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Melbourne gears up for a massive weekend of wagging tails and furry fun

Melbourne Dog and Cat Lovers Festivals

25,000+ cat and dog lovers expected at Melbourne Showgrounds as almost three in four Australian households now own a pet!

Melbourne’s most enthusiastic cat and dog lovers have a big weekend ahead, with high flying canine sports, close encounters with a variety of breeds, international special guest Hannah Shaw (Kitten Lady) and plenty of shopping coming to the Melbourne Showgrounds on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October.

The 2026 Melbourne Cat and Dog Lovers Festivals will bring together entertainment, education and opportunities to meet the animals we love, with every ticket providing entry to both Festivals.

Whether visitors share their home with a cat, a dog or both, are considering welcoming a new companion, or simply want a fun day out, there is plenty to explore.

At the Cat Lovers Festival, internationally celebrated kitten rescuer, educator, author and internet sensation Hannah Shaw, better known as Kitten Lady to her millions of followers online, will share stories and knowledge drawn from a life dedicated to helping some of the smallest and most vulnerable animals.

On Saturday, Shaw will present Tiny but Mighty: My Life as a Professional Kitten Rescuer, taking audiences behind the scenes of kitten rescue, with unexpected encounters, remarkable transformations and heartwarming stories. On Sunday, From Tiny to Mighty: A Kitten’s First 8 Weeks will explore the crucial early stages of a kitten’s life.

There will be plenty more for feline fans to discover, with Pat-A-Cat and the Breed Showcase offering opportunities to meet plenty of amazing cats and learn about dozens of different breeds.

The interactive Cat Chat stage will make its Melbourne debut, connecting visitors with leading experts, including Dr Katrina Warren, to explore the topics that matter to cat owners, while The Purr Trail will send visitors on a Festival adventure for the chance to win prizes.

Over at the Dog Lovers Festival, the action will stretch from the showring to the splash zone.

Brand new for 2026, the Outback Arena brings the spirit of Victoria’s regional and rural showgrounds to Melbourne, showcasing high-octane dog sports in an outdoor setting. Expect fast-paced action and impressive athletic feats and playful tricks that simply cannot be contained indoors – all hosted by Lara Shannon from Pooches at Play.

Meanwhile, The Dog Bowl will host two days of high stakes competition, with dogs demonstrating their speed, agility and teamwork in Canine Disc on Saturday and Flyball on Sunday.

Crowd favourite Kurgo® DockDogs will deliver more aerial action as high-flying dogs launch into a massive 100,000-litre pool. Visitors near the splash zone may get a little closer to the action than they expect!

For those who prefer a gentler encounter, Pat-A-Pooch and the Breed Showcase offer opportunities to meet hundreds of beautiful dogs across dozens of breeds and learn more about their personalities and care needs.

Across both Festivals, visitors can connect with adoption groups in the Adoption Zones, hear about their work and learn about dogs and cats looking for loving forever homes.

The Dog Expo & Marketplace and Cat Expo & Marketplace offer the best of both worlds, bringing together major brands alongside emerging boutique businesses and innovative start-ups.

The Expos showcase leading brands across treats, toys, accessories, enrichment, technology and more, while the Marketplaces provide a platform for smaller, independent businesses to share unique products and fresh ideas with passionate pet owners. Add exclusive Festival Specials and Featured Products, and there’s plenty to discover, shop and take home.

Every Dog Lovers Festival ticket includes free entry to the Cat Lovers Festival, and every Cat Lovers Festival ticket includes free entry to the Dog Lovers Festival on the same weekend, making it easy for families and friends to enjoy both.

For safety reasons, visitors must leave their own dogs and cats at home. The animals taking part in the Festivals are attending through organised exhibits and activities.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Melbourne Dog Lovers Festival and Melbourne Cat Lovers Festival
When: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026
Hours: 9:30am - 5pm both days
Where: Melbourne Showgrounds

Contact details:

For media enquiries, interviews and image requests:

Vicky De George

Ph: 0405 151 485

Email: [email protected]