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More dogs, more entertainment, more shopping and more reasons than ever to celebrate the Sydney Dog Lovers Festival.

Sydney Dog Lovers Festival

Key Facts:

• The Sydney Dog Lovers Festival returns to Sydney Showground on 22–23 August 2026, with a single ticket granting access to both the Dog Lovers Festival and the adjacent Sydney Cat Lovers Festival.
• Headline attractions include the VitaPet Arena hosted by dog trainer and television personality Lara Shannon, the Kurgo® DockDogs competition featuring canine long jump, high jump and speed retrieval events, and a Breed Showcase where visitors can meet dogs and speak with breeders.
• The SASH Ask-A-Vet zone offers direct access to veterinary experts, whilst the Pat-A-Pooch attraction allows visitors to interact with a variety of friendly dogs.
• New for 2026 is a dedicated Grooming Stage, where visitors can watch live demonstrations and receive advice from industry professionals on the latest grooming trends and techniques.
• The festival features one of Australia's largest pet shopping experiences, with hundreds of exhibitors showcasing products and services across nutrition, accessories, training, health and more, including exclusive Festival-only discounts.

Dog lovers fetch your calendars! The Sydney Dog Lovers Festival returns to Sydney Showground on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August 2026, delivering two action-packed days dedicated to everything canine.

With a single ticket providing access to both the Sydney Dog Lovers Festival and Sydney Cat Lovers Festival, visitors can enjoy an unrivalled celebration featuring hundreds of dogs and cats, expert advice, live entertainment, interactive experiences, education and one of Australia's largest pet shopping experiences.

Headlining the 2026 Dog Lovers Festival is the ever-popular VitaPet Arena, hosted by television personality and certified dog trainer Lara Shannon. The arena will showcase some of Australia's most talented canine athletes through an exciting program of dog sports demonstrations, highlighting the intelligence, athleticism and remarkable bond between dogs and their handlers.

Returning by popular demand is the spectacular Kurgo® DockDogs, where fearless canine competitors launch themselves into a giant pool in thrilling long jump, high jump and speed retrieval competitions. The high-flying action remains one of the Festival's most talked-about attractions.

Visitors can also meet dozens of breeds at the extensive Breed Showcase, providing a unique opportunity to speak directly with breeders and breed experts while learning about the personalities, characteristics and care requirements of different dogs.

The popular SASH Ask-A-Vet zone returns in 2026, offering visitors direct access to veterinary experts who can answer questions on pet health, nutrition, behaviour and wellbeing. Meanwhile, the much-loved Pat-A-Pooch attraction will once again provide visitors with the chance to enjoy interactions with a variety of friendly dogs.

New for 2026 is a dedicated Grooming Stage, where visitors can watch live demonstrations, discover the latest grooming trends and techniques, receive practical advice from industry professionals and explore products from some of Australia's leading pet grooming brands.

Beyond the entertainment, the Sydney Dog Lovers Festival has become one of Australia's largest and most exciting dog shopping events.

The Expo will feature hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest pet products, services and innovations. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover new brands, speak directly with product creators, compare products side-by-side and access exclusive Festival-only specials and discounts unavailable elsewhere.

From premium nutrition and treats to accessories, enrichment toys, training solutions, travel gear, fashion, health products and pet services, the Marketplace offers dog owners the chance to find everything they need under one roof.

Many popular online pet businesses will also be exhibiting, giving visitors a rare opportunity to meet the people behind their favourite brands, ask questions in person and experience products firsthand before purchasing.

Whether searching for the latest pet technology, unique boutique products or practical everyday essentials, the Expo & Marketplace promises a shopping experience that is every bit as exciting as the entertainment program itself.

Plus, a single ticket also provides entry to the Sydney Cat Lovers Festival next door, where visitors can enjoy the brand-new Cat Chat with Dr Katrina Warren, the popular Breed Showcase and the ever-popular Pat-A-Cat experience.

The Cat Lovers Festival also features an extensive an expo & marketplace area showcasing the latest products, services and innovations for feline enthusiasts, making it the perfect complement to a weekend celebrating our beloved pets.

The Sydney Dog Lovers Festival and Sydney Cat Lovers Festival will be held at Sydney Showground on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August 2026 from 9.30am to 5.00pm daily. One ticket provides access to both Festivals.

For more information visit and to secure your ticket: dogloversfestival.com.au/sydney/

Contact details:

For further media information, to secure an interview or ticket giveaways:

Vicky De George

Ph: 0405 151 485

Email: [email protected]