Pets in the Park

Vulnerable and Endangered – Interactive Australian Wildlife Encounter

WildlifeXposure

Some Australian species are facing real challenges in our modern world. The number of Australian animals becoming endangered and extinct has accelerated alarmingly.

Learn how we can help conserve and protect the future of vulnerable, threatened or endangered species and be given the privilege to see, touch and hold these rare and wonderful creatures.

The Importance of Brain Games and Enrichment for Dogs and Cats

Lara Shannon
Pooches at Play

Many pets today don’t get enough daily mental and physical enrichment, leading to anxiety, boredom, and problem behaviours. Lara shares how simple brain games and enrichment activities can restore balance, reduce stress, and deepen the bond between pets and their people.

Are Bees Pets?

Friends with Honey

Discover the vital role bees play in our food, environment, and honey. Helen from Friends with Honey shares how honeybees arrived in Australia, their importance today, and fun facts about both honey and native bees. Learn simple, inspiring ways you can help pollinators thrive – even if you aren’t a beekeeper.

Pet Dental Health 

Dr Nicole Rous and Lara Shannon

Pooches at Play
Shy Tiger

Lara Shannon and Dr Nicole spotlight the often-overlooked importance of pet dental care.

Dental disease causes pain, inflammation, and affects the whole body. Dr Nicole shares the veterinary perspective, while Lara offers practical tips for home routines. Their honest, judgment-free conversation blends science and real-life experience, demonstrating that even experts face challenges with pet dental routines.

Superstar Pet Competition

Ovolo Melbourne South Yarra

Don’t miss your chance to get involved in the Pets in the Park annual Superstar Pet Competition sponsored by Ovolo Hotels. Prizes are up for grabs for ‘Best Talent’, ‘Best Dressed’ and ‘Bigs and Smalls’, so get ready to strut your fluff. 

• Winners in each category will receive a voucher for a one-night stay at Ovolo Melbourne South Yarra for two adults and their dog.
• More exciting prizes to be announced!

Register at the Stonnington Information stall from 11am on event day.

Please note that for the Bigs and Smalls categories, all competing pets must be over 12 months old. The young whipper snappers can work their magic in ‘Best Talent’ and ‘Best Dressed’.

Tips for Introducing a New Pet into Your Home

Lara Shannon
Pooches at Play

Bringing a new pet into the home is exciting, but it needs to be handled carefully to ensure it’s a positive experience for everyone involved, particularly when it comes to other pets. 

Careful, ongoing management of introductions and interactions is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of both people and pets.

Biodiversity and Sustainability – Interactive Australian Wildlife Encounter

WildlifeXposure

Biodiversity sustains every ecosystem and is essential for life. WildlifeXposure guides us through ecosystems, symbiosis, and species interdependence, connecting us with Australian animals and offering hands-on insights into biology, environmental science, and sustainability.

Foundation Obedience Skills

Victorian Dog Obedience Club

Join Kim Ball to discover how positive reinforcement builds engagement and trust with your dog. Learn proven training techniques for new skills and watch the demonstration team showcase both essential obedience and impressive advanced tricks and agility – offering inspiration for every dog owner.

Human Agility

Melbourne Canine Freestyle

Feel the thrill as Melbourne Canine Freestyle’s talented dogs weave through poles, dash through tunnels, and soar over jumps in a high-energy agility showdown. Kids join the fun, racing the dogs to see who will conquer the course first!

Basketball Game

Melbourne Canine Freestyle

Experience the excitement of Melbourne Canine Freestyle, where talented dogs and kids team up in a thrilling relay! Watch as dogs dash to collect balls and race back to score baskets, all against the clock. Who will be the fastest – canine or child?

Cheer on your favourites and win prizes for the fastest team!

AEC Mount Waverley has provided trusted emergency vet care to the local community for over 50 years. 

Open 24/7, including public holidays, their hospital is equipped with advanced veterinary technology and staffed by dedicated vets and nurses ready to handle any emergency. They offer high-quality, compassionate care whenever pets need them most.

Aussie Bird Nerd

Meet Sarah and her feathered friends! 

Sarah is a professional photographer and bird nerd, having photographed hundreds of different species of bird from chooks to cockatoos, magpies to macaws.

Sarah has a passion for educating the public on birds, being helped in this role by her own flock which includes Flint the Eclectus Parrot, T-Bird the Budgie and Connie the Green Cheeked Conure. 

Chat with Sarah about birds or pop in to pick up some bird prints and gifts.

Bones and Whiskers

Bones and Whiskers Pet Bakery creates premium, natural dehydrated dog treats and beautifully crafted, human-inspired dog cookies.

Their designs are based on real-life foods and playful classics, all reimagined for dogs using natural, high-quality ingredients. From pupcakes to donuts, every treat is made with care, creativity and love for dogs who deserve the very best.

Comfy Tails

Comfy Tails was founded in 2019 by the mother-daughter team of Donna and Alice, driven by their shared love for dogs and fabric. Their passion led them to create a brand that blends both, offering a vibrant range of pet accessories that are as functional as they are stylish.

Comfy Tails is all about bringing fun and flair to everyday pet essentials. Each item is designed, printed and handmade with care in Melbourne, finding a fanbase across Australia and beyond.

Dog Yog

Dog Yog sells healthy probiotic ice cream treats for dogs. They’re on a mission to innovate and create the most delicious and fun dog treats with really flippin’ good ingredients.

Their ice cream is churned just like your favourite gelato but swapping out some of the not so dog friendly ingredients. Dog Yog is all about taking a pause and savouring those moments with your best friend.

Dogs Country Club and Kennel Resort 

Dogs Country Club and Kennel Resort’s luxury dog boarding resorts offer 5- and 7-star holiday boarding for dogs of all ages, sizes and temperaments.

They offer 10 different styles of accommodation to ensure each guest’s needs are met. They offer a K9 Kab pick up and drop off service and have specialised accommodation for golden oldie, special medical needs and post-operative care.

Duldig Studio – Museum and Sculpture Garden

Discover Duldig Studio – Museum & Sculpture Garden, a national treasure nestled in the heart of Malvern East. Get hands-on and sculpt your own animal masterpiece from clay to take home and learn about their upcoming lectures and art workshops program.

Eastside Style Co. creates functional streetwear inspired walking accessories for smaller dog breeds. Designed for everyday wear, their range of step-in harnesses, waterproof leads and collars, poop bag holders and poop carrier tags blend comfort, durability and attitude.

Known for their bold colour palette, each piece is made to stand out while staying practical. Products are easy to use and clean and built for real walks, not just photos. Eastside brings streetwear vibes to any dog walk.

Ella and Friends Photography

Ella and Friends on Instagram

Ella and Friends Photography love photographing pets! While they mostly photograph your dogs, they have also photographed cats, birds, rabbits and their two-legged families.

They love nothing more than meeting you and your pet and designing a unique photo shoot with you. They use Melbourne’s great array of beaches, parks and streets, or your home as our canvas to create artwork that you can treasure forever.

Evia Designs

Evia Designs creates meaningful jewellery from your pet’s unique nose or paw print, turning their one-of-a-kind mark into a timeless keepsake.

Each piece is handcrafted in sterling silver or 9ct gold, captured directly from your pet and carefully transformed using traditional lost-wax casting techniques. Each piece of jewellery is built on connection, love and the deep bond we share with our animals. A beautiful way to keep your best friend close, always.

Forever Friends Animal Rescue

Forever Friends Animal Rescue mission is to rescue and rehabilitate homeless, neglected and abused animals, helping them find forever homes and a life full of love. This includes dogs and cats that are most at risk in pounds, showing they are safe and transforming their lives for the better.

Come and visit them to learn how to be a part of the happy tales by fostering, adopting, volunteering and more.

Established in 2012, Habitat are an independent Australian family-owned pet supplies company. They might be small but like all little dogs, they’ve got the determination and tenacity of a company twice their size.

At Habitat, they love pets as much as you do. That’s why they know that pets deserve the very best, which is why they stock the best bowls, toys, collars, treats and pet food they can find. Wherever you live, your pet will love their local Habitat.

At K9 Katering, they make 100% natural dog treats with love and care. No processing, no fillers and absolutely no additives. Just pure, natural goodness. As dog lovers and K9 experts, they’d never give your pup anything they wouldn’t give to their own. 

They are Aussie owned and made, so they only source the finest & freshest meat from local organisations who best understand and value the quality of our unique products.

Kip. Happy Stays provides quality pet boarding, dog daycare and dog training services to Aussie fur families. 

They know there’s nowhere as special as home, so they strive to make their pet resorts and daycares the next best thing: safe, active and caring places where every pet is treated as an individual.

Made in Melbourne, Lenny's Kitchen Muesli for dogs and cats takes the guesswork out of raw feeding.

Formulated in conjunction with Dr Bruce Syme, just add water and fresh meat and it’s ready to serve in 5 minutes. They offer an extensive range of supplements for all life stages. Their Australian natural treats provide enrichment and dental care. You’ll love their colourful range of enrichment and pet massagers too.

Melbourne Dog Trainers provides professional, positive reinforcement dog training across Stonnington and surrounding suburbs.

Their accredited team offers puppy school, obedience classes, behaviour support and private training tailored to each dog’s needs. They focus on building confidence, calm behaviour and strong communication between dogs and their owners. Visit their stall to learn how they can support your dog’s training journey.

NexGard SPECTRA® are celebrating the lengths they go to as dog lovers and reminding pet parents of the importance of parasite protection – all wrapped up in a fun, pup-friendly experience.

Dogs are invited to come down and enjoy a glow-up station (brush, spray and zhoosh) before making their grand entrance down the special blue carpet and striking a pose for their very own puparazzi-style photo opportunity. Perfect for next level dog lovers, proud pet parents and anyone who believes every pup deserves their moment in the spotlight.

Once Over is a husband-and-wife-run business that specialises in creating high end timber furniture for dogs.

Caroline and Mark are passionate about making pieces for dogs that are thoughtfully designed and handcrafted to last a lifetime. They believe that thoughtful design is key in not only minimizing our environmental footprint while also creating beautiful, functional pieces that will elevate any interior space. Designed for dogs. Made for good.

Pets of the Homeless supports vulnerable people and their pets by alleviating the burden of providing essential pet care during tough times. 

By providing pet food, vet care and safe shelter, they create an environment where individuals can find support for their pets, reducing the strain on animal shelters. 

Visit their stall for merchandise, pet products and the fun of mystery boxes, plus the chance to win pawsome prizes. 

Your support will help raise funds to keep best friends together.

Sassbai is named after their two beautiful dogs, Sasse and Bailey. They offer unique, high-quality pet products sourced from Europe and take pride in their exclusive range only available through their store in Australia.

From beautiful harnesses, collars, and leads from Italy to specialty pet accessories from Ukraine, Sassbai curates only the best. They now also supply the innovative Pawzler enrichment toy range from Lithuania.

Save-A-Dog Scheme

Save-A-Dog Scheme (SADS) is a community-based, not-for-profit animal welfare organisation that saves hundreds of dogs and cats from being killed every year. They have a no-kill philosophy and provide veterinary care to sick or injured animals so they can live out their natural lifespan.

SADS was established in 1985 to offer a humane alternative to the killing of unwanted dogs, especially dogs of good temperament, that would otherwise be destroyed at pounds and shelters and later included caring for and sheltering cats as well.

A not for profit, community based registered charity powered by dedicated veterinary and animal welfare professionals, animal loving volunteers and compassionate foster carers. 

Since their inception, SCAR has been on a mission to rescue and rehabilitate dogs and cats facing euthanasia in pounds and shelters across Victoria. They give these animals a second chance at finding their new loving homes, ensuring they have the opportunity for a happy and loving second chance.

Snoot Style creates premium, sustainable dog apparel and accessories that combine style, comfort and functionality.

Each piece is thoughtfully designed with high quality materials, recycled fabrics and a focus on fit and durability. Snoot Style offers conscious, design led products for dogs who are part of the family.

Squishies Flat Faced Animal Rescue recovers, rehabilitates and rehomes brachycephalic animals (Persians, Pugs, French Bulldogs, British Shorthair) who often require specialist medical care to ensure they have healthy and happy lives. 

As a completely volunteer run organisation that does not receive government funding, adoption fees cover some of their ongoing costs. The rest is covered by ongoing fundraising and events like Pets in the Park where they sell handmade and pet related items.

Responsible pet ownership involves registering, microchipping and desexing your pet, as well as cleaning up after pets and walking dogs on leads. Stonnington Animal Management will be available to discuss any questions and advise on pet ownership in Stonnington.

The special topic of discussion for the day will be Stonnington’s new Domestic Animal Management Policy where residents can give their feedback.

Bringing expert canine wellness to Pets in the Park!

At their stall, they’ll be offering friendly advice, practical tips and wellness support to help you understand your dog’s body better, whether you’re looking to prevent injuries, support ageing joints or enrich your dog’s fitness at every life stage. 

Come say hello, learn a few easy wellness techniques you can use at home and discover how to keep your best mate moving strong for years to come.

The Park Vets is an independently owned, female founded mobile veterinary clinic providing compassionate, high-quality care to pets in the comfort of their own homes. They specialise in stress free wellness care, diagnostics, senior and palliative support – making vet visits easier for busy families, elderly clients and anxious pets. 

Thoughtfully run, community focused and built with real life in mind. The Park Vets delivers modern veterinary care without the clinic stress.

The Pet Project is an Australian owned pet brand creating clean, natural dog treats made with simple, purposeful ingredients.

Proudly Australian made, their range includes single ingredient air dried treats, along with popular baked cookies and yoghurt drops. Designed for health-conscious pet parents, their treats contain no artificial colours or flavours.

Tooronga Veterinary Hospital is a private veterinary practice, situated near Tooronga Village in Hawthorn East. Opened in 2014 by owners Dr Jim, Dr Adem and Dr Andrew, the practice has the clinical freedom and purpose-built facilities to support what is in your pet’s best interests. 

They are committed to raising the bar for general practice veterinary medicine.

U GROOM is once again excited to join Pets in the Park offering their full line of premium, groomer developed products. Their shampoos and conditioners are formulated with luscious ingredients to clean, enhance the coat and protect the skin. Trusted by professionals, their products deliver salon quality softness and effortless brushing for all dog breeds.

Experience the U GROOM difference and grab the perfect products for beautiful, fresh results at home. Visit their stand to discover the U GROOM Glow-Up!

Since 2006, Victorian Dog Rescue and Resource Group Inc has been operating as a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity entirely run by volunteers.

Their goal is to stop the killing in pounds and shelters, to help companion animals in need in the community and to promote responsible pet rescue and ownership.

Founded in 1937, the Victorian Obedience Dog Club is Australia’s oldest all-breeds dog training club. For over 80 years in Box Hill, they’ve promoted responsible dog ownership, safe handling, and effective training—helping prevent and address common behaviour issues for happy, well-mannered companion dogs.

Visit their Pets in the Park stall for friendly advice and engaging conversations about dog training.

Smart Art kids craft activities

Smart Art Activities

Get creative at Pets in the Park! This year, Smart Art invites children to design and take home their very own custom drinking mug.

Kids can unleash their imagination by painting their favourite pets and animals on ceramic mugs – a unique keepsake to treasure.

Contented Chooks with Jessamy Miller

Jessamy Miller on Instagram

Visit Jessamy Miller’s backyard chicken keeping stall for expert advice on raising happy, healthy hens. Meet her friendly pet chooks, Millie, Ginger, and Creamy, and learn about poultry care, housing, and sustainable backyard tips.

Perfect for families who want productive pets and hands-on learning!

Experience the vibrant Friends with Honey display, including, toy bees, a metamorphosis model, beekeeping gear, and native bee hotels. Weather permitting, see a live observation hive up close – families can safely watch the fascinating world of bees from behind glass.

Enjoy hourly pollinator-themed activities and songs from their Friends with Honey Musical Kids Show Album.

Sessions

• 11 am – Are all bees yellow and black? (No!)
• 12 am – How do bees make honey?
• 1 pm – How do bees talk to each other?
• 2 pm – Planting for Pollinators

Wodsworth Annual Dog Revue

Calling all dog lovers!

The internationally renowned Wodsworth Annual Dog Revue is making its way to a park near you!

Join Wodsworth heir Reginald Wodsworth III and his award-winning show-poodle Fluffy, as they transform your local park into a dog show spectacular the likes of which no dog has seen before!

Watch the thrills and spills from the side of the field or join in with the action as participants transform themselves into dogs and trainers. Take part in a series of Best in Show activities usually reserved for elite show dogs and their owners. 

That's right. The Wodsworth Annual Dog Revue wants YOU to be a dog (or trainer) in this hilarious and surreal interactive performance extravaganza for children and their families!

Grab a poo bag or two and join us as we navigate talents, tricks, obstacles and obedience to put on the best dog show you’ve ever seen!

Content warnings: Contains human dogs. Cuteness and hyperactivity will be at high levels. Butts may be sniffed. Watch where you step.