Bring Your Dog to Overland Expo Mountain West — August 21

Some events feel purpose-built for a dog and their favorite human, and Overland Expo is right at the top of the list. Overland Expo Mountain West 2026 takes over The Ranch Events Complex (5280 Arena Circle) in Loveland, Colorado, from August 21–23, 2026 — three full days of overlanding rigs, adventure gear, and hands-on driving instruction at Northern Colorado's largest outdoor events complex.

We're Sniff & Shift, a family-owned dog-treat and e-collar brand rooted in car culture out of Malvern, PA. Our co-pilot Ella judges every trip by two things: good smells and good naps, and an outdoor expo built for people who love getting off the beaten path delivers both.

Best of all: dogs are welcome

Here's the news that makes this one easy to love — Overland Expo states that dogs are welcome at all of its events. There's a catch worth memorizing before you go: dogs must be leashed at all times, and retractable or zip leashes are not allowed. So leave the flexi-leash at home and bring a standard fixed-length lead. It keeps your pup close in busy vendor rows and around all those open vehicle doors, and it keeps everyone — two-legged and four — relaxed.

What to expect

Overland Expo is a working, hands-on show. You'll walk aisles of expedition vehicles, campers, and trailers, browse gear from hundreds of vendors, and — if you sign up — take in classes and driving instruction on everything from recovery to route planning. For anyone dreaming of backcountry travel with a dog along for the ride, it's a rolling classroom of ideas on how to set up a rig that works for the whole crew.

Why it's a great outing with a dog

The crowd here is exactly your dog's kind of people: outdoorsy, friendly, and used to trail companions. The wide-open fairgrounds layout gives you room to move at your dog's pace, step aside for a water break, and take in the scene without feeling boxed in.

Practical tips for a safe, happy day

Late August in Loveland (elevation around 5,000 feet) means strong high-altitude sun and warm afternoons. Come ready:

• Bring the right leash. A standard, non-retractable leash isn't just smart here — it's required.
• Water and shade first. Pack plenty of fresh water and a collapsible bowl, and seek out or bring shade for midday breaks. Altitude and sun dehydrate dogs faster than you'd expect.
• Check the ground. Gravel and asphalt bake in the sun — test surfaces with your hand and watch for hot pavement under paws.
• Never leave your dog in a parked vehicle. Interiors turn deadly hot fast, even at altitude. If your pup can't come along into the show, keep them somewhere cool and safe.
• Pack high-value treats. Reward focus around the crowds and hardware. Our freeze-dried dog treats are single-ingredient and mess-free — ideal for pockets, packs, and gloveboxes.

Before you head out

Always confirm dates, tickets, hours, and the current dog policy with the host before attending. The event is run by Overland Expo at overlandexpo.com/mtn-west, and you can find the full listing on our Events Board event page.

Want more dog-friendly car shows, meets, and adventures? Browse the full Dog-Friendly Car Events Board, and plot your route, stops, and pup breaks with the Dog Adventure Plotter before you point the rig west. 🐾