Stonnington’s pets take centre stage at Pets in Park

Fur, feathers, snouts and scales – Stonnington’s pets take centre stage at Pets in the Park

The City of Stonnington’s Pets in the Park event returns to Central Park, Malvern East on Sunday 22 March 2020. This free, family-friendly annual event celebrates Stonnington’s animals with displays, competitions, workshops, stalls and presentations, while providing valuable information on responsible pet ownership.

City of Stonnington Mayor Cr Steve Stefanopoulos said Pets in the Park is a wonderful event for current and potential pet owners alike.

“Our free, family-friendly Pets in the Park event is always highly-anticipated. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate our beloved pets with parades, presentations and market stalls, while learning more about the importance of responsible pet ownership and finding the right pet for your household” Cr Stefanopoulos said,

“We’re delighted to have Network Ten’s Mike Larkan back to host the event, and I look forward to seeing what our experts including Dr Melissa Meehan from Animal First Aid and pet behaviourist Lara Shannon, with her pooch Dynamite Darcy, have in store.”

Pet professionals Dr Melissa Meehan and Lara Shannon will cover everything from basic first aid to choosing the best pet for your lifestyle. You may recognise Melissa and Lara from Channel 10’s program ‘Pooches At Play’.

Vision Australia will also present on the day, melting hearts and expanding minds as they discuss Caring for a Vision Australia Puppy, featuring trainee pups on the journey to becoming Seeing Eye Dogs.

Lovers of animals outside the norm are well catered for too – the day will feature live presentations including The Rookeepers and their native animals; Keeping Bees with Backyard Honey; Richard Rowe from Sustainable Gardening Australia on keeping worm farms and Happy Healthy Chickens with poultry expert Jessamy Miller. Alan Sheppard from Secret Dogs Business will conduct interactive dog obedience classes, and Stonnington’s animal management team will be on hand to answer your pet ownership questions.

The Superstar Competition, presented by PETstock, will award Best Trick and Best Dressed to two special pooches, with Moose Morris the Saint Bernard on hand to assist in judging. While your pooch is dressed to impress, take them to see Dog Photog for a truly special pet portraits.

Tails will wag with interactive showcases including Animals 2U’s working dog demonstration and up close animal encounter; the Four Paws Sports team bringing the energy with High Bar Jump, UpDog Frizgility, Canine Frisbee and Trick Training; and the Jack Russell Terrier Racing Team will present fun and friendly amateur racing all day.

Little ones of the human variety can enjoy face painting and craft from Juicy Face and Smart Art, plus the stage show from Victor and Victoria, teaching kids about living safely with dogs and responsible pet ownership.

Pets in the Park is held in conjunction with Chadstone/East Malvern Rotary Club’s Family Fun Day featuring local school choirs, dance troupes, carnival rides, great food and community displays.

During Pets in the Park volunteers will be collecting donations for Wildlife Victoria’s Victorian Bushfire Appeal, and event attendees are encouraged to dig deep and support this important cause. Stonnington’s Alfresco Knitters will be on-site knitting pouches for injured wildlife and teaching others to do the same.

Pets are welcome to attend the day’s activities, secured on lead at all times. Pet owners are responsible for picking up after their pets. Two legs or four legs, everyone can enjoy and learn Pets in the Park!

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