Dog school open day checklist

A dog school open day needs more than a welcome table and a few demonstrations. You need a clear programme, confirmed trainers, safe dog fields, volunteer cover and a way to manage registrations and dietary requirements. Use this checklist to work backwards from the event date, then prepare the visitor list, run sheet, badges, wristbands and welcome packs before setup day. It also covers practical details people often leave too late, including permits, weather checks, power, refreshments and transport loading.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Set the date and program
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Publish open day online
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Assign volunteers
2 people
Document demonstrations
2 people
Confirm dog trainers
Make reservations
Check permits
Check the weather forecast
Print the visitor list
Print the run sheet
Prepare name badges
2 people
Sort wristbands
Put together a dog welcome pack
2 people
Lay out the information materials
2 people
Print the price list
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Collect materials
3 people
Check dog fields
2 people
Check the venue for safety
2 people
Create a loading plan for transport

Event

Open venue
2 people
Set up tents
4 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
3 people
Set up the information desk
2 people
Set up the catering buffet
3 people
Set up coffee station
2 people
Place dog water stations
2 people
Build the agility course
3 people
Mark out demo field
2 people
Mark traffic route
2 people
Hang decorations
2 people
Set up signage
2 people
Test sound system
2 people
Staff the registration desk
2 people
Welcome visitors
3 people
Welcome dogs
2 people
Give the opening speech
Give tours
3 people
Demonstrate puppy training
2 people
Demonstrate Obedience
2 people
Demonstrate agility
3 people
Moderate the Q&A session
2 people
Assist trial lessons
4 people
Process lesson registrations
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Empty trash bins
2 people
Refresh dog water
2 people
Keep the site clean and safe
2 people
Guide visitors to the exit
2 people
Dismantle materials
4 people
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
Clean up catering
3 people
Wash dishes
2 people

Aftercare

Clean the grounds
4 people
Clean up dog waste
2 people
Dispose of waste
2 people
Clean materials
3 people
Inventory materials
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Clear away leftover stock
2 people
Process registrations administratively
Send thank-you message

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 60
Beer table setsqty 4
Information desk
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Pouring jugsqty 8

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Refrigerators
Coolersqty 4
Speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Rechargeable batteriesqty 4

Sports equipment

Agility tunnelsqty 2
Agility jumpsqty 4
Agility slalom polesqty 12
Agility touchpoint
Training matsqty 6
Fetch ballsqty 12
Tug toysqty 12
Clickersqty 12
Target Sticksqty 6
Food bagsqty 12
Long linesqty 12
Collarsqty 12
Training linesqty 12
Water tubsqty 12
Dog crateqty 2
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Traffic conesqty 24
Rubber Conesqty 20
Dog waste bag dispensersqty 6
Dog towelsqty 20
Emergency blanketsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Balloon archesqty 2
Tableclothsqty 8
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Name badgesqty 80
Wristbandsqty 100
Directional signsqty 12
Program postersqty 10
Information boardsqty 8

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving utensilsqty 12
Thermos flasksqty 6
Ice packsqty 20
Aluminum foilqty 2
Food storage containersqty 12
Food thermometersqty 2

Cleaning

Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Hand broomsqty 4
Waste binsqty 8
Hand sanitizer pumpsqty 6
Toilet brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the programme and confirm dog trainers before publishing the open day online. Send invitations early enough to process registrations, collect dietary requirements and print an accurate visitor list.
Assign volunteers to specific jobs rather than simply asking for general help. Cover the information desk, demonstrations, refreshments, visitor flow and dog-field safety, with a named backup for each area.
Check the dog fields and venue for hazards before event day. Mark any restricted areas, keep agility tunnels, jumps, slalom poles and other equipment positioned safely, and include the arrangements in the run sheet.
Prepare the information desk materials at least one day ahead. Sort name badges and wristbands, assemble dog welcome packs, lay out information materials and print the price list so visitors are not waiting while staff search for them.
Plan refreshments around the programme and available power. Chill drinks in advance, prepare snacks, and test coffee machines, kettles, refrigerators, coolers, speakers and microphones; pack extension cords, power strips and rechargeable batteries with the equipment load.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a dog school open day?: Set the date and programme at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead. That gives you time to confirm trainers, check permits, publish the event, process registrations and assign volunteers before printing visitor materials.
When should I check the weather for a dog school open day?: Check the forecast 7 days before the event, then check again 24 hours before setup. Use the final check to confirm whether the party tent, outdoor demonstrations, dog fields and transport plan need adjusting.
How many volunteers do I need for a dog school open day?: Plan at least one volunteer for the information desk, one for refreshments and one for each active demonstration or visitor-flow area. Add a named reserve so a break or absence does not leave a station unattended.
When should I prepare the visitor list and name badges?: Close or review registrations 2 to 3 days before the event, then print the visitor list and name badges after the final update. Sort wristbands and welcome packs at the same time so the check-in desk is ready before doors open.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.