Maleny Veterinary Services proudly presents…
Ready, Set, Race! 🐾 Unleash the fun at Paws of Thunder where tails wag and hearts race for a good cause! 🏆
Please join us for a day of fun dog races for family pets, with all proceeds raised going to Maleny APEX! Bring your pooches of all shapes and sizes – it’s a fun day for the whole family! Some food and market stalls will also be operating to add to the atmosphere.
Paws of Thunder is a fantastic way for families to spend time together with their dogs. Picture a lively event where adorable dogs of all shapes and sizes compete in exciting races, their tails wagging with excitement. Kids and adults alike cheer for their favorite furry athletes as they dash towards the finish line. Between races, families can enjoy tasty snacks, play games and meet some of the friendly canine competitors.
Whether you’re a dog owner or simply love animals, Paws of Thunder promises a day full of laughter, excitement and tail-wagging fun for the whole family.
IMPORTANT NOTE: As the day involves many dogs off-leash in the vicinity of families with small children, we kindly request that no dangerous breeds or animals who have previously displayed aggressive behaviour attend.
Key Event Info
- When: Sunday, 17 August 2025; Race registration and stalls open 9:30am; First race at 10am then will run roughly every 15 minutes
- Where: Maleny Showground, Main Oval
13 Maleny Stanley River Rd, Maleny QLD - Cost: $5 per dog, per race
Races by age
- Racing Babies: Any dog under 12 months
- Proud Pooches: Any dog 13 months to 9 years
- Golden Oldies: Any dog over 10 years
Races by size
- Tiny Tackers: Any dog up to 10kg
- Mid-Size Mayhem: Any dog 10-30kg
- Mega Mutts: Any dog over 30kg
Extras
- K-9 Cup: Working breeds, any size and age
- Fastest Dog on the Hill: The grand final! 1st and 2nd places from other races (excluding K-9 cup)
- Fashions on the Field: Fancy dress competition for any pooches wanting to strut their doggie duds
- Dog Jump: Open to dogs over 12 months of age, of good fitness and able to safely jump at least 1m in height
Any business interested in sponsoring the event or hosting a food/market stall on the day are asked to please email info@malenyvet.com.au
Race Information and Rules
Schedule
Please note times are approximate and may change without notice depending on the number entrants and race heats:
10:00am – Racing Babies (any dog under 12 months)
Sponsor to be confirmed
10:15am – Proud Pooches (any dog 13 months to 9 years)
Sponsor to be confirmed
10:30am – Golden Oldies (any dog over 10 years)
Sponsor to be confirmed
10:45am – Tiny Tackers (any dog up to 10kg)
Sponsor to be confirmed
11:00am – Mid-Size Mayhem (any dog 10-30kg)
Sponsor to be confirmed
11:15am – Mega Mutts (any dog over 30kg)
Sponsor to be confirmed
11:30am – K-9 Cup (working breeds, any size and age)
Sponsor to be confirmed
11:45am – Fastest Dog on the Hill (the grand final – 1st and 2nd places from other races, excluding K-9 cup)
Sponsor to be confirmed
12:00pm – Fashions on the Field (fancy dress competition for any pooches wanting to strut their doggie duds)
Sponsor to be confirmed
12:30pm – Dog Jump (open to dogs over 12 months of age, of good fitness and able to safely jump at least 1m in height)
Sponsor to be confirmed
Race Rules
- All entrants must have a race ticket to participate in a race. Tickets are $5 per dog per race.
- A maximum of 12 dogs will compete per heat. Finalists will be determined according to the number of dogs in the heats.
- Races are approximately 80m unless otherwise stated.
- Dogs are held at the start by a “handler” and will run to their “catcher” behind the finish line. Only one “handler” and one “catcher” per dog.
- The dog that crosses the finish line first will be declared the winner, irrespective of the route taken or other canine interference.
- A dog may compete in as many races for which they are eligible, however, may only win ONE first prize on the day. In the event of a taking first prize previously, they will be passed over for the next “runner up”.
- No artificial aids are permitted (e.g. whistles, balls, toys, food etc). Verbal calls or mouth whistles only.
- Judges’ decision is final.
- The race organisers reserve the right to alter or vary the order of the events listed in the program.
- A prize presentation will follow the final of each event.
Information to ensure a safe and happy day:
- Unless within the race compound, dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
- All entrants compete at their own risk.
- During the running of races, spectators are asked to remain outside the fenced race area.
- Owners must ensure their dog has access to water.
- Patrons are to be considerate of one another.
- The race organisers accept no responsibility for the actions of patrons or their dogs.
- No dangerous dogs.
- Organisers reserve the right to ask any dog displaying aggressive or poor behaviour to leave at any time.
