Are you searching for something to do this summer that doesn’t leave your dog out? Dog owners rejoice, there are plenty of dog-friendly events around the UK this summer that you and your furry friend can both have fun at. Here are some of the best dog-friendly UK events to check out!
#1. DogFest:
Taking place in the grounds of three stately homes – Knebworth House in Hertfordshire, Tatton Park in Cheshire, and Ashton Court Estate in Bristol, DogFest is held in May and June and is the perfect day out or weekend break for you, your family, and your four-legged friend. There’s a fun dog show, a big dog walk, and several meet-ups, classes and activities that your dog can take part in throughout the day. Don’t forget to check out the various stalls on site at the festival too, with everything from food brands to toys and accessories and even dog insurance to buy. And, there’s plenty for humans to enjoy with interesting talks, shopping and more.
#2. Muddy Dog Challenge 2019:
There are several Muddy Dog Challenges set to take part in the UK this year, including in Windsor, Exeter, Nottingham, Tunbridge Wells, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, and Cheltenham. It’s open to all dog lovers and their furry friends in order to raise as much money as possible for the cats and dogs at Battersea. You can enter as a dog-and-human team, or even go solo if your pooch isn’t the type to get their paws dirty. Take on the UK’s first 2.5km and 5km obstacle runs designed for tackling with your dog; prepare yourself for a fun-filled day of mud, sweat, and cheers!
#3. Poppy’s Pawsome Dog Show:
If you’re in or near the Leicestershire area, then check out Poppy’s Pawsome Dog Show, which is being held on June 1st in Thringstone. It’s a fun day out for all the family, so if you’re looking for something to do with your kids and don’t want to leave your pup at home, it’s a great choice. Take part in the fun dog show that any dog is welcome to compete in for a prize, have a drink at the outdoor bar, and indulge in tasty BBQ food. There’ll be a bouncy castle for kids, along with plenty of other fun activities and games to get involved with.
#4. Fun Dog Show 2019:
Held in Rugby, Warwickshire on 2nd June 2019, the Fun Dog Show 2019 is set to be one of the best events this summer for four-legged friends and their human families. All dogs are welcome, even if they’re not a professional show dog, it’s strictly for fun and there are trophies available to take home for the Best in Show and Best Rescue classes. When your dog is done strutting their stuff in the show ring, you can enjoy a wide range of demonstrations and talks, craft and trade stalls, a fun tombola, shopping at local business stalls, freshly-baked cakes, and other refreshments, and plenty of fun-filled activities for the entire family.
#5. Woofstock:
If you’re in or near Devon with your dog this summer, then check out Woofstock, held at Old Stone Farm in Dartmouth on the 16th August. It’s a weekend festival of fun for all the family, and there’s plenty to keep dog-lovers entertained with dog shows, displays, and demonstrations including police dogs, agility, obedience and much more. You can bring your dog along to watch or if you think they’ve got what it takes, enter them to take part in the various contests and competitions throughout the day. There’s a wide variety of stalls to shop at, and you can enjoy live music all weekend including La Voix, Los Pacaminos featuring Paul Young, and many more.
#6. Sausage Stroll:
If you’re a Dachshund owner in Bristol, then don’t miss out on the Sausage Stroll, one of the UK’s biggest Dachshund-only meets and walks. Binky the Dachshund invites all her friends and their humans for relaxing meet and stroll around the gardens. The ticket price not only includes access to the meet and walk; you’ll also get entry to the 12-acre gardens, a cream tea, and treats for your pooch. The dress code is smart/casual and there’ll be plenty of photo opportunities on the day.
#7. Discover Dogs:
Dog lovers in London can’t miss out on Discover Dogs, one of the UK’s biggest dog-related events. A bit later in the year, in October, it’s the best event to put in your diary if you’ve still not got enough of all the great dog-friendly events to attend all summer long. Held at Excel London at the Royal Victoria Dock, your day will consist of meeting over two hundred different dog breeds, a wide range of doggy shops, fun activities to take part in with your pooch, and amazing, world-class competitions and displays to enjoy.
#8. The Hampshire Pet Fair & Fun Dog Show:
Held on 17th August, all dog owners and their four-legged friends are invited to attend the Hampshire Pet Fair & Fun Dog Show. And, it’s not just for dogs, with plenty of animal encounters to enjoy on the day, exotic pets, fun dog shows, pet retail therapy, expert advice, demonstrations, kids’ entertainment and much more. Enter your pup into the fun dog show, watch the gundog display team doing their thing, or attend a dog training demonstration with your unruly pup. You can also enjoy birds of prey and reptile displays, animal encounters and ferret racing! And, there are plenty of animal clubs, trade stands, pet-related arts and crafts, and food and drink on offer throughout the day. The event will be held at Victoria House in Hampshire.
#9. The Great British Dog Walk:
If you want to get out of the house more, meet new friends and let your dog socialize with other like-minded pooches, the Great British Dog Walk is a great way to do just that. Held nationwide during May and June, you’re sure to find a Great British Dog Walk meet-up near you. You’ll get a free bandana for your dog with every adult ticket purchased and it’s not just a walk, with plenty of opportunities for fun and games such as fun dog shows, meeting the dog who’ve helped deaf people reconnect with life, and of course, in true British style, tea, and cake!
#10. Preparing for a Dog-Friendly Event:
Whether you’re taking your dog to one event or all of them, it’s best to make sure that you’re fully prepared before you go to avoid any mishaps on the day and make sure that everybody has fun. First of all, you’ll need to make sure that your dog is covered by pet insurance – find dog insurance (and also cat insurance) options at https://www.everypaw.com to cover your pet if they become ill, are injured, or hurt another dog. You’ll also need to ensure that your dog is up to date with vaccinations and is microchipped. It’s a legal requirement that your dog has a collar and tag with your address and contact number, and you’ll need to make sure that they’re on their lead at all times unless specified otherwise. Don’t forget poop bags, too!
Which dog-friendly events do you plan to attend with your pooch this summer?
