-to-date rabies vaccination.
- Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Leashes must be no longer than 6’ and non-retractable. Leashes must be attached at all times, even if the dog is in a carrier or stroller.
- One dog ticket allowed per adult ticket. Each dog must be accompanied by a designated adult.
- Guests with dogs can access most areas of the Zoo, but there are a few restrictions. View the Dog Days Guide & Map PDF.
- Dogs must remain under their human’s control and not behave in an aggressive or disruptive manner. Excessive agitation of Zoo animals or guests because of barking or other behavior may result in the party being asked to leave the Zoo without a refund.
- This opportunity is available for dogs only; sorry, no other pets are allowed.
Enrichment for All the Animals
Dog days aren’t just fun for our guests and their dogs, but they’re enriching for our animals, too!
By inviting your dogs to visit our animals, you’re giving Zoo animals novel opportunities to flex their natural instincts, through natural protection, predation or pure curiosity behaviors.
Some animals, like lemurs and meerkats, strengthen their bonds and confidence by “protecting their territory” from visiting dogs – at least that’s what they likely think is happening when they respond to a visiting dog and the dog moves along. Some predators, like mountain lions, like to stalk the dogs. Some others, like gorillas, seem curious and calmly watch the furry visitors.
Of course, some species, like wallabies, and some individuals, like a few of our giraffe, aren’t fans of Dog Days, so we set them up for success. No dogs are allowed in the wallaby yard, giraffe barn, and a few other areas (check the Dog Days map!). Animal Care Teams closely monitor Zoo animal behaviors and give them choices to opt out of the festivities.
Be your dog’s advocate, too, by monitoring its response to this novel environment. If you see excessive panting, barking or shaking, your dog might need a break. Remember, the best way to stop a dog from barking is to keep walking. Keep those pups hydrated, handled and happy, and have a wonderful Dog Day at CMZoo!