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Tails will wag at York’s annual Dog Festival this weekend

Pooches, their proud owners, and dog lovers alike are invited to celebrate all things canine at York Racecourse this weekend.

Tower Vets is hosting its annual Dog Fête this Saturday (9 August), from 10am to 4pm at the Knavesmire. The free event promises a day packed with fun, entertainment, and expert advice for dog enthusiasts of all kinds.

Visitors can look forward to a packed programme of activities, from trick training workshops and expert talks, to hay bale racing, have-a-go agility courses and breed meet ups.

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Photograph: Tower Vets

Dog owners can enter their pups into fun competitions such as Best Biscuit Catcher, Best Rescue, Most Joyful Junior, and the ultimate Pup and Parent Lookalike, with prizes on offer including a puppy groom from Lau’s Paws Professional Groomers.

The main Tower Arena will host non-stop entertainment with displays from the Tailwaggers Dog Display Team and trick-training workshops from True Pawtential.

Elsewhere, visitors can take part in games including musical sits, the dog-and-spoon race, and even a spot of doggy square dancing.

In the Woof Wellbeing Tent a host of pet experts, including vets and nurses from the Tower Vets team, will be sharing tips and advice to help you keep your dog happy and healthy. Talks will cover everything from dog first aid, to advice on behaviour, grooming, and physiotherapy.

The Doggy Marketplace offers a chance to pamper your pup with treats and toys, while owners can also enjoy a tempting selection of street food.

Tower Vets’ Lucy Wood said:

“We’re delighted that this year’s event will be raising funds for StreetVet, a charity which provides veterinary care to the pets of people who are experiencing
homelessness.

“Pets are an anchor for people, providing love, care and companionship even in the darkest times and these pets deserve to be supported in their time of need – something this wonderful charity helps with.

“We’re really excited to be holding our third Dog Fête. Every year we’re overjoyed to meet so many wonderful people and pooches and we can’t wait to see old friends and meet new ones again this year.

“The event has something for everyone, whether you bring along your dog and get involved in hay bale racing, musical sits and the dog show, have a pet at home and want to learn more about caring for them or pamper them with some new toys, or you just love dogs and want to spend a delightful day dog watching and eating street food! It’s always such a positive, fun atmosphere and we look forward to seeing everyone there!”

The Dog Fête is free to attend and will take place at the Knavesmire from 10am until 4pm. For more information, click here.