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North Gong is going to the dogs! Free Dog Day returns with rescue dogs, dingoes, Pup Pilates & family fun

Pound Paws Inc

Key Facts:

• Rescue dogs available for adoption with Country Companion Animal Rescue
• Rescue dingoes from Dingo Den Animal Rescue
• 3pm “Dog or Dingo?” educational workshop
• Complimentary Pup Pilates with Refined Pilates & Coastal Vet Collective
• Dog-themed Sensory Play Zone with Cool Mums Club from 1pm
• Best Dog Trick competition
• Best Dog Costume competition
• VIP judging panel featuring Wollongong City Council, North Gong Hotel and more
• Pet market stalls selling treats, collars, leads and more
• Educational workshops and animal welfare information
• Dog-friendly entertainment throughout the afternoon
• Councillor Tania Brown Wollongong City Council Mayor in attendance.

Saturday 19 September 2026 | 12pm–4pm | North Gong Hotel

Wollongong dog lovers are invited to grab the lead and bring the whole family along to North Gong Dog Day, a free community celebration taking over North Gong Hotel on Saturday 19 September.

Brought to the community by Pound Paws and North Gong Hotel, North Gong Dog Day will bring together rescue organisations, local pet businesses, families and dog lovers for an afternoon that's equal parts educational and entertaining - all while raising awareness for pet adoption, responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.

From rescue dogs looking for their forever homes and the chance to meet rescue dingoes, to Pup Pilates, kids' sensory play, educational workshops, a bustling pet market and dog competitions, there will be something happening throughout the entire afternoon.

MEET RESCUE DOGS LOOKING FOR THEIR FOREVER HOMES 🐶❤️

Country Companion Animal Rescue will be joining the day with rescue dogs currently available for adoption, giving visitors the opportunity to meet some beautiful dogs searching for their forever families.

The community can chat with the rescue team, learn more about the adoption process and discover how giving a rescue animal a second chance can change two lives — theirs and yours.

DOG OR DINGO? 👀🐾

Some particularly special four-legged guests will also be making their way to North Gong.

Dingo Den Animal Rescue will bring along rescue dingoes, giving Wollongong families the opportunity to meet Australia's iconic native canines up close and learn more about their conservation and protection.

At 3pm, the Dingo Den team will host a special “Dog or Dingo?” workshop, teaching visitors how to spot the differences between a dingo and a domestic dog while sharing fascinating insights into dingo behaviour.

PUP PILATES COMES TO NORTH GONG 🧘‍♀️🐶

Because everything is better when your dog is involved - including Pilates.

Dog owners can take part in a complimentary Pup Pilates session hosted by Refined Pilates and Coastal Vet Collective, combining movement, stretching and quality bonding time with their pooch, ending with a puppi-cinno & treat! 

FUN FOR LITTLE ANIMAL LOVERS 🌈🐾

North Gong Dog Day has been designed as a day out for the whole family - including the littlest dog lovers.

Cool Mums Club will host a special dog-themed Sensory Play Zone from 1pm, giving children plenty to explore, play and discover while encouraging kindness, empathy and gentle interactions with animals.

DOES YOUR DOG HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? 🏆🐕

Local pooches will have their moment in the spotlight with the Best Dog Trick and Best Dog Costume competitions.

Dogs will show off their best tricks and most creative looks in front of a VIP judging panel, featuring Wollongong City Council Mayor Councillor Tania Brown , North Gong Hotel, local influencers and more.

SHOP, LEARN & DISCOVER 🐾

A bustling pet market will run throughout the afternoon, featuring a variety of pet businesses selling everything from delicious dog treats to collars, leads and other goodies for four-legged family members.

Education is also at the heart of North Gong Dog Day, with workshops, rescue organisations and animal professionals helping families learn more about pet adoption, animal welfare, responsible pet ownership and Australia's native dingoes.

Pound Paws Founder Brittany Bloomer said North Gong Dog Day is about creating an event people genuinely want to attend, while using that platform to create a positive impact for animals.

“By bringing rescue organisations, animal experts, local businesses and the community together, we're able to make conversations around adoption and responsible pet ownership engaging and accessible.

“We’re so incredibly appreciative of the support from North Gong Hotel over the years, helping us raise awareness about responsible pet ownership & the importance of pet adoption to the local Illawarra community.”

Joshua Hill of North Gong Hotel said the venue is proud to bring the community together for North Gong Dog Day.

“We’re really excited to welcome North Gong Dog Day back to the North Gong Hotel and create a fun day that the whole Wollongong community can enjoy - including, of course, their dogs!

“North Gong has always been a dog-loving venue, so partnering with Pound Paws to bring together local families, pet lovers and some incredible animal rescue organisations is something we’re really proud to support.”

North Gong Dog Day is brought to you by Pound Paws and North Gong Hotel, with the support of local businesses, animal welfare organisations and community partners.

Pound Paws hosts dog-friendly community events designed to connect animal lovers with rescue organisations while raising awareness of pet adoption and responsible pet ownership in a fun, accessible way.

EVENT DETAILS

WHAT: North Gong Dog Day 2026
WHEN: Saturday 19 September 2026
TIME: 12pm–4pm
WHERE: North Gong Hotel
ENTRY: FREE - Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/north-gong-dog-day-2026-tickets-1992329755932?aff=oddtdtcreator
WHO: Dogs, families, kids and animal lovers welcome

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

Media are invited to attend North Gong Dog Day, with strong photo and video opportunities throughout the afternoon, including rescue dogs available for adoption, rescue dingoes, dogs participating in Pup Pilates, the Best Dog Costume and Trick competitions, children's sensory activities and Wollongong locals enjoying the event with their dogs.

Interview opportunities are available with Pound Paws Founder Brittany Bloomer, North Gong Hotel's Joshua Hill, participating rescue organisations and event partners.

ENDS

About us:

Pound Paws is an Australian animal welfare charity dedicated to raising awareness about pet adoption and responsible pet ownership, while connecting rescue organisations with communities across Australia.

Through its community events, Pound Paws provides rescue organisations with a platform to showcase animals looking for their forever homes, while educating the public about adoption, responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.

At the heart of Pound Paws is a simple mission: to help more rescue pets find loving homes and inspire communities to make a positive difference in the lives of animals.

Contact details:

MEDIA CONTACT
Brittany Bloomer
Founder, Pound Paws
[email protected]
Instagram: @poundpaws

Image gallery: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1QD2JUvFc0_keoPZygr4op899EQUPDH57