Friday, November 20
New dog owners can take advantage of a free prep class at the Washington Animal Rescue League (71 Oglethorpe St., NW; 202-726-2556). Led by a certified trainer, the course covers house training, socialization, and enrichment for the newest member of your family. This class is for humans only and runs from 6 to 7:30.

Saturday, November 21
When it comes to pet food, is there really a difference between the fancy gluten-free/organic/vegan brand and the regular old Kibbles ’n Bits? Find out at the Big Bad Woof’s pet-food seminar, “Beef, Biscuits and . . . BHT?” at the Washington Humane Society Behavior & Learning Center (7315 Georgia Ave., NW). The class will offer tips on a pet’s healthy diet, budget-friendly tricks, how to read an ingredients list, and food allergies. $25; 10 to noon. To reserve your spot, e-mail askthetrainer@washhumane.org.

Adoption events will be held from noon to 3 at the Big Bad Woof (117 Carroll St., NW; 202-291-2404) with the Washington Animal Rescue League and from noon to 2 at Chateau-Animaux’s Capitol Hill location (524 Eighth St., SE; 800-354-8710) with K9 Lifesavers.

Sunday, November 22
You and your pup can get polished and primped at Fashion for Paws: Operation Pamper at Toka Salon & Day Spa (3251 Prospect St., NW). From noon to 4, half of the salon’s proceeds will go to the Washington Humane Society. The event will also feature canapés courtesy of Peacock Café, cupcakes by Suga Chef Desserts, and a Champagne bar by Barefoot Bubbly. Barkley Square Dog Bakery and Boutique will provide spa services for dogs. To make an appointment, call 202-333-5133.

The Washington Animal Rescue League (71 Oglethorpe St., NW; 202-726-2556) mixes tails and tales at the League’s Bark for Books event from 1:30 to 3. The family-friendly afternoon will feature pet-themed children’s-book readings, illustration workshop, and chances to buy books and get them signed by authors. WARL’s Read-2-Me program will be on hand taking donations to provide animal-themed books to classrooms and school libraries. Free refreshments and adoptable cats and dogs will also be available.

The Big Bad Woof will sponsor November’s meeting of the Washington Animal Rescue League’s puppy-mill-adopter-and-foster support group from 11 to 12:30. The meeting will be held in the League’s (71 Oglethorpe St., NW; 202-726-2556) community room, and guests are asked to bring a vegetarian dish to share. A raffle to benefit WARL will also be held.

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