The Melbourne Dog Lovers Festival returns next month with an all-new festival look, continuing the tradition of entertaining, educating and inspiring dog owners.
At Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from October 13 to 15, the three-day festival will attract more than 30,000 visitors and about 1000 dogs of 100 breeds.
The festival will feature live performances from talented canines, engaging talks by dog and animal experts, dozens of breed clubs and adoption groups, dedicated petting zones, pool diving pups, and all the latest and greatest products and services to spoil pooches.
“The event was an idea sparked from the joy of playing with our three beautiful dogs in the backyard one night,” festival founder and chief executive Jason Humphris said.
“We wanted to create an event that encapsulated the unique bond we share with our best friends.
“A place where people could leave planet Earth for a few hours to see the world through their dog’s eyes.
“And to leave with a greater respect and understanding for their dog so they can make their lives better in the short time we have with them.”
A combination of education and entertainment from some of Australia’s top trainers and vets on the ADVANCE Stage will help visitors to raise healthier, happier dogs.
In a festival first, Bluey and Bingo from the beloved Australian animated series ‘Bluey’ will headline the program with daily performances featuring singing, dancing and plenty of surprises for the whole family to enjoy.
Returning for another year is the esteemed Doctor Karl Kruszelnicki, who will present the next instalment of his Science of Dogs talk, as well renowned film and TV animal trainer Luke Hura, who worked on the sets of Red Dog, Oddball, and The Saddle Club.
Rounding out the jam-packed program is crowd-favourites Kelly Gill and Dr Katrina Warren who will share essential tips for surviving puppyhood with live demonstrations from the talented Wonderdogs.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to get in the Splash Zone as the Antinol DockDogs team launch themselves into a 100,000 litre pool in the Big Air, Extreme Vertical and Speed Retrieve competitions.
There will also be a range of dog shows with farmer Dave Graham and his Extreme High Jumping Dogs, as well as Lucy Karbowiak, Emily Lyons and The High Flying team presenting a showcase of agility and disc through the sport of Frizgility, which combines tunnels, jumps and a frisbee.
And it wouldn’t be a dog lovers festival without soaking up as many pats as possible – with attendees having the opportunity to get up close and personal with litters of dogs from a myriad of unique and loving breeds in the new Lyka Pat-A-Pooch zone.
For those looking to welcome a new dog into their home, there will be plenty of information on selecting the right breed by asking questions to presenters from leading DOGS VIC Breed Clubs, as well as visiting the Pedigree Adoption Zone for access to dozens of adoption groups and rescue shelters.
Tickets are available at dogloversfestival.com.au.
