A pet-friendly promotion gave Stockton Ports’ fans a chance to enjoy baseball with their dogs this week while learning about local animal rescues and pet care.

There aren’t many places where furry friends are as welcome as fans. But Banner Island Ballpark rolled out the red carpet for both on Thursday night during its “Barks and Brews” promotion.

In addition to the game against the Fresno Grizzlies, there were rescue groups with pets available for adoption and local organizations that shared information about animal care.

Two dogs sit in the stands beneath a sign reading, "WELCOME TO BANNER ISLAND BALLPARK"
Mia, a Great Dane, enjoys a whipped cream treat during the Stockton Ports' dog-friendly Barks N Brews event at Banner Island Ballpark.
Riley, left, and Cali Ray sit in the stands during the game, while Mia the Great Dane, right, enjoys a whipped cream treat during the Stockton Ports’ “Barks and Brews” promotion at Banner Island Ballpark on July 9, 2026.

Connecting with community

Hungry Tailz Rescue used the event to raise awareness about Stockton’s homeless animal population. Founder Soledad Muñoz said the group also was hoping to recruit more foster families and introduce people to dogs who need permanent homes.

“We’re here to spread awareness,” Muñoz said. “The dogs are from Stockton, from the streets of Stockton and the shelters of Stockton.”

She started Hungry Tailz nearly three years ago after she noticed dogs living in homeless encampments while she was delivering food to the strays around town.

“We started feeding homeless pets at homeless encampments,” she said. “One day I drove by and saw a whole bunch of dogs living there, and that’s what started all of this.”

Since then, Hungry Tailz has found homes for hundreds of dogs and cats rescued from homeless encampments and local shelters, Tailz said. She said events like “Barks and Brews” help people meet the animals and learn how they can foster or adopt.

A dog wearing a pink bow at a ballpark
Adoptable puppy sits inside a playpen during a pet adoption event at Banner Island Ballpark.
Adoptable dogs wait to meet visitors at Banner Island Ballpark in Stockton on July 10, 2026.

Sierra Veterinary Hospital also joined the event. Staff answered questions about routine care, dental work, surgeries and pet insurance.

“We want to be a part of the community and give back to the pets,” said Dr. Cindy Yao-Cobb, the animal clinic’s veterinarian.

Yao-Cobb said the event gave families a chance to enjoy the game while learning more about keeping their pets healthy.

A different kind of game

But for many fans, bringing their dogs to the ballpark was the biggest attraction.

Nick Dagar brought his 7-year-old golden retriever, Cosmo, after hearing about the event from family members.

A dog wearing a bandana licks ice cream out of a blue cup held by a person at an event
Cosmo, a 7-year-old golden retriever, enjoys a whipped cream treat during the Stockton Ports’ “Barks and Brews” promotion at Banner Island Ballpark on July 9, 2026.

“It’s awesome,” Dagar said. “It’s the only reason we came, actually.”

Dagar said his family had not been to a Ports game in about three years. The night also ended up being his young child’s first baseball game.