What to bring for an animal parade

An animal parade needs more than decorations and refreshments. You’ll need separate supplies for animals, handlers, volunteers and spectators, plus equipment for the start area and route. Plan water and feed stations, resting areas, barriers, communication tools and weather cover before buying food or décor. This checklist helps you estimate what to bring and highlights the small items that are often forgotten until participants arrive.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 80
Bar stoolsqty 6
Animal resting benchesqty 8
Fencesqty 24

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 120
Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 120
Mugsqty 60
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Water jugsqty 12
Animal water bowlsqty 16
Feed bowlsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Storage binsqty 12

Equipment

Mobile sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Rechargeable lampsqty 12
Handheld megaphoneqty 2

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
Battery lampsqty 12

Decorations

Buntingqty 12
Animal balloonsqty 40
Tableclothsqty 10
Photo backdrop
Decorative animal figuresqty 12

Signage

Route arrowsqty 20
Information boardsqty 8
Start and finish signqty 2
Barrier tapeqty 6
Conesqty 24

Registration

Bib numbersqty 100
Clipboardsqty 6
Ballpoint pensqty 30
Name stickersqty 150
Wristbandsqty 150
Prize ribbonsqty 20

Animal care

Leashesqty 10
Spare collarsqty 10
Pet towelsqty 20
Dog waste bag dispensersqty 12
Buckets of waterqty 10
Transport boxesqty 4
Animal brushesqty 6
Calming blanketsqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Animal first-aid kit
Safety vestsqty 20
Flashlightsqty 8
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Trash bag holdersqty 12
Broom setsqty 4
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Bucketsqty 6
Cleaning clothsqty 30
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Towel dispensersqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 6 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blue - 10 crates
- Spa Rood - 4 crates
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Ham - 1,5 kilo
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Savory nuts - 6 bags
- Baby carrots - 4 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 6 kilos
- Bananas - 4 kilos
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Muesli bars - 6 boxes
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Herb Salt - 2 jars
- Vegetarian snacks - 6 boxes
- Animal feed pellets - 5 kilos
- Dog biscuits - 4 bags
- Cat kibble - 2 kilos
- Hay - 4 bales
- Trash bags - 6 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfecting wipes - 8 packs
- Paper napkins - 12 packs
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Cardboard snack trays - 300 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 300 pieces
- Ice cream scoops - 4 pieces

Tips

Set up one animal water bowl and one feed bowl for each designated care point, then bring extra water jugs so volunteers can refill them without interrupting the parade.
Plan at least one resting bench and a fenced waiting area at the start location. Keep spare fencing available in case animals need more space or the route changes.
For every food and drink station, pack reusable glasses, plates, cutlery, mugs, serving trays, coolers and storage bins. Add cutting boards and a chef’s knife if snacks need preparation on site.
Bring a mobile sound system, wireless microphones and a handheld megaphone. Pack extension cords, power strips and rechargeable or battery lamps so announcements still work when the start area is crowded or lighting changes.
Do not leave tents, tables and chairs until the last delivery. Party tents provide cover for registration, catering and animal welfare checks, while tablecloths, bunting and a photo backdrop can be added after the practical areas are ready.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for an animal parade?: Bring supplies for animals, handlers and spectators: water and feed bowls, water jugs, resting benches, fences, food and drinks, reusable tableware, tables, seating and communication equipment. Add lighting and weather cover for the start area and any stops along the route.
How much water should I bring for the animals?: Use one animal water bowl per planned care point and bring enough water jugs for repeated refills throughout the event. Check the forecast and route length at least 24 hours before the parade, then increase the reserve if it will be warm or the route has limited refill access.
When should I buy supplies for an animal parade?: Buy durable equipment, tableware, fencing and lighting at least 1–2 weeks before the event. Purchase perishable snacks and chilled drinks 1–2 days beforehand, so they are fresh and can be cooled before participants arrive.
What equipment is easy to forget at an animal parade?: Extension cords, power strips, rechargeable lamps, a handheld megaphone and storage bins are commonly missed. Check these items during the equipment check at least one day before setup, and test the sound system before the first animals arrive.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.