Dog welfare is our number one priority so unfortunately visitors are unable to bring their Dogs to the Festival.

The Dog Lovers Festival is a unique opportunity to meet literally hundreds of beautiful Canines, but we work hard to ensure that this is under controlled conditions to ensure the safety and welfare of Dogs and people.

We could never deliver this level of care to visitor Dogs, especially as we expect upwards of 30,000 people to attend again. We would also need to test the behaviour of every Dog prior to entry and review their vaccination certificates which would just not be possible. And of course the issue of where to do their ‘business’ in an indoor venue, the smell/mess, how to clean it up and the queues and frustration this would all create.

As a family friendly event we also welcome a lot of kids and as we all know it is impossible to control the unpredictable nature of children (i.e. tail pulling and hug tackles!) so allowing visitor Dogs would be just too dangerous.

It is also an indoor event in a heritage-listed venue, so please understand that we are very different to outdoor shows in Brisbane where you can bring your Dog such as local park festivals. We are more like a Home Show, Motor Show or Boat Show but for Dog Lovers and you can’t bring your house, car or boat into any of these shows either!

So for these numerous reasons and our love and respect for our beloved Dogs, we trust you understand our reasons behind the policy not to allow visitor Fur-kids into the Festival.

Please do not tie your Dogs up outside and never leave them locked in cars. Any visitors leaving an unattended Dog outside the venue or in cars around the precinct will be reported to authorities immediately. If visitors do arrive with their Pooch, the only option will be to return home, drop the Dog off and return to the Festival.

Rest assured that there are hundreds of Dogs to meet at the Festival, and your Pooch will love you even more for attending as you’ll return home packed with all the latest goodies to reward them and understand so much more about what makes them happy and healthy!

Please note: Visitors with accredited Assistance Dogs are welcome and able to bring their Dogs into the Festival, however you will just need to show verification at the door upon entry.