Lead the Way Walk & Expo 2016 - February 28

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Lead the Way Walk & Expo 2016 - February 28

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Walk your dog whilst supporting Victorian Dog Rescue.

Lead the Way is a relaxed 3km Walk and Expo that will take place along the Merri Creek. All funds raised from the entry fee go straight to Victorian Dog Rescue to help out rescue dogs and cats.

In 2016 a range of other rescue groups will be joining in on the walk too. If you wish to support those groups as well, you can get sponsored for your walk and donate the funds raised.

You are welcome to bring your own picnic food and drinks, or you can have a nibble on the range of food available for purchase. There will be lots of rescue information and merchandise stalls for you to visit in your down time as well!

Bring the whole family - and don't forget the dog(s)! - to this fantastic event and help support the furry canines (and felines) that need it most.

Even if you are unable to take part on the day, you can still help by signing up on the sponsorship page to help raise much needed funds for the rescue of your choice including: Victorian Dog Rescue, Oscar's Law, Edgar's Mission, Chihuahua Rescue Australia, Sharpei Rescue, KPS Awesome Paws Rescue and Re-Homing, German Shepherd Rescue, Maneki Neko Cat Rescue.

When: Sunday, 28 February 2016 from 11:00 am

Where: Yarra Bend Park, Westfield Reserve, Cnr Heidelberg Road & Yarra Bend Road, Fairfield

Cost: $15 Adult; $5 Child

Tickets are available online. For more details, visit victoriandogrescue.org.au

Petbarn National Pet Dating Day 2016 - February 13

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Petbarn National Pet Dating Day 2016 - February 13

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Petbarn stores across the country will play cupid and host pet dating on Saturday 13th February, 2016.

Potential pet parents can choose to go on a mini-date with a number of cuddly animals, ranging from puppies, dogs, playful kittens to senior cats or even rabbits. 

RSPCA ACT chief executive Tammy Ven Dange said there was no better Valentine's Day present than a new pet, as long as people were prepared to take care of it.

"Animals bring so much love and joy to your lives. So, while we think of Valentine's as being a day of romance between two people the fact is animals bring a huge amount of love," she said.  "For that puppy, every day is the best day ever."

Petbarn Tuggeranong acting store manager Ben Tomlin said 132 animals had been adopted during the 2014 pet dating day.

"We want to get the message out that you're not only going to find a pet but you're also going to save a life [when you adopt]," he said.

"It also helps clear up space in the RSPCA, so they're not overrun with animals... Adopting is better than buying through a pet shop because you have no background on the animals."

"There's a bond between humans and animals, so rather than Valentine's Day being all about humans, why not spend time with an animal, find a new one to love?"

If people do find a perfect match they will be able to go through the pet adoption process in-store on the day.

Importantly, while the adoption fee set by the local charity is collected by Petbarn, 100% of this fee is returned to the charity. All dogs and cats are de-sexed, vaccinated and micro-chipped before being brought into store.

While this is a one-off Valentine’s Day event, a number of Petbarn stores have in-store Adoption Centres, which are open all year around.

When: Saturday 13th February 2016, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Where: your local Petbarn store

*Adoptable pets may not be in attendance at every store.

For more details, visit petbarn.com.au/petdating

PETstock Pet Adoption Day 2016 - February 6

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PETstock Pet Adoption Day 2016 - February 6

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Turn heartbreak into hope for an orphaned animal this February as pet rescue organisations will visit more than 100 PETstock stores across Australia.

By being part of National Pet Adoption Day on Saturday 6 February 2016 you can help turn heartbreak into hope for shelter dogs and cats. 

This initiative is led by PETstock’s charity foundation PETstock Assist, in partnership with not-for-profit animal rescue organisation PetRescue and aims to raise awareness of pet adoption and encourage Australians to consider giving a rescue pet a forever home.
PetRescue Co-Founder, Vickie Davy, said educational events like Pet Adoption Day show people that choosing to adopt a pet can deliver huge rewards. “In most cases, pets end up in rescue through no fault of their own. The most common reasons can be traced back to owners’ lifestyle changes, health issues and the financial costs of owning a pet, as opposed to behavioural issues.”

“The sad reality is that rescue pets face a grim future without adoption, so by welcoming a rescue pet into your home you may be saving a life. Giving an animal a new lease of life is incredibly rewarding and they will thank you every day with unlimited love and affection. “Adopting also allows people to find a pet most suited to their age, lifestyle and living arrangements. 

We have so many wonderful stories of rescue pets becoming a companion for someone living alone, a best buddy for an existing pet and even inspiring a career change!” Ms Davy herself quit her corporate job 10 years ago to launch PetRescue.com.au, which connects animal welfare organisations and their rescue pets with those looking to add a new member to their family. The site has grown to become the most visited charity website in Australia and has saved the lives of countless dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and even horses.

Since PetRescue was founded in 2004 the number of adopted pets has increased each year including 75,000 in 2015 alone. 

A recent national pet parent survey conducted by PETstock showed that 77 per cent of animal owners would consider adopting their next pet.

PETstock Chief Executive Officer, Shane Young said “We are strong advocates of pet adoption and through PETstock Assist we’re committed to supporting PetRescue to help find homes for rescue pets Australia wide.

Most common reasons pets end up in shelters are:

• Lifestyle changes – people losing their job or getting a demanding job, divorce or having a new baby.
• Health – people encountering difficulties with their health. 
• Financial – cost of pet ownership including vet bills, food and grooming is often underestimated, particularly when it comes to pet health issues. 
• Moving house – the new home or rental property may not allow pets. Or a family member or new roommate may be allergic.
• Time restrictions – caring for a pet requires a lot of time and dedication. Animals often end up in shelters due to owners having limited time outside of their busy work schedules.
• Training – many people get a new pet without realising how much training is involved, including obedience and/or toilet training. 

Pet Adoption Day 2015 saw at least 236 pets find forever homes and we’re hoping to increase on this figure this February."

Before joining their forever family, adopted pets are de-sexed, vaccinated and treated for parasites as well as having undergone a prior comprehensive veterinary and behaviour assessment. 

When: Saturday 6th February 2016, from 10am until 2pm.

Where: All PETstock stores nationally

For more information, please visit PETstock.com.au or PetRescue.com.au

Every Man and His Dog - Australia Day 2016

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Every Man and His Dog - Australia Day 2016

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Mark your 2016 calendars for Every Man & His Dog Australia Day SUP E!

Every Man and His Dog is a Stand Up Paddling event on Australia Day, in Watsons Bay. 2016 will be the third consecutive year and will be no different, other than being bigger and better!

This event does not only attracts athletes, but local families and visitors who have a chance to compete in the more basic SUP courses and individuals with their dogs who participate in the iconic novelty, man and dog races. This is an event for all Australians (including their pooches) with great prizes to be won in all the races!

It is made up of several Stand Up Paddling races, including: - Long Distance SUP Races - Sprint SUP Races - Kids SUP Races - Dash for Cash - Novelty Man and Dog Races (paddle with your pooch!). 

This event is run and hosted by WATSSUP Watsons Bay Stand Up Paddling and sponsored by the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel.

WATSSUP are paddleboard and fitness enthusiasts, an ASI accredited Stand Up Paddle School based in Watsons Bay, an integrated part of the Eastern Suburbs community.

When: January 26, 2016 - From 7:30am to 11am

Where: Beachfront Robertson Park, Watsons Bay (Sydney)

For more information, please visit everymanandhisdog.com.au or email info@watssup.com.au

Moonlight Cinema - Doggie Nights 2016

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Moonlight Cinema - Doggie Nights 2016

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To  all of you who love movies, love the outdoors but most importantly love watching movies with your dog - the Moonlight Cinemas Doggie Nights (presented by Comfortis) are back for the 2015/16 season!

From December 3 to March 27 you can catch all your favourite movies - old classics and new releases at the Belvedere Amphitheatre in Centennial Park, Sydney.

Doggie Nights will make a return where you and your best friend can watch a movie together.

Four puppy friendly flicks will be shown at all Moonlight Cinemas across the country. Previews of Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie, comedy gold flick Sisters, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and for canines (or their owners) with a Daniel Craig crush, Spectre welcomes furry friends into the adventure.

Summer 2015/16 Program

• Saturday 19th December – Snoopy and Charlie Brown, the Peanuts Movie (G) 
• Tuesday 5th January – Sisters (CTC) 
• Thursday 21st January – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (PG) 
• Sunday 31st January – Spectre (M)

Dogs are in fact permitted at any Moonlight session on the condition that they are well-behaved and kept on a short leash.

Where: Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Park, Paddington

When: Gates are open an hour and a half before the film starts (8h30pm) so grab your loved ones including your pooch for a night of summer fun, food and film under the stars.

Cost: $19 (Adult) or you could upgrade to the "Gold Grass Package" at $35, which includes a bean bed in a premium viewing spot and wait service.

For the latest program details in your city or to book tickets, visit www.moonlight.com.au

House rules according to the Moonlight Cinema website

• Dogs must be kept on a short leash (2m or under) at all times.
• The owner is required to pick up after the dog and keep it quiet during the film.
• Remember to bring a drinking container and water for your dog.
• Aggressive dogs will be denied entry. If a dog becomes aggressive or fights with another dog, the owner will be told to immediately remove their dog from the venue.
• Dogs classified as “dangerous” or “restricted” and dogs needing to be muzzled, will be denied entry.

Delta Society Dog Training - 2016 Seminars

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Delta Society Dog Training - 2016 Seminars

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DELTA Society are the leaders in positive dog training and offer short courses in March 2016 (Melbourne) & April 2016 (Sydney) to provide you with the latest information on dog behaviour and positive, reward-based training. These seminars are suitable for all levels of experience.

Dog Training - the Delta Way is a 2-day introduction course and an excellent stand-alone program for dog lovers or owners wishing to learn about animal behaviour and training. It is also a pre-requisite for all those wishing to complete the full Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services Course  and could form the start of your own rewarding journey to becoming a fully qualified dog trainer.

These seminars will be presented by leading Veterinary Behaviour Consultant Dr. Gaille Perry and renowned animal trainer Kerrie Haynes-Lovell.

The topics covered by the seminar include:

• Introduction to the Delta Society and its programs
• The human animal bond
• Animal Behaviour & Training
• Dog Behaviour
• How dogs learn
• Equipment for dog training and management
• Enriching the lives of dogs
• Responsible ownership - managing your dog's behaviour

All attendees who complete the seminar will receive a Certificate of Attendance.

MELBOURNE

Where: Melbourne, Rydges on Swanton, 701 Swanston St.

When: Saturday 19th March - Sunday 20th March, 9am-5pm (both days)

Cost: $475 

SYDNEY

Where: Rydges Bankstown, 874 Hume Highway, Bass Hill

When: Saturday 16th April - Sunday 17th April, 9am-5pm

Cost: $475 

For more details or to register, visit deltainstitute.edu.au