Pooch Parade to return after a year off

ONE of Fisherman’s Beach’s favourite events on the calendar is returning this month following a year off in 2023.

Salty Dog Café’s annual Pooch Parade is locked in to return to the coastal establishment on September 22 with a full array of prizes on offer for the parade’s best-dressed pooches and owners.

Salty Dog Café owner James Zocchi said he and his team are already sensing the excitement of this year’s parade after a date could not be secured in 2023 – much to the community’s disappointment.

“We’ve got a lot of customers who are extremely excited for it to run again this year, I believe it’s our fifth parade since we first started it as a joke, and it has just continued to grow,” Mr Zocchi said.

“We have a full list of categories this year for people and their best mates, best dressed pooch across small, medium, large and extra-large breeds, best dressed pooch and owner combo, and best dog trick.

“We have a full list of sponsors on hand for this year’s event and all proceeds from entry fees will go towards the Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS).”

Salty Dog Café will set up a runway for the event in the café’s carpark, meaning the area will be closed off for the duration of the event, which should last roughly an hour from 2pm.

Supporters of the event include Pet Botanica, PetStock, Fur Life Vet and Torquay and Surfcoast Veterinary Clinics.

“It’s a great way to engage the community and it’s a lot of fun for the kids as well,” Mr Zocchi said.

“We’ve had years which have brought in over 200 people, so it’s definitely something people really look forward to.”

Matt Kavanagh from Jellis Craig Real Estate will be the parade’s MC.