Come and celebrate our favourite friends at Pet Expo this Saturday
Published on 02 September 2026
From racing dachshunds to high-flying dogs, this year's Pet Expo is shaping up to be the biggest and most entertaining yet!
With a packed program of entertainment, competitions, and family-friendly fun, Council is inviting all pet owners and lovers to head along to the free event this Saturday, 5 September.
Planning and Regulation Councillor Grant Mathers said it’s a great day out to celebrate all our furry and feathered friends, but also for pet owners to have fun connecting with animal experts while enjoying the market stalls and entertainment.
“This year we’ve got more on offer than ever before - the fantastic annual Dashi Dash race, a dog high jump competition, Sir Dobby the skateboarding cat, informative stage talks, market stalls and giveaways,” said Cr Mathers.
“Esmeralda and her unique Spanish Water Dog, D.O.G, pronounced ‘Deeogie’, will bring the fun this year after winning best tricks and antics at last year’s Expo, with Esmeralda performing Master of Ceremony duties while also providing roving entertainment.
“We urge pet owners to get involved in our competitions, particularly dachshund owners and dog high jump stars, so make sure you register to have your chance to take home the fastest Dashi Dash or the highest jumping dog title,” Cr Mathers said.
Other competitions on the day include best dressed pet, best dressed owner and pet combination, ugliest pet and best trick or antic by pet.
“Council’s Local Laws teams spend so much of their time managing animal related incidents – around 2,200 each year – so Pet Expo is Council’s opportunity to engage with pet owners, encourage responsible pet ownership and show the joy pets bring to our community,” said Cr Mathers.
“Pet Expo allows our team to chat with pet lovers in a friendly, welcoming environment and help them connect with the latest information about animal registration, desexing, microchipping, safe animal enclosures and much more.”
The 2026 Pet Expo is on Saturday 5 September from 9am to 2pm at the Robert Schwarten Pavilion, Rockhampton Showgrounds, New Exhibition Road, Wandal.
Entry to the Pet Expo is free, and it is strictly a dog on-lead event.
To register for the Dashi Dash dachshund race or the Dog High Jump competition please complete the form online at 2026-Pet-Expo.