How to organise a dog show without last-minute confusion

A dog show runs smoothly when entries, judging and ring logistics are settled in the right order. Start by confirming the date and venue, then define competition classes, appoint judges and open registration. Before the event, check breed details, collect veterinary information and publish the catalogue and running order. On the day, the registration desk, clearly marked rings, water points and volunteer roles need to be ready before the first competitors 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

1
Confirm date and location
2 people
2
Assign judges
2 people
3
Determine competition classes
2 people
4
Create registration form
5
Write out house rules
2 people
6
Collect vet details
7
Send invitations
2 people
8
Post a social announcement
9
Process registrations
2 people
10
Collect dietary requirements
11
Check dog breeds and numbers
2 people
12
Assign start numbers
2 people
13
Compile the catalog
2 people
14
Send participant confirmations
15
Order rosettes and prizes
16
Reserve tables and chairs
17
Reserve sound system
18
Assign volunteers
2 people
19
Create the ring layout
2 people
20
Print the inspection schedule
21
Print participant list
22
Prepare name badges
2 people
23
Fill out prize certificates
2 people
24
Make house rules and route signs
2 people
25
Check materials
2 people
26
Check the shopping list
27
Do the shopping
2 people
28
Plan dog water and rest areas
2 people
29
Pack bib numbers per participant
2 people
30
Sort prizes and certificates
2 people
31
Fill coolers
2 people
32
Open venue
2 people
33
Mark parking route
2 people
34
Set up barriers and walking routes
4 people
35
Set up judging rings
4 people
36
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
37
Set up registration desk
2 people
38
Set up the judges' tables
2 people
39
Set up dog rest areas
3 people
40
Set out dog water
2 people
41
Hang up decorations
2 people
42
Test sound
2 people
43
Set up catering
3 people
44
Lay out inspection materials
2 people
45
Brief ring staff
3 people
46
Brief catering team
2 people

Event

47
Staff the registration desk
3 people
48
Receive participants and dogs
4 people
49
Hand out race numbers
2 people
50
Check vaccination records
2 people
51
Welcome visitors
3 people
52
Announce the opening
53
Supervise judging rounds
6 people
54
Announce start numbers
55
Record results
2 people
56
Serve coffee and tea
3 people
57
Serve snacks
3 people
58
Refill drinks
2 people
59
Refill dog water
2 people
60
Check rest areas
2 people
61
Empty waste stations
2 people
62
Take care of judges
2 people
63
Hold a public vote for the audience award
2 people
64
Prepare awards ceremony
3 people
65
Support awards ceremony
4 people
66
Photograph the winners
2 people
67
Announce the closing remarks
68
Guide participant departures
3 people
69
Close catering
3 people
70
Turn off the sound

Aftercare

71
Carry out dog waste checks
3 people
72
Remove decorations
2 people
73
Take down tables and chairs
4 people
74
Dismantle judging rings
4 people
75
Clear away fences and signs
3 people
76
Wash dishes
3 people
77
Clean the venue
4 people
78
Dispose of waste
2 people
79
Collect lost and found items
80
Inventory supplies
2 people
81
Return borrowed materials
2 people
82
Send results digitally
83
Share photos with participants
84
Publish prize winners
85
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 structure before inviting competitors: define the competition classes, write the house rules and assign judges before sending invitations. This prevents changes to the registration form and catalogue later.
Close registrations early enough to check every entry. Allow at least 7 days to verify dog breeds and numbers, collect veterinary details and assign start numbers before sending confirmations.
Plan the ring layout around the judging schedule, not just the available space. Mark lanes and entrances with cones or barriers, and leave room for handlers, judges and dogs to move safely.
Prepare the registration desk as a separate work area. Put the participant list, name badges, printer and spare paper there, and have start numbers ready before doors open.
Check animal welfare supplies the day before, including water tubs, drinking water, waste-bag dispensers, waste pickers and dog towels. Test microphones, extension cords and power strips before competitors arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a dog show?: Start planning at least 8 to 12 weeks before the show. Confirm the venue and judges first, then allow 3 to 4 weeks for registrations and at least 7 days to finalise the catalogue and running order.
How do I organise registrations for a dog show?: Use one registration form that captures the handler, dog, breed, class and veterinary details. Close entries 7 to 10 days before the event so you can check numbers, assign start numbers and send participant confirmations.
What should be ready on the morning of a dog show?: Set up the registration desk, rings, signs, barriers, seating and water points before the first arrival, ideally 60 to 90 minutes beforehand. Test the sound system and microphones, then brief volunteers on the schedule and routes.
How many volunteers do I need for a dog show?: For a small show, plan on at least 1 person at registration, 1 ring steward per active ring and 1 general helper for water, signs and supplies. Add another volunteer for every extra ring running at the same time.

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.