Discover the ultimate pet lover's paradise at the Brisbane Dog and Cat Lovers Festival on March 9-10 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.
The Brisbane Dog and Cat Lovers Festival is set to take the Queensland capital by storm, offering an unparalleled experience for pet enthusiasts of all ages. This highly anticipated event will be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on March 9-10, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily. For the first time in six years, the Dog Lovers Festival returns to Brisbane, accompanied by the inaugural Cat Lovers Festival, creating a double delight for animal aficionados.
A Tail-Wagging Extravaganza: Brisbane Dog and Cat Lovers Festival Highlights
The Brisbane Dog and Cat Lovers Festival at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre promises a weekend filled with furry fun, educational experiences, and heartwarming moments. This unique event combines two festivals under one roof, catering to both canine and feline enthusiasts.
Dog Lovers Festival: Barks of Joy
The Dog Lovers Festival, a beloved event since 2013, has grown to become one of the largest dog-centric celebrations worldwide. Visitors can expect a plethora of activities and attractions, including:
- ADVANCE Stage: TV presenter Shelly Horton will host top trainers and industry experts, including TV Vet Dr. Claire Stevens.
- VitaPet Arena: Witness impressive displays like Farmer Dave Graham's K9 Superwall and Flying Fast Flyball competitions.
- The Wonderdogs: Watch these intelligent canines perform human-like tricks.
- PEDIGREE Adoption Zone: Learn about dog adoption and potentially find a new furry friend.
- Lyka Pat-A-Pooch Zone: Get up close and personal with a variety of adorable dogs.
- Bluey and Bingo: Meet the stars of the popular Australian animated series.
Cat Lovers Festival: Feline Frenzy
The inaugural Cat Lovers Festival runs alongside its canine counterpart, offering a purr-fect experience for cat enthusiasts:
- WHISKAS Stage: Enjoy educational talks and live demonstrations, including a streaming session with 'Cat Daddy' Jackson Galaxy.
- Breed Showcase: Meet over 200 rare and popular cat breeds.
- Purrrfect Match Zone: Find the ideal cat breed for your lifestyle.
- WHISKAS Adoption Zone: Start the process of adopting a furry companion.
- Antinol Pat-A-Cat Zone: Interact with cats in a safe and secure environment.
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre: The Ideal Venue
The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre serves as the perfect backdrop for this grand pet extravaganza. Located in South Brisbane, the venue offers ample space to accommodate the diverse attractions and the expected crowd of over 30,000 visitors.
Event Details
- Dates: Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10, 2024
- Time: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily
- Location: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Glenelg Street, South Brisbane
- Halls: Cat Lovers Festival in Hall 2, Dog Lovers Festival in Halls 3 and 4
Ticket Information and Special Offers
To celebrate the first Cat Lovers Festival in Brisbane, organizers have made a special offer: a single ticket grants entry to both the Cat Lovers Festival and the Dog Lovers Festival. This "2 for 1" deal allows visitors to experience the best of both worlds on the same day.
Tickets for the 2025 Brisbane Cat Lovers Festival will be on sale soon, with discounted options available. For the most up-to-date ticket information and to purchase, visit the official festival websites:
- Cat Lovers Festival: www.catloversfestival.com.au/brisbane
- Dog Lovers Festival: www.dogloversfestival.com.au/brisbane
Expert Insights and Celebrity Appearances
The Brisbane Dog and Cat Lovers Festival boasts an impressive lineup of pet care experts and celebrity guests:
- Dr. Claire Stevens: TV Vet and animal advocate presenting on both the ADVANCE (Dog) and WHISKAS (Cat) stages.
- Dr. Katrina Warren and Kelly Gill: Offering educational workshops with The Wonderdogs.
- Jackson Galaxy: The famous 'Cat Daddy' streaming live from Los Angeles to discuss 'Catification'.
- CATMANTOO & Didga: See the internet-famous skateboarding cat in action.
Supporting Animal Welfare: RSPCA Queensland
The festival partners with RSPCA Queensland to promote positive pet parenting and animal welfare. A portion of each ticket sale goes directly to RSPCA Queensland, supporting their vital work in the community.
Tips for Attendees
To make the most of your visit to the Brisbane Dog and Cat Lovers Festival, consider these helpful tips:
- Arrive early: With so much to see and do, arriving early ensures you don't miss out on any attractions.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be on your feet exploring the various exhibits and zones.
- Bring cash: While many vendors may accept cards, having cash on hand can be convenient for small purchases.
- Leave your pets at home: For the safety and comfort of all attendees, visitors are not permitted to bring their own pets to the festival.
- Plan your schedule: Check the festival guide for timetables of talks and demonstrations to plan your day effectively.
Comparing Dog and Cat Attractions
To help visitors plan their day, here's a comparison of some key attractions at both festivals:
| Dog Lovers Festival | Cat Lovers Festival |
|---|---|
| ADVANCE Stage | WHISKAS Stage |
| VitaPet Arena | Breed Showcase |
| PEDIGREE Adoption Zone | WHISKAS Adoption Zone |
| Lyka Pat-A-Pooch Zone | Antinol Pat-A-Cat Zone |
| Ask-A-Breeder Stage | Purrrfect Match Zone |
| Bluey and Bingo Meet & Greet | CATMANTOO & Didga Performance |
The Ultimate Pet Product Showcase
The Brisbane Dog and Cat Lovers Festival also serves as a comprehensive pet expo, featuring the latest and greatest in pet products. Visitors can explore a wide range of items, including:
- Premium pet foods and treats
- Innovative toys and enrichment products
- Stylish accessories and clothing for pets
- Advanced pet care and grooming tools
- Cutting-edge pet technology and gadgets
This expo component allows pet owners to discover new ways to pamper their furry friends and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in pet care.
Educational Opportunities for Pet Owners
One of the festival's primary goals is to educate pet owners on best practices for animal care. Throughout the event, attendees can:
- Attend workshops on pet nutrition and health
- Learn about positive reinforcement training techniques
- Discover tips for creating pet-friendly home environments
- Understand the importance of regular veterinary care
- Explore options for pet insurance and long-term care planning
These educational sessions cater to both new and experienced pet owners, ensuring that everyone can learn something valuable to enhance their pet's quality of life.
Celebrating Diversity in Breeds
The festival showcases a wide variety of dog and cat breeds, allowing visitors to:
- Meet rare and popular breeds up close
- Learn about breed-specific traits and care requirements
- Consult with breed experts to find the perfect match for their lifestyle
- Understand the importance of responsible breeding practices
- Explore mixed-breed and rescue options for adoption
This diverse representation helps potential pet owners make informed decisions about which type of furry companion might be best suited to their home and family.
Community Engagement and Networking
The Brisbane Dog and Cat Lovers Festival serves as a hub for the local pet-loving community to connect and engage. Attendees can:
- Meet fellow pet enthusiasts and share experiences
- Connect with local pet service providers and veterinarians
- Join pet-related social groups and online communities
- Discover volunteer opportunities with animal welfare organizations
- Participate in fun, pet-themed social media challenges and contests
This community aspect of the festival fosters a sense of belonging among pet owners and promotes responsible pet ownership throughout Brisbane and beyond.
Conclusion: A Must-Attend Event for Pet Lovers
The Brisbane Dog and Cat Lovers Festival at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on March 9-10, 2024, promises to be an unforgettable experience for animal enthusiasts. With its diverse array of attractions, educational opportunities, and the chance to interact with hundreds of adorable pets, this event is set to become a highlight of Brisbane's event calendar.
Whether you're a dedicated dog person, a committed cat lover, or simply an animal admirer, this festival offers something for everyone. By attending, not only will you enjoy a day filled with furry fun, but you'll also contribute to supporting animal welfare through RSPCA Queensland.
Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate the joy that pets bring to our lives. Mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and prepare for a tail-wagging, whisker-twitching good time at the Brisbane Dog and Cat Lovers Festival!