Paws in the Park is on this weekend at Camden’s Bicentennial Equestrian Park

IT’S the Big Day Out for our four-legged friends with loads of fun activities planned for pooches and their owners at Camden’s Bicentennial Equestrian Park on Sunday.

Dogs of all breeds will converge on Camden for the biggest day on the four-legged social calendar. Picture: Robert Pozo

IT’S the Big Day Out for our four-legged friends.

Paws in the Park returns to Camden’s Bicentennial Equestrian Park on Sunday, with loads of fun activities planned for the region’s pooches and their owners.

The event also promotes responsible pet ownership, including information on Camden Council’s services for pet owners.

The fun starts with a 3km walk at 9am and several competitions, including fan­cy dress and tallest dog, at 10am.

Winners of the ‘best dressed in footy colours’ category will be awarded tickets to the NRL State of Origin game in Sydney.

Among the competitions is the best dressed in footy colours. Picture: Robert Pozo

Vets will offer free checks, and owners can register their dogs and get discounted microchipping.

There will be 45 stalls with a range of specialty dog treats, products and accessories as well as people providing information and advice.

Camden Mayor Lara Symkowiak said the day gave dogs a chance to socialise and owners could get informed.

“There are young families or young people whose animals are their families who are moving into the area,” she said.

A range of demonstrations will also happen on the day. Picture: Robert Pozo

“We will be there to give them information on what services council offers.

“We’re trying to be as proactive as possible to prevent animal management issues in the future.”

Cr Symkowiak said owners with older dogs were also welcome to join in the fun.

“They may not want to do the 3km walk, but they can walk around the smaller park,” she said. “Council is looking to build more off-leash areas as a priority with our infrastructure.”

Gold coin donations will go to the PAWS Safe School Education Program, teaching young children about responsible pet ownership.

Presilla Gurney from Camden with Romeo and Juliet at last year’s Paws in the Park. Picture: Robert Pozo

Camden recently became the latest NSW council to implement a no-kill policy at its animal shelter.

More information is available at Camden Council’s website.

WHERE: Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park

WHEN: Sunday, May 7, from 9am to 1pm

HIGHLIGHTS: 3km walk at 9am; competitions for best trick, fancy dress, smallest dog, tallest dog and best dressed in footy colours