Dog Show Planning Checklist

A dog show runs smoothly when registrations, judging and ring setup are settled before the first handler arrives. Start by confirming the date and venue, then arrange judges, ringmasters and veterinary cover. Set a firm registration deadline so you have time to check dog details, build the class schedule and print the catalog. In the final week, confirm participants, prepare folders and badges, check the weather, and make sure every ring has water, mats, barriers and waste-bag stations.

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

Confirm date and location
2 people
Draft the show rules
2 people
Approach jury members
Approach ringmasters
Arranging a veterinarian
Draft invitations
Send invitations
2 people
Publish registration form
Process registrations
2 people
Confirm participants
Collect dietary requirements
Check dog details
2 people
Create class schedule
2 people
Plan start times by class
2 people
Print participant list
Compile the catalog
2 people
Order prizes and ribbons
Book catering
Communicate dog-friendly rules
Check the weather forecast
Do the shopping
2 people
Sort prizes and ribbons
2 people
Prepare participant folders
2 people
Prepare name badges
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people

Event

Open venue
2 people
Inspect the grounds
3 people
Set up tents
4 people
Cordon off the ring
3 people
Lay out ring mats
3 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
3 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Set up judges' table
2 people
Test sound system
2 people
Check the lighting
2 people
Mark walking routes
2 people
Mark the dog walking area
2 people
Refill water stations
2 people
Set up catering
3 people
Set out coffee and tea
2 people
Display prizes
2 people
Brief the registration team
2 people
Welcome the judges
2 people
Register participants
4 people
Hand out introductory information
2 people
Direct dogs to the rings
3 people
Announce the opening
Guide classes
4 people
Record results
2 people
Set up the ring equipment
2 people
Collect judging forms
2 people
Inform participants
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Remove trash and dog waste
3 people
Refill the water tubs
2 people
Guide the audience to the final
2 people
Lead the final
4 people
Present prizes
3 people
Announce the closing
See participants off
3 people

Aftercare

Turn off the sound equipment
2 people
Clean up catering
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Gather ring materials
3 people
Take down tents
4 people
Collect waste
3 people
Clean the grounds
4 people
Clean the restrooms
2 people
Archive results
Email results to participants
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Store leftover stock
2 people
Process lost property
Keep invoices and receipts

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 80
Judges' tableqty 2
Registration deskqty 2
Waste binsqty 10
Clothes racksqty 2
Dog crateqty 8
Grooming tableqty 4
Parasolsqty 4

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Laptopsqty 2
Label printer
Printer
Charging stationsqty 3
Walkie-talkiesqty 8

Ring materials

Barrier postsqty 24
Barrier tapeqty 12
Ring matsqty 4
Dog leashesqty 12
Number signsqty 80
Ringmaster tablesqty 4
Measuring sticksqty 4
Water tubsqty 16
Drinking water containersqty 8
Dog waste bag dispensersqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Coffee potsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6
Serving traysqty 6

Decorations

Show bannersqty 6
Welcome sign
Directional signsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 12
Rosettesqty 80
Medalsqty 40
Trophiesqty 12
Name badgesqty 100
Pensqty 30
Badge holdersqty 80
Buntingqty 8

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 8
LED work lightsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6
Cooling platesqty 8
Kettlesqty 3
Coffee filtersqty 100
Thermometerqty 2

Cleaning

Broomqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4
Bucketsqty 6
Mopsqty 6
Spongesqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 8
Hand sanitizer pumpsqty 8
Paper towel dispensersqty 8
Dog waste bag dispensersqty 12
Dog waste pickersqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 4
Cable matsqty 12
Work glovesqty 12
Safety vestsqty 12

Office

Catalogsqty 100
Participant foldersqty 80
Jury formsqty 200
Registration formsqty 100
Clipboardsqty 20
Markersqty 20
Ballpoint pensqty 40
Staplersqty 4
Rolls of tapeqty 12
Notepadsqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the registration deadline at least 10–14 days before the show. Use that gap to check dog details, collect dietary requirements and confirm each participant before printing the catalog.
Plan class start times with realistic gaps for judging, measuring and moving dogs between rings. Give ringmasters the final schedule and participant list before setup day.
Arrange veterinary cover before publishing invitations, and include dog-friendly rules in the registration information. This prevents last-minute questions about welfare, access and behavior at the venue.
Check power and communication needs during the site walkthrough. Test extension cords, power strips, speakers, the microphone, laptops, printers and charging stations before participants arrive.
Prepare the venue in separate zones: registration, judging rings, grooming, catering and waste disposal. Put water tubs, drinking water containers and dog-waste bag dispensers where handlers can reach them quickly.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a dog show?: Start planning at least 8–12 weeks before the show. Confirm the date and location first, then secure judges, ringmasters, veterinary cover and catering before opening registration.
When should dog show registration close?: Close registration 10–14 days before the event. That gives you time to check dog details, confirm participants, create class schedules and print the participant list and catalog.
How many rings do I need for a dog show?: Base the number of rings on the number of classes, expected entries and judging time. As a practical starting point, plan one ring per judge and add enough space for waiting, measuring and safe movement around the ring.
What should be ready on the morning of a dog show?: Set up the registration desk, judges' table, rings, barriers, mats, number signs, water stations and waste-bag dispensers before doors open. Have participant folders, name badges, the printed catalog, prizes and ribbons ready at least 60 minutes before the first class.

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.