BECAUSE DOGS DESERVE to party too.

For the second year running, Allianz and Journal Media are teaming up to host a doggy day out in association with the DSPCA. The Allianz Rewards Pet Event is an exclusive event for Allianz customers and their dogs, but we have some tickets to give away too.

Taking place on Saturday, 16 August in the DSPCA HQ in Rathfarnham, Co Dublin, the event is the perfect way to spend a summer’s day with your best dog pal, giving them the chance to enjoy a whole day outside on the grass with other dogs and dog owners who are sure to give them all the attention, belly-rubs and ear-scratches they can take. 

We have tickets to give away to some lucky readers for this event that is otherwise invite-only for Allianz customers. Before we tell you how you can come along, let’s have a look at the programme of events for this wonderful day out for all the family, especially the family members with four legs. 

To see how much fun was had at last year’s event, check out the video below.

Getting to the venue is very handy. There’s ample parking at the main entrance of the DSPCA headquarters if you’re travelling by car.

The day will be divided into two sessions so that as many dogs as possible get to have their moment in the sun. Guests of the first session are invited to arrive and register between 9.30 am and 10.15 am before the day begins. Come along for your dog to make new friends and play with the other dogs at the party.  

While the event promises to be a very special day for the dogs, there will also be the opportunity for owners to pick up valuable information on how to care for their beloved pets. Firstly, there will be an opportunity for a talk and Q&A session with a trainer, complete with demonstrations — all the benefits of learning to take care of your dog and all the fun of watching dogs show off how good they are.

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There will be talks from a vet, a pet nutritionist and a groomer to help you learn about your animal’s health, dietary habits, and the basics of how to keep them clean so they can live their lives in the health and comfort that they so deserve.

Talks will be followed by a dog show where your dog might have the chance to take home the blue ribbon in one of these adorable categories: Cutest Puppy, Golden Oldie, Best Rescue, Best Crossbreed, and Junior Handler.

In case your heart hasn’t already melted enough, this will be followed by another period of free play for the pups now that they’ve all gotten to know each other better. The day will conclude with a period of free time for you to explore the grounds of the DSPCA and shop at vendors.

Urban Dog Photography will be stationed at the DSPCA to take some professional quality shots of your dog, and don’t worry if your doggo isn’t looking their freshest, because Barks and Bubbles wash station will also be on hand to give your dog a nice bath. 

During the day, there will be plenty of entertainment for children, including a face painter and an animal balloonist. One suspects that ‘dog’ will be a popular request. 

But it’s not just about the events. You’ll have the chance to delight your madra with doggy ice cream from Scúp Doggy, who will be onsite to cater to the dogs with a sweet tooth. Catering for us humans will be provided by the popular Bob’s Pizza van, fresh from winning an award at this summer’s Bloom festival. Best of all, the pizza is free for attendees, which is all the more reason to enter this competition. 

For those craving something sweet, the Dipped Dublin van, known for its fresh strawberries covered in luscious Belgian chocolate, will also be in attendance. If you’re a little nervous that the dogs will have too much energy for you, the Daily Grind coffee van will be on hand to keep up with your coffee order.

There will also be a dedicated picnic area in case you simply need a breather and want to relax on the grass with your dog and your family, hopefully beneath some sunshine. 

So, how can you win tickets? 

Thanks to Allianz, we’re giving away tickets to some lucky readers and their guests.  

If you’d like a chance to be there on the day, simply email competitions@thejournal.ie with ‘Allianz Pet Event’ in the subject line, and include your name and contact details, including telephone number.

Please include whether you would like to enter for a family ticket (two adults + two kids + one dog) or an adult ticket (two adults + one dog) and if you would prefer a morning (9.30 am to 1.15 pm) or afternoon slot (2 pm to 5.45 pm). 

You must send your entry to the competitions@thejournal.ie email for your entry to count. Entries must be in before midday on 5 August.