Dubai
An international dog show, a cat beauty competition, a woof parade, canine agility and grooming competitions and a pet and owner fancy dress contest are among the highlights of a much-awaited pet festival to be held in Dubai Sports City on December 9.
In its fifth edition this year, the Dubai Pet Festival 2016 is being organised by Showline FZE and PETME magazine in association with international pet food manufacturer Taste of the Wild and Dubai Sports City.
Show organiser Shree Nair said, “A tactical demonstration of the UAE Police Dog Squad’s K9 Unit, presented by the Abu Dhabi Police Security Inspection Department, will also be an unmissable part of the show.”
The fair also features a petting zoo, kids’ play zone, food and beverage stalls and a handicraft sale. Pet and veterinary specialists will also be part of the show.
The competitions for dogs under various categories will be judged by FCI-approved International All Breeds judges Hugo Quevedo (Peru) and Yashodhara Hemchandra (India).
Nair said the main aim of the pet festival is to raise awareness about animal welfare and educate the public about pet products, food, fashion, health, training and other services.
He said the event in a fun day out for the entire family as they can interact with their furry friends and other pet owners.
“Since its inception, the vision of the pet festival has been to present an annual event offering a wide spectrum of infotainment and unparalleled interaction for pet owners, pet related industry and pet-loving public.”
As for registrations, dog owners can study the rules and regulations of the show competitions and competing categories at www.petfestival.ae or by visiting the event’s Facebook page. “Each cat or dog needs to be registered through the website by completing the required details for each animal separately. Owners can also register their dogs at the show venue from 10am to12noon,” said Nair.
He said all pets coming to the venue, whether competing or just visiting, must have a valid pet passport which must be presented at the entrance. “The pet passport must show as current all vaccinations required under UAE law and the pet must be in reasonably good health. Any pets that does not meet these criteria will be refused entry to the show even if they are pre-registered online. Dogs should be on short leash as no extendable leashes are permitted.”
BOX:
WHAT: DUBAI PET FESTIVAL 2016
WHERE: Dubai Sports City – Rugby Park (located between Motor City and Sports City – off Mohammed bin Zayed Road)
WHEN: December 9
TIMINGS: Public Entry: 10am to 9pm (Free entry)
International dog show: 1pm to 8pm.
Cat show: 3pm to 6pm.
Dog grooming competition: 4pm to 6pm
Agility competition: 12noon to 7pm
Police dog demonstration: 5pm to 6 pm
All other activities from 10am to 8pm
