At Bark Life Southampton, the health and welfare of every dog attending is our top priority. While we aim to create a fun and engaging experience for both humans and their furry companions, we also promote responsible dog ownershipto ensure a safe and enjoyable festival for all. Please adhere to the following guidelines when attending Bark Life with your dog.

🐕 Travel & Arrival

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• For your dog’s comfort and safety, we recommend using a harness, dog guard, or carrier during your journey to the event, as advised by veterinary professionals.

• Never leave your dog unattended in a car, even for a short period. Temperatures inside vehicles can rise rapidly, posing a serious risk to your pet’s health. If we see a dog in distress inside a vehicle, we may need to intervene to ensure their safety.

• Please keep your dog secure inside the car while traveling dogs should not be allowed to hang their heads out of windows, as this can be dangerous.

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💦 Keeping Your Dog Hydrated & Comfortable

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• Bring plenty of fresh water for your dog. We will also have water stations throughout the festival for easy refills.

• Be mindful of the weather! We will have shaded rest areas, but please ensure your dog is comfortable throughout the day. Some breeds, such as short-faced breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, etc.), are more vulnerable to heat.

• If your dog isn’t feeling well or seems unwell during the event, please visit our on-site animal welfare tent, where our team can assist you.

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🎡 Event Space & Safety

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• The event will be busy, so if your dog is easily overwhelmed by crowds, consider whether this is the right environment for them. If your dog shows signs of stress, we advise bringing them to a quiet area or heading home early.

• Dogs must be kept on a secure, non-extendable leash at all times to prevent accidents and ensure safety for all attendees.

• If your female dog is in heat, please do not bring her to the event. If she comes into heat during the festival, we kindly ask that you leave the site immediately.

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🐾 Responsible Dog Ownership at the Event

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• ID & Identification: Your dog must wear a collar with an ID tag that includes your contact details. This is a legal requirement and will help reunite you with your dog if they become lost.

• Vaccinations: Please ensure your dog is up to date on all vaccinations before attending the event to protect them and other dogs from preventable diseases.

• Clean Up After Your Dog: Please bring plenty of waste bags and dispose of them responsibly in the bins provided around the festival. Keeping the event clean is essential for the safety of all attendees.

• Training & Handling: We strictly prohibit the use of training devices that cause pain or discomfort, including electric shock collars, choke chains, and spray collars. Any form of mistreatment or distressing handling of dogs will not be tolerated, and individuals engaging in such behavior will be asked to leave immediately.

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🎉 Participation & Activities

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• If you’d like your dog to participate in any of our "Have-A-Go" activities, ensure they are comfortable and happy to do so never pressure a dog into an activity they are hesitant about.

• Not all dogs enjoy every activity! The most important thing is that your dog has a fun and positive experience at Bark Life.

• While we love to see stylish pups, please do not dress your dog in costumes. Costumes can cause discomfort, overheating, and anxiety, and may confuse or distress other dogs.

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🐾 Respecting Animal Welfare Laws

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• In England and Wales, ear cropping and tail docking are illegal under the Animal Welfare Act (2006) due to the unnecessary suffering they can cause.

• While dogs with cropped ears or docked tails are welcome at Bark Life, they will not be permitted to enter our Fun Dog Show. We want to ensure all dogs attending are comfortable and happy.

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🌟 Final Notes

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• You are responsible for your dog’s safety and wellbeing at all times. Please do not leave your dog unattended at any point during the event.

• Enjoy the amazing food & drinks on offer, but please be mindful of what falls on the ground—some foods (such as chocolate, onions, and grapes) are toxic to dogs. Use the bins provided to keep the space safe.

• Glass is not permitted on the festival site, as it can break and pose a hazard to dogs and humans alike.

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At Bark Life Southampton, we are committed to creating a fun, inclusive, and safe environment for dogs and their owners. By following these guidelines, we can ensure that everyone has a fantastic time! 

Thank you for your cooperation we can't wait to welcome you and your furry friends to Bark Life!

🐶 See you on Sunday, 3rd August 2025!