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 25, 2026
Sunday, July 26, 2026
TIME
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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
RESCUE BENEFICIARIES
Haustier Events is a Canadian non-profit that raises funds to support animal rescues through our various events. Dorchester Pet Fest is our pet-focused event and we are thrilled to provide a weekend for pets to to have fun. We select benficiaries of funds based on demonstrated need and an application process.
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! This year, Dog-Friendly KW is setting up a SniffScape for your dogs to explore.
- 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 the CKC Canine Good Neighbour certification test and the Do More With Your Dog trick titles. There is an additional fee for each of these evaluations.
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
SILENT AUCTION
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! 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
Our reptile friends will be coming with some of their fantastic animals and to talk about the importance of choosing the appropriate reptile if you are thinking of adopting one. Make sure to see all the animals they will be bringing and their shows.
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 (additional cost)
- Glitter tattoo (additional cost)
- Scavenger hunt
- Colouring activities
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!
2025 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.
2025 MEDIA SPONSORS
We are thrilled to have Bell Media as our Media Sponsor this year!
2025 Partners
We are so grateful to our partners who will be helping us to keep everyone safe during the event! Their support helps make this event possible. Be sure to click on their logos to learn more about them.
2025 EVENT MAP
Explore the event map ahead of time and make plans for your visit to experience everything!
2025 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 Fairgrounds. Many are located at the Wellington and Exeter exits off the 401 in London.
We have a special rate with the Staybridge Suites located 15 minutes from the Dorchester Fairgrounds. This is a great location if you’re 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.