Things to Do Pet Events

Mutts Gone Nuts

February 4, 1:30pm and 5:30pm

4. Nurturing

While feeding and caring for their pet, your child can learn to openly practice nurturing skills. In families with no younger siblings, having a pet provides an opportunity for the child to show tenderness and care that they might not otherwise have the chance to demonstrate.

5. Confidence

Assisting in the care of a pet helps children to feel a sense of accomplishment. Studies have shown that children with pets have higher levels of confidence than those without pets.

6. Physical Activity

Owning a dog encourages us to walk daily and to be more active. In fact, dog owners were found to be 54% more likely to get the recommended amount of physical exercise.

7. A Health Boost

Interaction with pets has a positive impact on our health at every age. It helps reduce stress levels, lowers blood pressure, and lessens the risk of heart disease. Children’s health greatly benefits as well. Infants and children living in homes with pets (especially dogs and cats) have a stronger immune function and thus have lower risks of ear infections and respiratory tract infections than children in non-pet households. Researchers comparing children’s school attendance records found that those in pet-free homes on average missed more school days per year than those with pets.

While there are many benefits to owning a pet, weigh the pros and cons before you bring a puppy or kitten home. Make sure that the pet you choose is a good fit for your location, your lifestyle, and the members of your household. Demonstrate the tasks and exhibit the behaviors you want your child to mirror. Your presence and guidance will help your child gain confidence and success as they begin playing, feeding, and caring for their new pet.

For those allergic to fur or feathers, there are still lots of other options, like hermit crabs, butterflies, lizards, fish, and more! j farmersalmanc.com

Mutts Gone Nuts features Scott and Joan Houghton and their pack of pooches in a comedy dog thrill show. The show will feature incredible high-flying frisbee dogs, tightwire dogs, dancing dogs, magic dogs, and of course, Sammie the Talking Dog. There will be two shows, one at 1:30pm and one at 5:30pm. Everyone, including infants and toddlers, must have a theater ticket for admission. Tickets range from $15.50 to $31.25. Tickets for children 12 years and under are 50% off.

Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts / 904632-5000 / 11901 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.fscjartistseries.org

ShotVet Pet Clinics

February 5, 11, 12, 19, 25, 26

Low-cost pet vaccinations given by licensed veterinarians. No appointments are necessary.

February 11, 25, 8am to 9am – Ace Hardware

February 12, 26, 12noon to 1pm – Bruster’s Ice Cream

February 11, 25, 10am to 11am – Tires Plus

February 12, 26, 2pm to 3pm – Starbucks

February 12, 26, 4pm to 5pm – PDQ Restaurant

February 12, 26, 10am to 11am – Cure Pharmacy

February 12, 26, 8am to 9am – O’Reilly Auto Parts

February 11, 25, 12noon to 1pm – Lowe’s

February 5, 19, 3:30pm to 4:30pm – Chili's ShotVet Pet Clinics / 407-792-0384 / www.shotvet.com

Ace Hardware / 2771 Monument Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225

Bruster's Ice Cream / 12224 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225

Tires Plus / 13162 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225

Starbucks / 13315 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225

PDQ Restaurant / 3260 Hodges Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32224

Cure Pharmacy at Publix / 7001 Merrill Rd #13, Jacksonville, FL 32277

O'Reilly Auto Parts / 4124 Emerson Street, Jacksonville, FL 32207

Lowe's / 8080 Philips Hwy, Jacksonville, FL 32256

Chili's / 13891 Old St Augustine Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32258

Canine Carnivale

February 11, 10am to 1pm

The City of Atlantic Beach will be hosting its 2nd Annual Canine Carnivale to celebrate furry friends. There will be activities, food, entertainment, a Look-Alike Contest, Patriotic Costume Contest, Simon Says Contest, Dog Tricks Demonstration, and more. There will also be a Parade of Dogs at 12noon.

Jordan Park / 904-247-5828 / 1671 Francis Avenue, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 / coab.us

Palm Coast Bird Expo

February 19, 9am to 4pm

The St. Augustine Exotic Bird Expo comes to Palm Coast. The show will feature a large variety of exotic birds, from finches to macaws, cages, toys, bird food, and more. Come talk to and learn from breeders and suppliers to see which bird is best suited for your family. Get oriented on the proper diet for your bird, what stands or toys are better suited for your feathered friend, and more. Admission is $5; children under 10 are free. Florida National Guard Armory Palm Coast Readiness Center / 904-819-9506 / 100 Fin Way, Palm Coast, FL 32164 / www.staugustineexoticbirdfair.com

Paint Your Own Pet

February 19, 1:30pm to 4:30pm

This is a personalized painting session where staff will teach you how to paint your own pet. Please send a high-resolution headshot image of your pet in advance for them to pre-sketch your fur baby before the class. Paint Your Own Pet is offered on your choice of a 16x20 canvas or 12x12 canvas for $60. Only one pet per sign-up.

Painting with a Twist, San Marco / 904-3998399 / 1525 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.paintingwithatwist.com

JHS Day Camp: Pawsident's Day

February 20, 9am to 4pm

Children in grades 2 through 8 are invited to celebrate "Pawsident's Day" with the animals at Jacksonville Humane Society. Campers will learn all about pets while enriching the lives of the homeless dogs and cats at JHS. Kids will craft some paw-triotic treats and toys for the animals and even help a few residents of JHS with their paw-sidential campaign posters. Campers must bring lunch and a water bottle. Box lunches from Jason's Deli will be available to purchase at checkout through February 13. Snacks will be provided to all campers. Extended care is available. Cost for the camp is $90. Jacksonville Humane Society / 904725-8766 / 8464 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / jaxhumane.org

Keeping your Pet Healthy – Creating a First Aid Kit • February 22, 2:30pm to 5:30pm

Your furbabies are a very important part of your family. When they are hurt or are not feeling well, you want to make them feel better. In this class, you will make a First Aid Kit for them that you can use for basic ailments. Please bring a plastic box or tote to use as your kit. It does not have to be big, but you can add to it as you make new recipes. The class fee is $35, with a supply fee of $20.

The Studios at Florida School of Holistic Health / 904-465-0985 / 1506 King Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.thestudiosatfshh.com

Like Jax4Pets.com’s Facebook page at facebook.com/jax4pets to find out about other events for pets.