DogFest, the UK’s favourite dog-friendly festival is back and taking place in the stunning Harewood House, near Yorkshire on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th September.
DogFest, in partnership with ManyPets, is an absolute must for dog lovers, where attendees can expect an action-packed and memorable day not only for themselves but for their four-legged friends.
The mammoth festival sees over 100 shopping stands and over 10 fun-filled activities catering for furry family members, ranging from dog diving to agility.
Festival guests and their four-legged friends will love the non-stop have-a-go activities stations, including an agility course, the Book Your Pet haybale racing, and new to this year, Catch the Flag, where dogs are encouraged to chase a lure – perfect for dogs that have a little extra energy!
Dog ‘pawrents’ will also be invited to attend Breed Meet Ups, where families with the same breed are encouraged to swap stories, share notes, and take photos. There’s also the 2k or 4k Big Dog Walk where attendees can enjoy a relaxing stroll around the beautiful grounds of the stately home with fellow dog lovers.
Visitors will also be able to grab a rosette at the ManyPets Fun Dog Show, which sees pooches compete in categories including Best Rescue, Most Fabulous Fella, and Loveliest Lady – to name a few.
If the activities aren’t enticing enough, DogFest has over 20 food and drink stalls serving everything from mouth-watering burgers and pizzas to delectable crepes and sweeties; or grab a cocktail from Boston Shakers. There’s even doggy ice cream so no one is left out!
Once festival goers and their dogs have had a go at the activities, they can pamper their pooches with some retail therapy from vendors like Pawsome Paws Boutique and grab a trendy dog collar, harness, or lead; or head to Lucy & Lola and check out their range of personalised human clothing and accessories.
Those looking to spoil their four-legged friends can peruse the dog food and treats on offer; from venders like Butternut Box – where dogs (and humans) can visit their taste truck; a pop-up ‘bistro’ just for dogs, to exotic treats like ostrich tendons and buffalo ears on offer from JR Pet Products. There’s even family-run Burgess Pet Care, providing high-quality dry food, or for those dogs with a more sensitive tummy can pick up some W’zis dog treats, which are low in fat, vegan and sugar-free.
But it’s not just dogs that are catered for, humans will be able to take advantage of the wide variety of exhibitors offering services from like latest pet GPS tracker and activity monitor from Whistle, to looking at a car with a bigger boot for more ‘fur babies’ with car dealership, Motorpoint. Curious pet owners can even check out Wisdom Panel – the world’s most accurate pet DNA service to find out insights on the dog’s breed, traits, and even health.
The festival also sees the return of the Dogs Trust Village and ‘Dog School’ where attendees can get expert advice or take part in puppy training classes, as well as the Dogs Trust team on hand to answer any questions. Attendees can even take a virtual tour around a rehoming centre, as well as enjoy games and prizes, or stop off at the pop-up shop and let their dog sniff around their enrichment garden. Most importantly, there will be information about Dogs Trust dogs that need rehoming.
Attendees can also get expert advice from some of the industry’s leading professionals including dog behaviourist Adem Fehmi who will be hosting talks in the Behaviour Zone, Channel 4s Steph’s Packed Lunch resident pet expert Chloe Fuller, who will be demonstrating her exceptional pets, the Super Spaniels, or catch talks from professional dog groomer Julie Harris, CEO of the Groomers Spotlight.
There is also the action-packed main arena which sees demonstrations from talented canines and trainers from the West Lang Dog Display Team; police dogs; Britain’s Got Talent finalist Lucy Heath, and Sandra & Storm, the UK Dog Disc champions.
DogFest is the perfect day out for any new pup and is the ultimate dog-friendly experience families have been looking for. DogFest takes place on Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th September at Harewood House, Yorkshire, with tickets starting from just £20.
DogFest promises a fun filled day for pets and owners alike and this year will reach wider than ever before with seven beautiful venues across the country, from Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire to Harewood House, Yorkshire.
