Catering to the furry, four-legged residents of Shellharbour will be the focus of the Dogs’ Day Out on Sunday 28 October.

The annual event is hosted by Council to encourage the caring, responsible ownership of pets across the city.

Shellharbour City Mayor Marianne Saliba said the relationship between people and their pets was understood to have positive emotional and physical health benefits for the owners.

“Dogs activate their owners and encourage a healthy lifestyle that includes walking, outdoor activities and connecting with the local area,” Cr Saliba said.

“Caring for a dog can be a rewarding experiencing for people and is attributed to improving mental health conditions, particularly depression and loneliness.”

Dogs’ Day Out will include free health checks by veterinarians, stalls selling pet care items and dog competitions and be held 10am-1pm at Albion Park Showground.

Free microchipping for dogs owned by Shellharbour City residents will be provided on the day and treats and giveaways for all dogs that attend.

There will be competitions and great prizes as well as free treats and giveaways plus free face painting for the kids.

Competitions categories include Perfect Puppy, Best Trick, Best Dressed, Happiest Scruff, Petite Pooch and Huge Hound.

The first 50 dogs to arrive at the event will get a free dog cookie, plus there will be heaps of dog related market stalls.

There will also be a BBQ on with all proceeds going to Best Friends Fur Ever Rescue Illawarra.

A 1km walk will be held and you can go in the draw to win a custom dog kennel.

Media enquiries: Kelli Wells 4221 6038 or 0448 361 008.