Sydney's most paw-some weekend is fast approaching as the Cat Lovers Festival and Dog Lovers Festival return to Sydney Showground on 23 and 24 August 2025.
With pre-sale and first release tickets already sold out, tickets are moving fast so now is the time to secure your place at these unmissable events.
Boasting over 200 exhibitors, hundreds of beautiful cats & dogs, and two jam-packed days of expert talks, live shows, pet adoption opportunities, retail therapy, and cuddly experiences, the co-located Festival extravaganza is Australia's ultimate destination for all things cat and dog. And the best part, one ticket gets you access to both events.
At the Cat Lovers Festival, the internationally renowned Hannah Shaw aka the Kitten Lady, will take the stage to share her expertise in kitten rescue and rehabilitation. Hannah will also host intimate Meet & Greet sessions, offering fans the chance to connect and snap a photo with the global feline icon.
Dr Katrina Warren, one of Australia's most trusted media veterinarians, will grace the WHISKAS® Stage to present "Purrfect Solutions: Solving the Most Common Cat Problems," offering practical advice to help cat owners better understand and care for their feline companions.
Visitors are invited to join the hunt to find eight hidden cats around the Festival, in the Cat Spotting Competition. It's free to play, open to all ages, and a fun way to explore the entire Festival, simply scan the QR code at each location and once all eight are found, entrants will go into the draw to win over $4,000 worth of cat-tastic prizes.
The Feline Natural Breed Showcase and Adoption Zone provide opportunities to meet rare and popular cats, learn about different breeds, and connect with adoption groups. Plus, Pat-A-Cat offers a calm oasis for guests to unwind with relaxed therapy cats in a petting environment designed to soothe the soul.
With plenty of interactive features like Kitty Cosplay, CatKwiz, and hundreds of retail stalls to explore, the Festival will offer the ultimate weekend out for cat lovers.
The SASH Ask-A-Vet team will also be on-site across both Festivals, offering expert, one-on-one veterinary advice to help pet owners better understand health, behaviour and wellbeing. Whether you've got a pup with itchy paws or a cat with curious habits, the expert team from Sydney's leading veterinary emergency hospital will be there to help.
This year, the Ask-A-Vet stand will feature some of Australia's most recognisable and respected veterinary professionals, including, Dr Andrew Marchevsky and Dr Alex Swan from Bondi Vet, and Dr James Carroll star of Village Vets.
Across in the Dome, the Dog Lovers Festival features a superstar line-up this year. TV favourite Shelly Horton will host the ADVANCE™ Stage, with a stellar line-up of talks and demonstrations from top trainers, vets and industry experts, covering everything from behaviour and nutrition to training tips and advice.
Joining her will be Courtney Agius, beloved presenter and advocate for Australia's working dog community, and the incredibly popular Marlene Brewer & Hudson from Muster Dogs, whose insights into the world of kelpies and rural training are sure to draw crowds.
The VitaPet Arena will be buzzing with incredible live dog sport demonstrations, including agility, high-jump, frisbee and flyball, hosted by the ever-energetic Brodie Young.
Visitors looking for travel inspiration with their pup will love the Dog Friendly Travel Hub, showcasing pet-friendly escapes and getaways, plus expert tips on how to explore Australia with your four-legged friend.
The Adoption Zone will again take centre stage, providing direct connections to rescue groups and shelters offering advice and information to help find loving homes for dogs in need. From puppies to senior pooches, there's a wagging tail for everyone.
Whether you're looking for your next furry family member or simply want to soak up the joy of being surrounded by amazing dogs, the ADVANCE™ Breed Showcase will offer dog lovers the chance to see, compare and connect with a huge range of dog breeds.
Passionate breed experts will be on hand to discuss the unique traits, sizes, and personalities that make each breed special, and provide valuable insights on ownership.
For those after a more relaxed connection, the ever-popular Barney Bed Pat-A-Pooch zone returns, offering plenty of pats and puppy cuddles with friendly dogs in a safe, supervised space.
This year also introduces the brand-new Dog Sporting Legends Spotting Challenge, where Festival-goers can track down 8 legendary sporting dog cards hidden around the venue. Once all 8 have been spotted, you'll be entered to win over $4,000 worth of prizes to spoil your pooch! From furry footballers to canine Olympians, it's a tail-wagging treasure hunt packed with fun, discovery, and big rewards.
