The Gauteng Golden Retriever meet up is set to return for its second annual event on October 10, with the aim of raising funds for the non-profit organisation Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa (GRRSA). The family-friendly event, organised by Gauteng Golden Retrievers, will take place at Moreleta Kerk in Pretoria from 10am to 1pm. The event will feature a range of activities, including a splash pool and dog agility course, as well as pet vendors offering accessories and treats.
The South African pet care market, valued at $520 million (R8 billion), is projected to reach $800 million (R12.6 billion) by 2032, according to Vyansa Intelligence. This growing market has led to an increase in pet-related events, including the Gauteng Golden Retriever meet up. Last year's event attracted 149 Golden Retrievers, and organisers are hoping to match this number this year.
The event will give Golden Retrievers the opportunity to socialise and enjoy a range of activities, while owners can browse pet vendors and receive advice from behavioural experts. GRRSA is a registered non-profit organisation that works to help Golden Retrievers in need, with volunteers operating across several regions of the country. The organisation relies on support from the public to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome Golden Retrievers.
One of the organisers, Sandra Pavic, said that the event aims to raise funds for GRRSA, similar to larger gatherings held overseas in countries such as Scotland and Australia. Pavic added that last year's event was a success, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees. This year's event is expected to provide an opportunity for the wider Golden Retriever community to connect and celebrate the breed.
Major pet wellness brands, including PetShop Science, Badoodoo, Sniffle Snuffle, and Vets2Pets, have stepped on board to support the event. Liezel Mortimer, head of GRRSA, thanked the organisers of last year's meet up for their efforts in raising funds for the organisation. Mortimer also expressed gratitude to attendees who supported the event with their dogs.
The event will be held off-lead, and dogs attending must be socialised, vaccinated, and dewormed. Collars or harnesses with identification tags are mandatory, and owners remaining responsible for their dogs throughout the event. Children under the age of 16 can attend for free, while general admission tickets are available for adults and their dogs.
Tickets and event information are available through Quicket's Golden Retriever Day event page. The event will also showcase businesses supporting the Golden Retriever community, with pet-related vendors expected to offer products, treats, and services. For the organisers, the central purpose of the event remains supporting rescue work for Golden Retrievers in need.
Key points
- The Gauteng Golden Retriever meet up aims to raise funds for Golden Retriever Rescue South Africa (GRRSA).
- The event will feature a range of activities, including a splash pool and dog agility course.
- Major pet wellness brands, including PetShop Science and Vets2Pets, have stepped on board to support the event.
