Dog show checklist: what to arrange and when

A dog show needs more than a ring and a list of entries. You need to confirm the venue, judges, competition classes, veterinary details, registrations, equipment, volunteers, and the running order before the day begins. This checklist helps you work from the first booking through to certificates, prizes, signage, and final material checks. Pay particular attention to anything that must be printed, ordered, or confirmed with participants before they arrive.

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
Assign judges
2 people
Determine competition classes
2 people
Create registration form
Write out house rules
2 people
Collect vet details
Send invitations
2 people
Post a social announcement
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Check dog breeds and numbers
2 people
Assign start numbers
2 people
Compile the catalog
2 people
Send participant confirmations
Order rosettes and prizes
Reserve tables and chairs
Reserve sound system
Assign volunteers
2 people
Create the ring layout
2 people
Print the inspection schedule
Print participant list
Prepare name badges
2 people
Fill out prize certificates
2 people
Make house rules and route signs
2 people
Check materials
2 people
Check the shopping list
Do the shopping
2 people
Plan dog water and rest areas
2 people
Pack bib numbers per participant
2 people
Sort prizes and certificates
2 people
Fill coolers
2 people
Open venue
2 people
Mark parking route
2 people
Set up barriers and walking routes
4 people
Set up judging rings
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Set up the judges' tables
2 people
Set up dog rest areas
3 people
Set out dog water
2 people
Hang up decorations
2 people
Test sound
2 people
Set up catering
3 people
Lay out inspection materials
2 people
Brief ring staff
3 people
Brief catering team
2 people

Event

Staff the registration desk
3 people
Receive participants and dogs
4 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Check vaccination records
2 people
Welcome visitors
3 people
Announce the opening
Supervise judging rounds
6 people
Announce start numbers
Record results
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
3 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Refill dog water
2 people
Check rest areas
2 people
Empty waste stations
2 people
Take care of judges
2 people
Hold a public vote for the audience award
2 people
Prepare awards ceremony
3 people
Support awards ceremony
4 people
Photograph the winners
2 people
Announce the closing remarks
Guide participant departures
3 people
Close catering
3 people
Turn off the sound

Aftercare

Carry out dog waste checks
3 people
Remove decorations
2 people
Take down tables and chairs
4 people
Dismantle judging rings
4 people
Clear away fences and signs
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Dispose of waste
2 people
Collect lost and found items
Inventory supplies
2 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Send results digitally
Share photos with participants
Publish prize winners
Send thank-you message

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 45
Folding table for registration
Folding chairs for judgesqty 6
Clothes racksqty 2
Dog crate tablesqty 6
Party tentsqty 3
Crowd control barriersqty 24
Conesqty 20
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Ring matsqty 3
Ring polesqty 12
Ribbonqty 6
Measuring tape for dogs
Dog scale

Animal supplies

Water tubsqty 12
Drinking water barrelsqty 4
Dog waste bag dispensersqty 6
Dog waste pickersqty 4
Dog towelsqty 20
Dog brushesqty 6
Lanes for ring useqty 12
Dog water bottlesqty 8

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Paper shredder
Sound system
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 5
Rechargeable walkie-talkiesqty 6
Mobile phonesqty 3
Camera
Power banksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable coffee cupsqty 100
Reusable drinking glassesqty 100
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Scissorsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Tableclothsqty 12
Photo backdrop
Rosettes for prizesqty 40
Prize trophiesqty 12
Photo frames for certificatesqty 12

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Light Stripsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 4
Floor squeegeesqty 3
Mopsqty 6
Bucketsqty 6
Microfiber clothsqty 20

Safety

First aid kit
Dog first aid kitqty 2
Work glovesqty 8
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Printed materials

Bib numbersqty 100
Participant catalogsqty 100
Name badgesqty 80
Badge holdersqty 80
Prize certificatesqty 40
Route signsqty 20
House rules postersqty 10
Ballotsqty 100
Pensqty 40
Notepadsqty 12
Printer paperqty 500
Tapeqty 8
Markersqty 12

Groceries

Groceries

Tips

Set the date and venue before opening registration. The ring layout, inspection schedule, parking route, tables, chairs, power access, and sound system all depend on the site you choose.
Close registrations early enough to check breeds, numbers, and dietary requirements. Leave at least 3–5 days to assign start numbers, compile the catalog, and send participant confirmations.
Order rosettes, prizes, and certificates before the final entry count is known. Keep a small buffer for additional classes, ties, or damaged items rather than waiting until show week.
Plan separate places for registration, judging, waiting dogs, and spectators. Ring mats, poles, lanes, barriers, cones, water tubs, and waste stations should be positioned before the first participant arrives.
Print the inspection schedule, participant list, name badges, certificates, house rules, and route signs before event day. Bring a laptop, printer, microphones, extension cords, and power strips, then check every item against the materials list.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a dog show?: Start at least 8–12 weeks before the show date. Confirm the location and judges first, then allow time for registration, participant communication, equipment reservations, prizes, and volunteer assignments.
When should dog show registrations close?: Close registrations at least 5–7 days before the event. That gives you time to check breeds and numbers, assign start numbers, compile the catalog, print lists, and send confirmations.
What equipment do I need for a dog show ring?: Plan ring mats, ring poles, ribbon, measuring equipment, a dog scale, lanes, water tubs, drinking water, towels, waste stations, and barriers or cones. Confirm the ring dimensions and layout before ordering or collecting equipment.
What should I print for a dog show?: Prepare the inspection schedule, participant list, catalog, name badges, house rules, route signs, and prize certificates. Print them at least 1–2 days in advance and check that the printer, paper, laptop, and power cables work.

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.