Grab your leads and lace up your sneakers, because the Dog Lovers Festival is back, bigger and better than ever, to celebrate its 10th anniversary in Melbourne this October!
This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill dog show – it’s a full-blown canine carnival, and this year it’s wagging its tail at its new home, the Melbourne Showgrounds.
If you’re a dog lover, this is your ultimate two-day paw-ty invitation.
Over the past decade, the Melbourne Dog Lovers Festival has blossomed into one of Australia’s top dog-dedicated events, offering a slice of heaven for anyone who believes their pooch is more than just a pet – they’re family. From its humble beginnings in the mid-2010s to surviving the ups and downs of the COVID era, the festival has continued to grow, educating and entertaining dog owners at every wag of the tail. This milestone event promises an unforgettable celebration of our furry friends, inviting Melburnians to enjoy an ultimate birthday bash like no other.
Festival founder, Jason Humphris, is pawsitively thrilled to mark this decade-long journey with new festival attractions and reflect on all the amazing accomplishments. “Expanding to the Melbourne Showgrounds is the perfect next step,” says Humphris. “With an exciting line-up of doggie entertainment, educational zones, and talks from top Aussie pet experts, we can’t wait to share our special day with all dog lovers.”
This year, the festival is rolling out the red carpet for some tail-wagging new features. Get ready to be dazzled at the Optimum™ DOGWALK, where Insta-Pooches strut their stuff alongside rescue dogs and fur-shion models. The Dog Friendly Travel Hub is your one-stop shop for all things travel-related for your furry family members. And don’t miss the mini dog races where pint-sized pooches prove their might over tiny hurdles.
For those who love a bit of nostalgia, festival favorites are making a grand return. The Kurgo® DockDogs will have you on the edge of your seat as dogs compete in high-flying feats over a massive pool. See Farmer Dave and his team in the VitaPet Arena showcase extreme high jumping and dog parkour that defies gravity. And for those thinking about adding a four-legged friend to their family, the Adoption Zone offers the chance to chat with experts and help a furry friend find a forever home.
In addition to all the dog-centric festivities, dog lovers with a soft spot for their feline friends can enjoy FREE entry to the Cat Lovers Festival happening right next door. It’s the perfect opportunity to embrace the best of both worlds.
So, gather your crew, grab your pooch, and head to the Melbourne Showgrounds for a weekend that promises to be a pawsome celebration of dogs and their humans. Whether you’re there to shop till you drop in the doggie supermarket or learn the latest in canine care, the Dog Lovers Festival is more than just an event – it’s a community celebrating the bond we share with our best friends. See you there for the ultimate tail-wagging experience!