Can a pet look like its owner ? That curious question will be answered when hundreds of people bring dressed-up dogs , perky parrots , low-lying lizards and more to Blacktown City Pet Festival on Sunday 29 September .

Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre ( BARC ) at 20 Owen Street , Glendenning , will host the festival and people are encouraged to bring their animal offsiders for competitions including , pet most like its owner , best dressed , best trick , shortest pet and tallest pet .

In the main arena , the popular dog

agility , dog obedience and sheep herding demonstrations will enthral spectators and offer plenty of education and entertainment . Other attractions include : - face painting - pony rides - getting up close and personal with scaly creatures at the reptile display - speaking to experts and learning about caring for your pet Free microchipping ( a legal requirement for cats and dogs ) and veterinary services will be provided for

Blacktown City residents ’ pets . The festival promotes the benefits of responsible pet ownership . Entry is free . Blacktown City Council CEO , Kerry Robinson OAM , said the event was a great opportunity to share the joys of caring for a pet .

“ Pets have enriched the lives of many people by giving their owners companionship , responsibility and an appreciation of the animal world ,” he said .

Council recently made a major investment in the wellbeing of stray , lost and abandoned animals by opening the

Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre in 2023 . The largest facility of its kind in the southern hemisphere , the centre is a best practice care and education facility . Its team has cared for 1,777 animals in the past 12 months .

Mr Robinson encouraged people to visit and learn how they could help .

“ There are many loveable cats and dogs needing good homes at the centre and I encourage people to adopt if they can ,” he said .

Festival webpage : 2024 Blacktown City Pet Festival - Blacktown City ( nsw . gov . au )