Weekend event: Doggy Day out at Omokoroa

Detective dog Alfie is ready for this weekend's Doggy Day Out event at Omokoroa, where pooches are encouraged to dress up as movie stars. Photo/Supplied

Pooches dressed as characters in movies will not be an unusual sight in Omokoroa this weekend.

A Doggy Day Out will be held on Saturday with the theme of Doggywood, encouraging dog owners to bring their pets to the event dressed up as a movie star to enter the Star of the Day competition.

Dog lovers looking for a potential new furry friend are also encouraged to attend, with dogs that are up for adoption also taking part.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council compliance and monitoring manager Alison Curtis said the event was in its fourth year and had proved to be a great success.

"Council saw an opportunity for staff to meet with dog owners in a positive way, as often the only time dog owners get to engage with the council is when there is a dog issue.

"We saw that an event for dog owners would be great to promote responsible dog ownership, increase the profile of Western Bay of Plenty Council animal services team and the services offered to dog owners."

Dog owners love spending time with their dogs and "the team here at the council are equally passionate about dogs".

"This event celebrates and recognises the positives of having dogs in our community."

Doggy Day Out was originally scheduled for a weekend in March but was postponed due to poor weather.

Curtis said the numbers of dogs at the event varied but at peak times it was about 100.

"We're hoping for the same numbers this year."

Entertainment on the day will include performances from the Tauranga and Mount Maunganui dog agility clubs and there will also be market stalls and food, a photo booth, and meet and greets with dogs up for adoption.

The event is free and open to the whole family.

Doggy Day Out - what you need to know

When: Saturday, 10am–2pm
Where: Omokoroa Sportsground, Western Ave
Cost: Free entry