MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — South Florida’s World Cup excitement got a furry twist Saturday morning as dogs and their owners gathered at Haulover Park in northeast Miami-Dade for the “World Pup.”
The event, hosted by Debris Free Oceans in partnership with Miami-Dade County’s Department of Environmental Resources Management and Miami-Dade Animal Services, brought together pet adoption efforts, environmental education and soccer-themed fun.
The free event ran from 9 a.m. to noon at Haulover Park.
Organizers said the event was designed to combine World Cup anticipation with community outreach centered on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.
“The World Pup is all about having fun with our fur babies while learning about the importance of pet adoption and picking up pet waste,” said Caiti Waks, co-founder and president of Debris Free Oceans.
She said the event opened with a walk-in parade of adoptable dogs representing different countries.
Inspired by the Puppy Bowl and timed ahead of Miami’s World Cup matches, teams of dogs competed in a miniature soccer setup, trying to knock balls into goals to score points for their assigned countries.
Food trucks, pet vendors and Miami-Dade Animal Services were also at the event, including a mobile adoption unit featuring dogs available for same-day adoption.
Officials with the Department of Environmental Resources Management said the event also highlighted environmental concerns tied to pet waste.
“Biscayne Bay and Miami-Dade’s natural beauty will serve as the backdrop of this year’s World Cup, making its protection more important than ever,” said Loren Parra, department director and chief resilience officer.
Parra noted that picking up pet waste helps prevent bacteria from entering storm drains and waterways that lead to the bay.
Dogs of all breeds and ages were welcome, provided they were well-behaved and socialized around other animals.
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