Barks & Badges is returning with a new location and an expanded lineup of K9 teams when the annual event takes place Sunday, August 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rancho San Rafael Park.
The event, hosted by Washoe County K9 Partners, will feature the Washoe County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit and the Reno Police Department K9 Unit. The Reno Police Department K9 Unit recently joined Washoe County K9 Partners, adding another local K9 team to the organization's efforts supporting law enforcement dogs in the community.
This free family-friendly all ages event offers visitors an opportunity to meet deputies, police officers, and their K9 partners, along with specialized teams that help keep Washoe County safe. Attendees can enjoy K9 demonstrations, interactive displays, and educational exhibits showcasing the work of local public safety teams. With Hot August Nights activities taking place throughout the Reno area that weekend, visitors are encouraged to stop by Rancho San Rafael Regional Park for a unique opportunity to meet the men, women, and K9s of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and Reno Police Department.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office will have equipment and members present from its Raven Unit, Regional Consolidated Bomb Squad, SWAT team, Mounted Horse Unit, Search and Rescue, Motor Unit, and more will also be on scene for attendees to meet, learn more about their work, and check out specialty equipment, including police vehicles, the helicopter, and other public safety resources.
K9 demonstrations will take place on the green area behind the vendors and will include the dogs and horses.
Organizers encourage attendees to bring their cameras for photos and plan for the August heat by bringing shade umbrellas or wearing hats.
Four food trucks will be available for snacks, ice cream and lunch, including Taster's Paradise Mobile Cafe and Bakery, Doggy Style Korean Corndogs, Lety's Tacos and Super Swirl Ice Cream.
Admission is free, but organizers are asking attendees to bring a bag or can of pet food for charity to help feed hungry dogs and cats.
Washoe County K9 Partners is a nonprofit organization designed to help Washoe County law enforcement dogs that serve and protect the community with equipment, training, and medical needs. All funds raised stay in the community and directly support local K9 teams.
Community members who would like to support local K9 teams can donate to Washoe County K9 Partners. Contributions help provide essential equipment, including ballistic vests, harnesses, GPS locators, medical kits, and other resources, as well as K9 and handler training.
These items are not funded through traditional law enforcement budgets but are vital to keeping K9 teams safe, healthy, and prepared to serve the community.
To learn more about Washoe County K9 Partners or make a donation, click here.
Organizers advised that the Rancho San Rafael public Dog Park will be closed during the event.Â
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office wanted to remind attendees that outside dogs or pets of any kind are not allowed on the premises during the event and ask people to leave their pets at home for everyone's safety.Â
