Dog lovers go online for Doggy Day Out 2022

Competitions, special offers and supreme doggy cuteness will all be on show in the first ever Doggy Day Out virtual edition.

COVID and the red traffic light setting requirements mean that Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Doggy Day Out originally scheduled for Saturday 26 February in Ōmokoroa, won’t be going ahead, but that won’t stop the tail wagging fun from shifting online.

Council will instead host a variety of dog-related activities on our social media channels and via the website westernbay.govt.nz/doggydayout

The two-week programme of digital events launches today Monday 21 February and runs until Monday 7 March.

Alison Curtis, Compliance and Monitoring Manager says, “We’re really excited that we can still bring the Doggy Day Out to life in a new format. Not only is it a key feature of our annual Wander Dogs Summer Series calendar but it’s a great community event, that brings the dog lovers of the Western Bay together and we didn’t want to cancel it”.

“Switching to an online format means we can still soak up all the joy that our canine companions bring through events like our rock star themed photo competition.

“We’re all excited to see who’ll join Alfie and the Subwoofers!”

Council will also be hosting a virtual market place to give doggy-related vendors an opportunity to show off their products, and Doggy Day Out special offers.

Our line up for the Virtual Doggy Day Out includes

• Rockstar themed photo competition
• Colouring competition
• Virtual Doggy Day Out market
• Adopt-a-dog showcase

Alison says that Council started the Doggy Day Out six years ago to connect with our dog owner community around responsible dog ownership, the positives of dog ownership and promote services we offer dog owners.

“Our team provide services that help keep people and pets safe, reconnect dogs separated from their owners, correct behavioural issues and inform puppy training. They are highly experienced and happy to share their knowledge.”

Council will also be encouraging the community to explore the proposed plans for a dedicated dog exercise area at Lawrence Oliver Park in Te Puke.

Alison says, “This is an exciting opportunity for dog owners to get involved and provide input to help build a great dog exercise area that meets with the approval of our four-legged friends.”

To receive live Doggy Day Out updates follow Western Bay of Plenty District Council on Facebook and Instagram @westernbaycouncil and view the full line-up of events at westernbay.govt.nz/doggydayout

Explore the plans for the dog exercise area at haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/rmp