Please take a read of our Farm-Fest Dog Policies below. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch.

Farm-Fest 2026 Dog & Canine Welfare Policy

At Farm-Fest, we know dogs are part of the countryside family — and we love welcoming well-behaved four-legged visitors to the event. Our aim is to create a safe, enjoyable and welfare-focused experience for dogs, owners, livestock, exhibitors and all festivalgoers.

Farm-Fest promotes responsible dog ownership and positive animal welfare standards at all times. By bringing a dog to Farm-Fest, you agree to follow the policy below.

Dogs Welcome During Daytime Hours

Dogs are welcome on site during daytime festival hours, provided owners comply with all rules and welfare requirements outlined in this policy.

All dogs attend at the owner’s risk.

Dogs Must Be Kept on a Lead

For the safety of all visitors, livestock and dogs:

  • Dogs must remain on a short, fixed lead at all times
  • Extendable leads are not permitted
  • Dogs must remain under control and supervised at all times
  • Dogs must not be left unattended anywhere on site, including campsites or vehicles

Farm-Fest reserves the right to refuse entry or request the removal of any dog showing signs of:

  • Aggression
  • Excessive barking
  • Unsafe behaviour
  • Distress or anxiety
  • Poor welfare condition

Restricted Areas

Dogs are not permitted inside:

  • Livestock pens and animal handling zones
  • Food preparation areas
  • Chef demonstration tents
  • Any enclosed area marked with dog restriction signage

This is for hygiene, livestock welfare and public safety reasons.

Evening Music Performances – Dog Restrictions

From the start of the evening music programme, dogs will not be permitted inside the main festival arena.

This policy exists to protect:

  • Dog welfare in loud environments
  • Public safety during high-density crowds
  • Event licensing compliance

Timed announcements and clear signage will indicate when evening dog restrictions begin.

Dog-Friendly Music Field

A dedicated dog-friendly viewing field will be available during evening performances.

This area will:

  • Be positioned a significant distance from stages and speakers
  • Allow owners to remain part of the atmosphere
  • Provide a calmer environment away from loud noise and dense crowds

The Farm-Fest Dog Crèche

To help dog owners enjoy evening entertainment responsibly, Farm-Fest will operate a supervised Dog Crèche.

Crèche Details

  • Open daily from 10am–11pm
  • Managed by trained professionals
  • Secure, supervised and climate-controlled
  • Dogs must be healthy and fully vaccinated
  • £5 per dog per hour
  • Maximum stay: 4 hours
  • Re-entry permitted after walks/toilet breaks at staff discretion

Full booking details and terms will be published closer to the event.

Dog Welfare & Responsible Ownership

Prohibited Equipment

Farm-Fest promotes positive, force-free handling methods.

The following are strictly prohibited:

  • Shock collars
  • Prong collars
  • Choke collars
  • Spray collars
  • Ultrasonic deterrent devices

Anyone using or carrying such equipment will be refused entry or removed from site.

Health & Vaccination Requirements

Owners must ensure dogs:

  • Are fit and healthy to attend
  • Are up to date with vaccinations
  • Wear a collar with a valid ID tag displaying owner contact details
  • Are not suffering from contagious illness

Female dogs in heat must not attend the festival.

If a dog comes into heat during the event, owners must remove the dog from site immediately.

Weather & Heat Safety

Owners are responsible for ensuring their dog can safely cope with event conditions – in particular in relation to warm weather

Please consider:

  • Age
  • Breed
  • Coat type
  • Health conditions

  • Temperature tolerance

And remember that:

  • Shade, water, and regular breaks are a must
  • Keep visits shorter where needed
  • Watch for signs your dog is getting too warm

Extra care should be taken with:

  • Senior dogs
  • Flat-faced breeds
  • Dogs with medical conditions

Farm-Fest may introduce additional welfare measures during hot weather, including shaded rest areas, water stations or restricted access periods.

Water & Rest Areas

Water stations will be located throughout the site.

Owners are encouraged to:

  • Bring additional water and bowls
  • Use shaded rest areas regularly
  • Monitor dogs closely for signs of fatigue or overheating

Cars & Transport

For safety:

  • Dogs must never be left unattended in vehicles

  • Routine checks of parking areas will be carried out

If a dog (has been left in a vehicle) appears to be in distress inside a vehicle, Farm-Fest reserves the right to intervene to protect animal welfare.

Dog Behaviour & Suitability

Farm-Fest can be a busy and stimulating environment.

Owners should carefully consider whether their dog is comfortable around:

  • Crowds
  • Loud sounds
  • Livestock
  • Children
  • Other dogs

If your dog is likely to become stressed or overwhelmed, we kindly ask that they remain at home.

Activities & Participation

Dogs participating in activities or demonstrations should only do so if they are comfortable, willing and fit and healthy enough to do so.

Owners must never pressure dogs into participation.

Cleanliness & Waste

Please clean up after your dog immediately.

Owners must:

  • Carry poop bags
  • Dispose of waste responsibly in designated bins
  • Help keep the event safe and hygienic for children, animals and visitors

Please also take care around food waste and litter, particularly items toxic to dogs such as:

  • Chocolate
  • Onions
  • Alcohol

  • Bones

  • Chewing gum

Glass is discouraged on site wherever possible to protect dogs and visitors.

Animal Welfare Support On Site

If your dog becomes unwell during the event, please contact a member of staff who can radio our onsite vets for urgent assistance. Our vets will have a permanent base during the show beside the equine arena.

For human medical support, please contact event staff or visit the First Aid Tent.

Camping With Dogs

Dogs are welcome within official campsites provided:

  • They remain supervised at all times
  • They do not disturb neighbouring campers
  • Owners comply with all lead and welfare requirements

Dogs staying in campsites still may not enter the evening music arena.

Dogs must never be left alone in tents, caravans, motorhomes or vehicles.

Ear Cropping & Tail Docking

In line with UK animal welfare legislation:

  • Dogs with cropped ears or docked tails may attend the event if lawful and welfare standards are met
  • However, they may be restricted from certain demonstrations or competitions where appropriate

Farm-Fest welcomes all dogs provided they are happy, healthy and responsibly handled.

Right to Refuse Entry

Farm-Fest reserves the right to:

  • Refuse admission to any dog
  • Remove any dog or owner failing to comply with this policy
  • Amend welfare measures in response to weather, crowding or operational requirements

Our priority is always the welfare and safety of animals, visitors and staff.

Thank you for helping us create a safe, enjoyable and dog-friendly Farm-Fest 2026.