Local pet owners will get a chance to display their fashion skills Saturday while their dogs do their little turn on the catwalk at the 5th Annual Howl-o-ween Dog Costume Contest.
The UF Pre-Veterinary Medical Club is hosting the contest at the Webb Pavilion on Shealy Drive in an effort to raise money for the Alachua County Humane Society.
Participants can enter their dog in six different categories including cutest, funniest, scariest and most creative costume, said Erin McGill, Pre-Vet Club president.
Other categories include owner-dog look-alike and dogs dressed as other animals.
Faculty members from UF's College of Veterinary Medicine will judge the competition.
The contest is something the dogs can enjoy, as many of them like being in the spotlight, McGill said.
Last year, many dogs enjoyed the attention, but others spent most of their time "rolling around trying to get their costumes off," she said.
Participants will be charged a ,5 registration fee to enter the first category and ,3 for each additional category, McGill said. Discounts will be given if an owner enters more than one dog.
Winners will receive gift baskets including doggy treats, gift certificates, toys, memberships to local dog parks, and donations from local businesses and pet bakeries around Gainesville.
"We want people to see the more they get their dog out and exposed to different things, the more they learn to cope with different situations," McGill said.
