Dog Show Shopping List

A dog show needs more than ribbons and a ring. You will need separate supplies for registration, judging, exhibitors, dogs, spectators and unpredictable weather. This checklist covers the practical items to buy or bring, from ring barriers and measuring sticks to water containers, power equipment and waste bags. Plan quantities from your confirmed entry list, then add a small reserve for damaged signs, extra dogs and last-minute registrations.

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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
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea selection - 200 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Sandwiches - 120 pieces
- Mini croissants - 80 pieces
- Currant buns - 40 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Jam - 3 jars
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Cucumber - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Red onion - 1 kilo
- Herb cheese - 1 kilo
- Pasta salad - 8 kilo
- Potato salad - 6 kilos
- Vegetarian wraps - 40 pieces
- Chicken satay - 100 pieces
- Mini meatballs - 5 kilos
- Vegetarian snacks - 4 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Olives - 3 jars
- Nut mix - 2 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Mandarins - 60 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 60
- Muffins - 60 pieces
- Apple pie - 4 pieces
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Honey - 2 jars
- Herbal tea - 4 boxes
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegan toppings - 1 kilo
- Lactose-free milk - 4 liters
- Dog kibble - 10 kilos
- Dog treats - 5 kilos
- Dog biscuits - 4 packs
- Dog chew treats - 100 pieces
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dog waste bags - 1000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 8 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 24 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 30 pieces
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Food containers - 20 pieces
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Teaspoons - 100 pieces
- Wooden skewers - 500 pieces

Tips

Bring at least one water container and drinking-water point per ring, plus enough refill capacity for the full judging schedule. Dogs may need water while waiting, not only during breaks.
Set aside one complete registration kit before the day starts: printed participant lists, name badges, folders, pens, a laptop or printer, and spare labels. Keep extra labels for corrections and late changes.
Allow one extension cord and one power strip for each powered work area, such as registration, judging and refreshments. Add charging stations or spare cables so radios, laptops and phones do not run flat.
Prepare ring supplies by ring rather than putting everything in one box. Each ring should have its own barrier posts, tape, number signs, mats, leashes and measuring sticks, with a few spare signs nearby.
Buy waste bags for the expected dog count plus a reserve, and place dispensers near entrances, rings and walking routes. Order prizes and ribbons early enough to check names, classes and quantities before packing them.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to bring to a dog show?: Bring ring barriers, tape, mats, number signs, leashes, measuring sticks, tables and chairs, plus registration and printing supplies. You also need drinking water, water tubs, waste-bag dispensers, coolers, weather cover and equipment for announcements.
How much drinking water do I need for a dog show?: Base the amount on the number of dogs, the forecast and the length of the show, then add a reserve for delays and warm weather. Provide at least one accessible water point per ring and enough containers to refill them without interrupting judging.
When should I order dog show ribbons and prizes?: Order them as soon as the classes and expected participant numbers are confirmed. Check the names, class titles and quantities before the event, and pack each prize group by class so it can be handed out quickly.
What should I prepare for dog show registration?: Prepare the participant list, catalog, folders, name badges, laptop, printer and label supplies before opening registration. Keep the desk ready at least 30 minutes before the first scheduled class, with spare labels and paper for corrections.

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