The Dog and Cat Lovers Festivals bring canine competitions, Kitten Lady talks and hundreds of animals together, with one ticket covering both events.
Dogs leaping into a 100,000-litre pool and cats meeting their admirers will share the spotlight at Melbourne Showgrounds on 17th and 18th October 2026.
The Melbourne Dog Lovers Festival and Melbourne Cat Lovers Festival offer two different ways to spend the weekend, with every ticket including entry to both. Pick your camp or explore the lot.
Organisers expect more than 25,000 visitors, with a programme spanning dog sports, rescue stories, breed encounters and shopping for the animals waiting at home.
Big leaps, flying discs and a new outdoor arena
For visitors who like their entertainment fast and occasionally splashy, the dog programme has plenty happening.
New for 2026, the Outback Arena takes the action outdoors, bringing a taste of Victoria’s regional and rural showgrounds to Melbourne. Lara Shannon from Pooches at Play will host dog sports, athletic displays and tricks that need room to move.
Competition continues at The Dog Bowl, where Canine Disc takes over on Saturday before Flyball teams get their turn on Sunday.
Then there is Kurgo® DockDogs. Dogs will launch themselves into a 100,000-litre pool, with spectators near the splash zone potentially getting more than a good view.
Prefer a pat to a poolside perch? Pat-A-Pooch and the Breed Showcase offer opportunities to meet hundreds of dogs across dozens of breeds, while learning about their personalities and care needs.
Kitten Lady brings rescue stories to the stage
Over at the cat festival, kitten rescuer, educator and author Hannah Shaw, better known as Kitten Lady, will lead two sessions.
Saturday’s Tiny but Mighty: My Life as a Professional Kitten Rescuer explores her work through unexpected encounters, transformations and rescue stories. On Sunday, From Tiny to Mighty: A Kitten’s First 8 Weeks follows the early stages of a kitten’s life.
For more direct introductions, Pat-A-Cat and the feline Breed Showcase let visitors meet cats and learn about dozens of breeds.
The interactive Cat Chat stage also makes its Melbourne debut, with experts including Dr Katrina Warren discussing topics relevant to cat owners. Visitors can follow The Purr Trail for a chance to win prizes.
Meet adoption groups and shop for your pet
Anyone considering a new companion can speak with adoption groups across both festivals. Their Adoption Zones offer a chance to learn about the organisations’ work and dogs and cats looking for homes.
Shopping spans treats, toys, accessories, enrichment and pet technology. Each festival’s Expo and Marketplace brings together major brands, independent businesses and start-ups, with festival specials among the products on offer.
One guest who cannot join your shopping trip: your own pet. For safety reasons, only animals attending through organised exhibits and activities can enter.
Event Details
- Where: Melbourne Showgrounds
- When: Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October 2026
- Opening hours: 9:30am to 5pm both days
