10 am | Sunday 7th September 2025 | Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Somerset, TA20 3DH

Ferne Animal Sanctuary is delighted to announce the return of its 31st annual dog show on Sunday 7th September 2025.  The event returns to the Sanctuary's 72-acre site near Chard, offering a full day of activities for dogs, their owners, families, and supporters - with this year's programme extended to include a car boot sale.

This year's dog show is generously supported by Mount Vets Veterinary Hospital Wellington, inviting dogs of all shapes, sizes and ages to get involved in the wide range of class categories, including:

• Best in Show sponsored by Blackdown Hills National Landscape
• Best Trick sponsored by Walpole Dunn
• Loveliest Little Dog sponsored by Yarcombe Woodland Products
• Loveliest Large Dog sponsored by WBW Solicitors
• Best Ferne Rescue sponsored by Coombefield Vets
•  Best Rescue sponsored by Lentells Accountants
• Best Veteran (7 and over) sponsored by Wiggle Tails
• Prettiest Bitch sponsored by SMS PC & iPhone Repair
• Most Handsome Dog sponsored by Debonair Dogz
• Waggiest Tail sponsored by Minster Veterinary Surgery
• Cutest Youngster sponsored by Alro Services Ltd.
• Best Child Handler

Alongside the dog show, visitors can enjoy the ever-popular 'Have a go Agility' course sponsored by Pawsome Fun Paddock, the 'Sit-and-Stay Challenge' sponsored by Alro Services Ltd and the exciting 'Temptation Alley' sponsored by Pawsh, designed to test the bond between dogs and their owners.

There is something for everyone at the event, with family games and activities, a car boot sale, a variety of stallholders, and a selection of food and refreshments available at the on-site Perdida Café.

A wonderful range of local stallholders will also be joining this year, including:

• Robin Wheeler Art
• Miranda Pender Arts
• Lulu's Natural Dog Treats
• Amy's Crystals and Crafts
• The Pamper Box
• MUGOSAURUSREX & Pinkie Pie
• Little and Beyond
• Woodturning
• Alfi's Ices
• Kerry's Catering

A highlight of this year's event is the addition of a car boot sale, offering visitors the chance to browse and buy pre-loved items while supporting the Sanctuary's fundraising. It's the perfect opportunity to pick up a bargain or upcycle unwanted items giving them a new lease of life.

Visitors are welcome from 10am, with an entry fee of £10 per car providing access to the dog show, sanctuary and car boot sale, including parking. The Dog Show also starts at 10.30am, with each class costing just £2 to enter. Seller's entry for the car boot sale is from 8.30am and priced at £5 per car without access to the dog show and sanctuary, or £10 with access.  

Every entry and activity on the day will raise vital funds to support Ferne Animal Sanctuary's ongoing work rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in need.

Emma Purnell, Chief Executive Officer at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, says, "Our annual dog show is a real celebration of our four-legged friends and a chance for the community to come together. It's always a highlight of the year for us at Ferne, not only because it's such an enjoyable day, but also because it helps raise the funds we need to continue providing a safe haven for animals that need us most."   

Founded in 1939, Ferne Animal Sanctuary is one of the UK's oldest animal charities. Today, it cares for around 300 animals on its site, while successfully rehoming a further 200–250 each year. Since its beginnings, the Sanctuary has helped around 40,000 animals find safety, rehabilitation, and a second chance.

For more information about Ferne Animal Sanctuary, please visit www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org