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After Halloween at the Fort Wayne Zoo: Dog Day, Teddy Bear Clinic and Wild Lights
A first-ever Dog Day and a Teddy Bear Clinic arrive Nov. 1, and Wild Lights returns Nov. 13
Javier

Javier

Oct 30, 2026

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A dog in a ghost costume among autumn leaves. Photo by Mike Kutz on Pexels. Stock photo, for illustration only.

The Fort Wayne Zoo's Halloween events end this weekend, but November brings a new lineup of pet, kid and holiday events.

 

The zoo's first-ever Dog Day is set for Sunday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to WOWO.

 

Dog Day on Sunday

 

Planned activities include animal activities, pup cups, photo opportunities, a dog costume parade with prizes and a special souvenir.

 

Tickets cost $25 per dog.

 

Zoo admission is free for members accompanying their pets and $12 for nonmembers, WOWO reported.

 

Tickets are sold at fwzoo.com, and the zoo encourages owners to review the event guidelines before registering.

 

Executive director Rick Schuiteman said it is the first time the zoo has hosted an event for dogs.

A dog wearing holiday decorations and festive lights outdoors. Photo by Megs Harrison on Pexels. Stock photo, for illustration only; not taken at Wild Lights.

Teddy Bear Clinic

 

The zoo's Teddy Bear Clinic also takes place Nov. 1, when children can bring stuffed animals for veterinary exams.

 

WOWO reported no time for the clinic, so check the zoo's calendar for details.

 

Wild Lights returns Nov. 13

 

Wild Lights returns Nov. 13 with more than 1 million lights, a nightly tree-lighting, holiday activities and seasonal treats, WOWO reported.

 

The zoo also canceled previously planned Fall Weekend hours for 2026 to make room for additional Wild Lights dates.

 

One third-party listing says the 2026 season runs Nov. 13 through Jan. 2, 2027, with gates open 5:30 to 9 p.m. and tickets at $12 ($10 for members), so confirm those details with the zoo.

 

Last year, Wild Lights debuted as part of Fort Wayne LightFest, a partnership with Blue Jacket's Fantasy of Lights.

 

Last year's Wild Lights page said all pathways were ADA-accessible and that guests visiting only Wild Lights parked at the Zoo Education Center, 600 Franke Park Dr., so check this year's parking instructions.

A child and a dog in matching costumes. Photo by Katya Wolf on Pexels. Stock photo, for illustration only.

Planning your weekend

 

Dog Day and the Teddy Bear Clinic fall on the same Sunday as the Fort Wayne Museum of Art's Día de los Muertos Family Celebration, so families may need to choose.

 

Our Halloween weekend guide and our article on Zoolooween cover Friday and Saturday plans.

 

Visit Fort Wayne's weekend calendar lists more options.

 

Dates, prices and event guidelines can change, so confirm with the zoo at 260-427-6800 before you go.

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