It was all paws on deck at Dogs in the Park NSW Festival, held on 16 June at Castle Hill Showground. The festival delivered fun-filled activities, grins, and a strong sense of community.
Beyond the belly rubs and biscuit breaks, the heart of the event was all about giving back. It brought people together while celebrating everything we love about dogs.
Big laughs (and bigger shocks) at Australian vet bills
Vet bills are rarely something to smile about, unless you’re playing a game. Knose brought the laughs in the “Guess the Vet Bill” game. Players were given real-life situations and had to estimate the cost of treatment. The closer the guess, the better the prize.
Some guesses were impressively accurate, others hilariously off. We even heard a bit of panic when the real numbers were revealed.
It was all in good fun, but also a reminder that vet bills can be shockingly high, especially for breeds like the Cavoodle, Staffy or Golden Retriever. (If the day left you thinking twice about surprise vet bills, maybe it’s time to fetch yourself dog insurance.)
The fun didn’t stop there. Friendly contests like Waggiest Tail, Cutest Dog, and Dog’s Got Talent brought out the personality in every pup. Energy was high and the Knose team couldn’t have felt more at home. Even the more anxious pups found their groove, it wasn’t just the social butterflies having a blast.
As one team member put it, “My highlight of the event was the kindness of the people who attended. Their enthusiasm and curiosity about what we had prepared for them to play and win was priceless.”
Giving kids and animals a fresh start
This year’s festival generated genuine impact through RuffTRACK, a local charity that helps at-risk youth aged 11–17 have a fresh start. They spend time with dogs and learn important things like daily habits and taking responsibility in a safe, caring place.
Their flagship Round Yard Project combines animal care with activities like woodworking and horticulture, offering a supportive environment that guides participants back into education or employment.
RuffTRACK partners with schools and local police to give young Australians a second chance and a brighter future. It’s a beautiful example of what can happen when a caring dog community and the love of dogs come together.
Catch us where the Aussie dog lovers are
There’s something special about gathering outdoors where tails wag freely and dog community lovers unite. We’re so grateful everyone took time to visit and share in the joy with us. We’ll keep showing up to help you plan ahead with trusted pet insurance, no matter if you’ve got a Pug, Border Collie, or German Shepherd at your side.
See you again soon, and give your pup a pat from us.
Post by Knose Pet Insurance in collaboration with Ranzel
Ranzel is a perpetually caffeinated logophile whose work revolves around pets. She’s an advocate for the furred, feathered, and finned. A cat mum by fate, and a full-time sitter to an ever-growing crew of adorable strays.
