Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 October 2024
For the first time, Melbourne Showgrounds will host the ultimate pet lovers weekend as the Dog Lovers Festival celebrates its 10th birthday and welcomes the Cat Lovers Festival in one co-located event.
With so much to celebrate, there has been no better time for pet lovers to resolve the age-old debate of ‘cats vs dogs’ and unite for an unforgettable weekend. Event organisers are thrilled to bring together animal fanatics from both sides of the spectrum at an all-new venue, offering a host of new experiences for first timers and show veterans alike.
For the dog lovers, program highlights include the OPTIMUM™️ DOGWALK which will see talented pups and their human owners strut their stuff down a runway. The all-star line-up will include Australia’s ‘The Dog Down Under’ with TV Host Lara Shannon, The Wonderdogs, Jamie the Dog Trainer and the all-new Dancing with Dogs competition. Plus, Victorians will have the chance to enter the very first Melbourne Doggelganger competition, alongside returning festival favourites like the Kurgo® DockDogs.
For those more feline inclined, Sonia Hankova and her talented cat Kepler Copernicus join the Cat Lovers Festival’s expert line up on the WHISKAS® Stage, alongside Dr Kate Mornement and Zoos Victoria presenting on big cats alongside RSPCA Victoria. Everyone’s favourite ‘Cat Daddy’, Jackson Galaxy, also returns, streaming in live from Los Angeles. Plus, the chance to get up close and paw-sonal with over 200 cats from some of the most marvellous breeds from around the world.
Full program highlights can be found below.
MELBOURNE DOG LOVERS FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:
- The highly anticipated OPTIMUM™️ DOGWALK will see Australia’s most talented, hard-working, insta-famous and stylish dogs, paw their way down the runway.
- Discover the ultimate travel experience at the new Dog Friendly Travel Hub and find the best products, experiences and destinations to share with their furry friends along the journey.
- The VitaPet Arena will leave visitors amazed with Mini Dog Races, Farmer Dave Graham’s K9 Superwall and Temptation Alley, and expert demonstrations from Dr. Katrina, Kelly Gill, and the Wonderdogs.
- Watch Kurgo® DockDogs’ thrilling competitions, with dogs competing in Big Air, Extreme Vertical, and Speed Retrieval events, all in a 100,000-litre giant pool.
- Begin the journey of adoption at the Adoption Zone, helping find forever homes for dogs in need.
- Visitors can expand on their canine knowledge at the ADVANCE™ Paws and Talks sessions led by DOGS VIC.
- Boost the 'feel good' hormones at the newly refreshed Lyka Pat-A-Pooch Zone, where visitors can interact with a variety of dogs up close.
MELBOURNE CAT LOVERS FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:
- Hear from Jackson Galaxy, the ‘Cat Daddy’, and best-selling author with millions of social media followers as he presents two informative talks on Cat Behaviour live via satellite from Los Angeles.
- Learn from Sonia Hankova and her cat Kepler Copernicus as they showcase how to raise a confident adventure cat, while Dr Kate Mornement helps unravel the many mysteries from feline fans (including inappropriate toileting!) on the WHISKAS® Stage.
- Zoos Victoria and RSPCA Victoria will help visitors understand ways to help create a safe environment for their feline friend, while festival favourite Aussie vet Dr Katrina Warren chats through visitors most common cat problems.
- The BlackHawk® Pat-A-Cat Zone offers a chance to safely interact with these inquisitive felines up close and paw-sonal.
- Visitors can observe cats in a natural setting at the newly introduced WHISKAS® Kitty Corner and sneak a peek while they take a well-earned cat nap.
- Experience a one-of-a-kind event at the Championship Cat Show and witness top breeders and their stunning cats compete for cash prizes, ribbons, and glory.
- Visitors can find the perfect feline companion for their home at the Purrrfect Match Zone and initiate the adoption process at the WHISKAS® Adoption Zone, helping a kitty find its forever home.
- Get up close and paw-sonal with more than 200 rare and popular breeds of cats in the Breed Showcase, offering a comprehensive A to Z guide for cat enthusiasts.
IMAGERY: HERE
LOCATION: Melbourne Showgrounds, Ascot Vale
DATES & TIMES: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October, 9.30am – 5pm.
TICKETS: dogloversfestival.com.au/melbourne and catloversfestival.com.au/melbourne (pre-bookings are essential)
For those who are lovers of all, can receive a FREE entry to the second event.
Please note: visitors are unable to bring their own pets to the event for health and safety reasons, see website for full details on this policy.
Contact details:
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