Poodle Day is coming back to Carmel-by-the-Sea on October 3, bringing its usual parade of teacups, standards, and everything in between through The Crossroads Carmel shopping center before the pack heads to the beach for off-leash romping. But this year comes with a twist that's rippling through the region's dog-loving community: organizers have said 2026 is scheduled to be the final Poodle Day held in Carmel.
The announcement came on July 31, when organizers opened registration for the October event and noted its status as the last one, according to PoodleDay.com. The parade itself is capped at 500 registered dogs, with a $60 registration fee and parade groups organized strictly by registration order, per What's Up Monterey. As NBC Los Angeles reports, the day includes a parade for poodles, poodle mixes, and their human companions, off-leash beach play, and evening cocktail parties and dinners.
Two of those pre-parade gatherings are already on the calendar. Mad Dogs and Englishmen will host a cocktail get-together on October 2, and Allegro Pizza at the Barnyard will hold a pizza party the same evening, according to NBC Los Angeles.
A Charitable Run Nearing $250,000
Poodle Day's event history says it has raised nearly $250,000 for NorCal Poodle Rescue, with single-year totals topping $20,000, according to the event history documented by Crossroads Carmel. NorCal Poodle Rescue, the event's sole beneficiary, was founded in 1985 by standard poodle breeder Patty Moulthrop in Lafayette, California. The volunteer-run nonprofit rehabilitates and adopts out more than 140 poodles and poodle mixes each year across Northern California and Southern Oregon, directing 97% of donations directly to dog care, per NorCal Poodle Rescue's own account.
Poodle Day's parade format has followed a familiar rhythm over the years, with contestants marching through The Crossroads Carmel, while judges take part in the competition, according to Le Pawsh. The event also includes activities beyond the parade.
Why Off-Leash Beach Play Works Here
The beach segment of Poodle Day is possible thanks to one of California's more unusual coastal rules. Carmel Beach's rules for dogs on city-owned beaches are addressed in City Municipal Code 6.08.030. Separately, Section 6.08.015(B) sets voice-command requirements in residential districts: dogs must stay within 25 feet of their owner, return within 3 feet on voice command, and the owner must carry a leash, according to the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Carmel-by-the-Sea's dog-friendly reputation has deep roots tied to one of its most famous former residents. Doris Day, a longtime Carmel-by-the-Sea resident, was frequently photographed with her poodles, and she formerly co-owned the Cypress Inn, according to The Times of India. The Cypress Inn is described as a well-known pet-friendly retreat.
A National Reputation for Dog Lovers
Carmel-by-the-Sea has earned national travel recognition for its dog-friendliness over the years, including top rankings from Dog Fancy Magazine, according to Carmel-by-the-Sea's official tourism site. The town's dog-friendly profile also includes the Cypress Inn, a well-known pet-friendly retreat. Visit Carmel-by-the-Sea, the town's promotional arm, lists dog-friendly trails, hotels, and eateries throughout the area, and NBC Los Angeles notes the town welcomes dogs of all breeds, not just poodles.
The breed at the center of it all is the poodle.
For now, dog owners across the region are gearing up for what organizers have billed as the last run of a Carmel tradition. Whether that finality holds, registration is open, the parade lineup is set for The Crossroads Carmel, and the beach will be waiting for one more round of off-leash play.
