The Big Woof Festival, Miami’s largest dog festival, and the YMCA of South Florida have announced “Paws & Professions Career Day,” an innovative educational initiative designed to inspire children to become lifelong animal advocates while introducing them to the many rewarding careers dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their families.

Through the YMCA’s extensive network of family centers, after-school programs, and community outreach, the initiative is expected to engage thousands of children and families across South Florida, creating meaningful educational experiences that begin months before The Big Woof Festival and culminate during an immersive Career Day experience at the festival on Jan. 16 and 17, 2027, at Regatta Park in Coconut Grove.

“One of the goals of The Big Woof Festival has always been to create meaningful experiences that benefit both pets and people,” said Laura Pequignot, co-founder of The Big Woof Festival. “Through our partnership with the YMCA of South Florida, we’re giving children the opportunity to discover how they can make a difference in the lives of animals while opening their eyes to careers they may have never considered.”

A two-part educational experience
The program begins with the Paws & Professions Coloring & Activity Book, a custom-designed educational resource introducing children to careers including veterinary medicine, animal rescue, pet grooming, dog training, pet nutrition, animal behavior, responsible pet ownership, and many other professions dedicated to animal health and welfare.

More than 5,000 educational coloring and activity books will be distributed throughout South Florida through YMCA of South Florida Family Centers, 50-plus YMCA after-school programs serving Miami-Dade County schools, and The Big Woof Festival’s network of community partners and family outreach events leading up to the festival.

The educational activities encourage families to continue their learning journey by attending Paws & Professions Career Day at The Big Woof Festival.

Bringing career exploration to life
During the festival, children will transform what they’ve learned into real-world experiences by participating in interactive Career Discovery Stations located throughout the Big Woof Marketplace.

Participants will:
• Meet professionals representing a wide variety of pet-related careers.
• Learn firsthand about the important roles they play in caring for animals.
• Visit Career Discovery Stations throughout the festival.
• Complete their official Career Day Passport.
• Receive a Junior Animal Advocate Certificate.

The experience begins at the Career Day Headquarters, hosted by the YMCA of South Florida, where children receive their Career Day Passport, learn how to participate, and celebrate their accomplishments upon completion.

“Our partnership with The Big Woof Festival reflects the YMCA’s commitment to helping young people discover their potential through meaningful educational experiences,” said Sheryl A. Woods, president and CEO, YMCA of South Florida. “Paws & Professions Career Day encourages curiosity, compassion, and community involvement while helping children explore careers that make a positive difference.”

By combining education, entertainment, adoption, and community engagement in a single weekend, The Big Woof Festival creates a one-of-a-kind experience for South Florida families while raising awareness and support for local rescue and shelter organizations — all in support of responsible pet ownership.

For more festival information, visit www.thebigwooffest.com. For sponsor and vendor opportunities, send email to info@thebigwooffest.com.

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