Pet lovers have a lot to look forward to as the annual Pedigree & Whiskas Pet Show is all set to leave its paw marks in the city
DUBAI WILL once again be hosting the 20th annual Pedigree & Whiskas Pet Show on February 16th — an event that has easily become the region's most festive day for dog and cat lovers alike.
More than 30,000 visitors and 1,000 dogs are expected to attend the event, hosted by Nad Al Sheba Racing Club, in a day full of entertainment and fun for the entire family.
The Pet Show offers a complete line up of activities and competitions such as Pedigree classes as well as a fun obstacle course for the four-legged friends.
In these highly competitive events, dogs will be vying for prizes in categories such as Best In Show, Best Puppy In Show, and Crossbreed Best In Show.
As intelligence and discipline is tested, one of the most popular segments of competition will prove to be Dog Most Like Owner. In personality as well as appearance, judges will have the task of choosing Dubai’s greatest duo.
As in previous shows, there will a Kids Zone full of recreational games, demonstrations, and a Craft Village with stalls selling a multitude of goods promoting animal care. Children are encouraged to attend the event and learn all about how to maintain a happy and healthy pet.
Due to popular demand in recent years, there has been a refocus on cat care in the Whiskas Tent that will be set up displaying several rare cat species as well as other informative activities. Cat owners are discouraged from bringing their felines to the show due to safety concerns, but those who are willing will have the opportunity to make an adoption.
"The Pedigree and Whiskas Pet Show aims to raise the awareness levels of responsible pet ownership and educate people on the joys of animal companionship, all in a setting that is fun and interactive for the whole family," said Maya Theodory, pet care manager at Mars, the show's sponsors.
While the event is free of charge, patrons who choose to enter their dogs in competition will be charged a nominal fee of Dh30.
Proceeds from the event will benefit charities such as K9 Friends and Feline Friends, whose purpose is to shed light on proper pet care as well as to find adequate homes for Dubai’s growing orphaned pet population.
K9 and Friends currently have 122 dogs in need of a proper home, most of whom were rescued after they were abandoned. The charity stresses the importance of saving these dogs — animals they say bring companionship and love to people all over the region.
It is important to note that the Pet Show is not aimed solely at pet owners, rather it encourages all pet lovers to join in on the activities in support of a worthy cause. For individuals who love dogs but simply lack the resources and space to own and maintain one, a programme has been designed to give participants the opportunity to spend time with a dog once a week. Sponsor-a-walk will have booths set up throughout the arena for anyone who is eager to join.
As excitement grows in anticipation of the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Pet Show, event organiser Maya Theodory is amazed by its remarkable evolution.
"It shows how much Dubai is changing and how much enthusiasm there really is for pets in the Middle East," she says.
EVENT DETAILS
Event: The 20th annual Pedigree & Whiskas Dubai Pet show
Date: Saturday, February 16
Time: 8am - 6pm
Venue: Nad Al Sheba Racing Club
Entry: free; Dh30 registration fee for competitions
Pets allowed: Dogs (No Cats)
For more information go to www.dubaipetshow.com
