Doggy Day Out 2021

Western Bay’s biggest dog event of the year is on Saturday, 13 February in Katikati and has a fantastic line-up of events, demonstrations and family entertainment including a dress-up competition for the best Western-themed dog.

Hosted by Western Bay of Plenty District Council this fun, free event will be held at the Uretara Domain from 10am until 2pm – and all dog owners and dog lovers are encouraged to attend.

This is the sixth Doggy Day Out run by Council and last year’s event in Te Puke attracted a record 200 dogs and 500 people – proving that the big day for dogs is growing in popularity in the District.

Council’s spokesperson Alison Curtis says Western Bay residents are great dog lovers – as is demonstrated by the number of people who come along to the Wander Dog Summer Walks each year.

“We’re proud to run Doggy Day Out annually. It’s a great opportunity to promote responsible dog ownership, dog welfare, dog training and to give dog owners a day of fun activities and the chance to talk to the experts about dog-related issues.”

MC for the day will be Hamuera Hudson, a Performing Arts Tutor at Te Waananga of Aotearoa who will entertain with doggy related songs and along with his side-kick Marshall Mascot from Paw Patrol.

As well as Marshall Mascot, special guests include animal homeopath Hannelore Kemme from Natural Animal Health Support; SpellBound Face Painting; Tauranga and Katikati Veterinary Services; Donna Dancealot and doggy balloon art and My Little Monkeys. Local company DappaPaws Pet Products will be selling the dog harnesses, leads and toys at affordable prices.

Great prizes are in store for the top three best-dressed dogs in Western-themed costume and in the special dog obedience competition for children, where they can show their pooch’s obedience skills.

Council’s Animal Service Team will be on hand for all enquiries – and you can find out about Council’s adoptee dogs looking for their forever homes.

The Katikati Library Team will hosting a kids’ tent where there’ll be a colouring contest, arts and crafts and a special doggy reading space.

Raffles, stalls, food and refreshments, doggy paddling pools, a photo booth will also be part of the day’s activities.

Doggy Day Out is part of Council’s Wander Dog calendar of summer walks. The remaining summer series of walks and events are:

• 27 February, 10am Anzac Bay Waihi Beach
• 13 March – 10am Waipuna Park, Welcome Bay, a combined Western Bay and Tauranga City council walk
• 27 March, 10am Te Ara Kahikatea Walkway Jubilee Park, Te Puke
• 10 April, 10am Dogs in Togs, Te Puke Memorial Pools.