Dorchester Pet Fest is the interactive wonderland your pets have been dreaming about! There is so much for them to experience and try that we’re sure they’ll go home happy (and probably sleep the whole ride home too). The best part? It’s all free with admission! We want you to explore and have fun with your pet. Whether your family member has fur, scales, or feathers, we’re excited to have a day just for them.
Join us at the Dorchester Fairgrounds for entertainment, shopping, food, drinks, a silent auction, and interactive fun for the whole family all in support of animal rescues!
BRINGING YOUR PET?
Please download, print, and bring the completed pet waiver to the event. You will receive a wristband at the entrance. All pets must be on a lead and kept under control at all times. We suggest that small pets attend the event in a pet stroller or carrier.
LOCATION
Dorchester Fairgrounds
4939 Hamilton Rd, Dorchester, ON N0L 1G6
DATE
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Sunday, July 27, 2025
TIME
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Graham Bedard concert 5:00PM start on Saturday
COST
$10 per person
$5 per child under 16
Free for children under 2 years old
$15 for a weekend pass
Make a weekend of it and take advantage of our special rates at local hotels
2024 RESCUE BENEFICIARIES
Each year, we select rescues to support in order to help a variety of animals. The proceeds from the event are shared between them. We are excited to support the following rescues this year! Be sure to stop by their booths when you’re here and click on their logos to learn more.
CANINE FUN ZONE
We’ve put together an interactive fun zone to give all the canines a chance to meet new friends, try new experiences, and burn off their energy! Let them try the agility course and take unlimited turns chasing after the lure in the lure course all free of charge!
- Lure course
- Agility area
- Ball pits
- Bubble parties throughout the day
- Misting tents
- Cool down pools
- Hoopers ring
- Treibball ring
- Nosework area
- Pawprint paintings ($10/canvas)
We are also excited to announce that we will be offering CKC Canine Good Neighbour certification test. There is an additional fee for each of these evaluations.
CKC Canine Good Neighbour Registration
ENTERTAINMENT
We’ve got all the entertainment to make the day memorable for everyone! Here are just some of the things you’ll experience when you attend.
- Petting zoo
- Contests for pets & humans
- Pet First Aid & CPR demonstrations
- Dogs with jobs – service dogs
- Ask the expert
- Graham Bedard acoustic performances
On Saturday, stick around, or come back later, to enjoy a country rock concert with Graham Bedard and his band, with special guest Kristen Renée beginning at 5:00 PM.
SILENT AUCTION & SECONDHAND MARKETPLACE
An important part of the day is raising funds to support the animal rescues in attendance. Be sure to stop by the big green barn to check out all the ways to be a part of the fundraising efforts!
One of these is a secondhand marketplace where you can drop off new and gently used pet-related items you no longer need and/or make a financial donation to take items off the table.
We also have a custom-designed heat transfer available in white and black that you can purchase and iron onto your own shirt or another item and 13oz glasses to take home and enjoy your favourite drinks in.
Our silent auction will include pet-related and non-pet items, so be sure to check it out at the event and online (link to come)!
REPTILES & BIRDS
Head to the reptile & bird building to see snakes, lizards, spiders, exotic birds, and more! You can even pose for photos with some of them! Shop for your scaly, feathered or many-legged family members and make some new friends while you are there.
This is where you will find the Ontario Reptile Rescue, which is one of our beneficiaries, and their adoptable animals!
We also have Reptilia coming to share some of their fantastic animals and to talk about the importance of choosing the apropriate reptile if you are thinking of adopting one. Make sure to stop by the stage to see this show.
FUN FOR KIDS
Dorchester Pet Fest is a family-friendly event and so we want to give your kids a memorable day too and provide an opportunity for families to spend quality time together.
- Face painting
- Glitter tattoo
- Scavenger hunt
- Colouring activities
- Bubble parties throughout the day
- Fire truck visit
- Inflatable Safety Firehouse
- OPP visit
FOOD & DRINKS
A great day isn’t complete without delicious food and something to drink! We have a variety of tasty treats and savoury selections to cater to everyone’s interests. Take a trip around the world with your taste buds with options from multiple regions and cultures to choose from along with all your usual favourites!
2024 TITLE SPONSOR
2024 SPONSORS
We are so grateful to our sponsors! Their support helps make this event possible. Be sure to click on their logos to learn more about them.
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Pet Lover Sponsors & Supporters
2024 EVENT MAP
Explore the event map ahead of time and make plans for your visit to experience everything!
2024 EXHIBITORS
Explore the exhibitors coming and learn more by clicking on their profiles. Use the search bar to filter the list by business name or category.
Categories: Pet-Related, Not Pet-Related, Youth Exhibitor, Food, Non-Profit
FAQ & INFORMATION
Should I bring cash?
Yes. While many exhibitors do accept cards or e-transfers, there will be many places where only cash is accepted. There will be an ATM onsite if needed and there are two banks located nearby in town if you want to stop before you come (Scotiabank and TD).
$1 from every transaction at the ATM will be donated to Dorchester Pet Fest to support the event and the animal rescue beneficiaries.
Will I be photographed at the event?
It is quite possible since we do have on-site photographers and videographers. By entering the event premises, you consent to photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, webcasts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by Dorchester Pet Fest and it’s organizers.
What happens if it rains or it is really hot?
Rain or shine, the show goes on! Lightning or torrential rain may cause us to pack up early though, for everyone’s safety. Remember to dress for the weather and wear sunblock. Follow our socials for weather-related updates.
Are there shaded areas?
The fairground is large and open, so if you or your pet are getting tired, there’s plenty of space to relax and enjoy the view. There are some shaded areas and buildings to escape the sun as well as a misting tent area to help you cool down too, but please wear sunscreen and dress according to the weather.
Accessibility & Care Giver Tickets
We strive to be accessible to all, but please be aware that much of the festival takes place on grass. We have designated accessible parking spaces and there is a wheelchair-accessible stall in each washroom.
If you require assistance during the event, please do not hesitate to ask one of our volunteers. They will be wearing purple volunteer t-shirts and should be easy to spot!
Complimentary Care Giver Tickets
You can claim one complimentary Care giver ticket per person if needed. You can now book a Care giver ticket when purchasing your other tickets.
To do this, please select your desired tickets and then select a free-of-charge Care giver ticket (please note you must have at least one regular ticket on your booking to be able to select a Care giver ticket). You may be asked to show proof of eligibility on the day of your visit.
Parking
We have plenty of complementary on-site parking.
Smoking/Vaping
The Dorchester Fairgrounds is a smoke-free facility and therefore, you are not permitted to smoke or vape on site. This includes cannabis.
Hotels
There are a number of hotels located just a short drive from the Dorchester Fairground. Many are located at the Wellington and Exeter exits off the 401 in London.
We have a special rate with the Hampton Inn by Hilton London located 15 minutes from the Dorchester Fairgrounds. This is a great location if your looking for a hotel close to the event. It is pet-friendly and you will have access to the indoor pool, free parking, and complementary breakfast, too. If you prefer to book by phone, call the hotel directly at 519-649-6500 and use the group code: CHXCTF.
We also have a special rate with the Residence Inn London Downtown by Marriott and they are also waiving their pet fee for anyone who books under this link. You’ll also receive free parking and breakfast. This is a great location if you are looking to explore London while you are here!