Border Collies, just one of the breeds to watch out for at these animal events
Taking your pet on holiday is a great way to have fun as a family without the guilt of leaving anyone behind. We've been travelling around France and Europe to bring you the best events that are pet friendly, and perfect for travelling animal-lovers. From feline festivals to doggy shows, we've lined up some of the best shows and events coming up for you to enjoy when travelling with your pet.
Taking your pet on holiday will let him or her make lots of new friends
Feline Show, Chatillon
Organised by the Cat Club de Paris , the Feline Show Chatillon is also known as the International Cat Show, and is usually held at the end of September. With the chance of winning two certificates, the events will take place over two days and will include careful examination of the competition participants by a select panel of experts. Pop along to see well-groomed felines and their owners, or even submit your own cat ahead of the event! This event is recognised by the LOOF organisation, which oversees the pedigree categories of cats on show.
Espace Maison Blanche, 2 Avenue Saint-Exupéry, 92320 Chatilllon, France.
We love the Russian Blue, but what's your favourite breed of cat?
Bundessieger & International Show, Dortmund
Noted as one of the most important dog shows in Germany, the Bundessieger & International Show takes place in Dortmund, which is just under a five hour drive from Calais. Part of the Crufts overseas qualifying shows, this internationally-acclaimed event will be showing over 8,000 dogs, and will take place around the middle of October. Professional judges from around the world will be attending, and carefully adjudicating each round. In addition, there will be a selection of horse events happening throughout, so all pet-lovers are welcome. The event has some great facilities, and there are a range of hotels and special campsites near to the event.
Westfalenhallen Dortmund, GmbH, Strobelallee 45, 44139 Dortmund, Germany.
Crufts is a world-famous dog show, and there are many smaller shows that happen across Europe in preparation.
Animal Expo, Paris
This is a really great event to attend, whatever pet you've decided to bring on holiday. Taking place in October, the Animal Expo in Paris attracts around 40,000 visitors every year, who come to see the cutest and most impressive breeds of cats. Organised into three categories from adults to kittens, the cats are judged over two days and a handful of winners will be awarded with a Champion of France title, recognised by the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe). It's a fun event, and you'll rub shoulders with plenty of breeding experts and cat enthusiasts, so it's great if you want to pick up a few tips on how to care for your cats!
Parc Floral de Vincennes, Route du Champ de Manoeuvres, 75012 Paris, France.
Regional Dog Show, Séreilhac
In the heart of the French countryside sits Séreilhac, an idyllic communte in central western France which has a particular love of dogs, specifically the Leonberg breed. At the end of August, Séreilhac will be hosting a regional dog show, which will promote the best of the Leonberger breed, as decided by the judges. The event is run by the French Club Leonberg , which is run by a group of 12 people, but has a membership base of around 1,000. The club publishes a quarterly magazine, and organises fun events with the help of volunteers and their dogs and puppies. The event will be outdoors, and will focus on the speed and health of the Leonberger dogs by testing their natural attributes. This is a great chance to see more of the stunning French countryside at this time of year, and to witness the amazing Leonberger dog at its best!
La Pauzadie, 87620 Séreilhac, France.
A great chance to witness the amazing Leonberger at its best
Taking your pet abroad?
These great events are perfect for visiting with your pet, and with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle it takes just 35 minutes to get from Folkestone to Calais, so you've got bucket loads of time to check them out.