Rochesterfest Pet Waste Policy
Purpose—To ensure a clean, safe, and enjoyable environment for all attendees and their pets at Rochesterfest, we are implementing a comprehensive pet waste management plan. This policy will help maintain hygiene, reduce environmental impact, and promote responsible pet ownership throughout the event.
Pet Waste Management Plan
1. Pet Waste Disposal Awareness
· Event organizers will post visible reminders throughout the festival, encouraging attendees to clean up after their pets.
· Digital and social media announcements before and during the event will reinforce the importance of proper pet waste disposal.
· Signage will be placed at entrances, waste containers and designated pet-friendly areas, reminding owners of their responsibility to pick up after their pets.
2. Waste Containers
· Waste containers will be strategically placed throughout the event space, with an emphasis on high-traffic areas and the designated pet-friendly zone.
3. Free Waste Bags
· Free pet waste bags will be available at multiple locations, including vendor booths, pet-related event booths, and near all waste disposal stations.
· Bags will be stocked regularly to ensure availability throughout the event.
4. Periodic Walk-Throughs & Maintenance
· A designated team member from the pet-related booths will conduct periodic walk-throughs in the pet-friendly areas to identify and address any pet waste that may have been missed and helping to replenish any bags.
5. Compliance & Enforcement
· Event staff will kindly remind pet owners of their responsibility to clean up after their pets if necessary.
· Failure to comply with the pet waste policy may result in a request for the pet owner to leave the designated pet area.
By implementing these measures, we aim to keep Rochesterfest clean and welcoming for all attendees. Thank you for your cooperation in making this event a success!
Gearing Up—Finding the Right Tools for You and Your Dog
Aaran Skye from the Bucket List Dog Sports will be doing a Disk Dog Demo with her 2-year old Border Collie-Bucket. The demo will include freestyle, agility games, basic catches, and some great tricks. Bucket is a Title Holder and a state/world champion for Frisbee and other sports.
Leashes and Leads will be doing a Rally and Scent work demo at the Leashes and Leads booth for Rochester fest this year.
Rally is a series of Obedience commands that make up a course where the dog and handler execute the commands in order and are scored by how well each is executed.
Scent work is where we will have a dog locate a specific hidden scent.
PET ADOPTION EVENTS
AT ROCHESTERFEST
Paws and Claws Adoption Events
Wednesday, June 25th-10:00 am
Friday, June 27th—10:00 am
FOREVER FIDO PUPPY RESCUE
Thursday, June 26th—10:00 am
EVENTS SPONSORED BY
FOREVER FIDO RESCUE
Paint with your dog: lick art. Let your pup pick out their favorite treats and as they enjoy licking their treat, paint under plastic will capture their unique artwork for you to take home. Class will also include information on other fun DIY enrichment activities and explain the need for enrichment and why it’s a crucial part of raising a happy and well mannered dog of any age.
Dog and kid activities- this class will focus on fun and safe games dogs and kids can do together. Best practices for raising dogs and kids simultaneously will be outlined and games will be demoed with the dogs and kids who come
Bring your Pet to Rochesterfest—Below are ten ways to make the most of the day while ensuring everyone stays happy and safe!
Know Your Dog-Not all dogs enjoy events, and that’s OK. If your pup wouldn’t enjoy it, leave him at home.
Respect Boundaries-Some dogs and owners my prefer space-respect their choice.
Mind Kids and Dogs-Even kid-friendly pups can feel stressed in crowded settings. Keep kids out of your dog’s personal space, expecially if you dog seems uncertain.
4. Time Limit—Keep your visit short-1-2 hours max. Watch for signs of stress or fatigue in your pup.
5. Health First-Ensure vaccinations, including Bordetella, are up to date. If your dog isn’t feeling well, leave them at home.
6. Stay Hydrated-Offer plenty of water and rest for your pup.
7. Leash Tips-Use a 5’ or 6’ straight leash, not a retractable one, for better control and fewer tangles.
8. Consider a Harness-A harness can improve control, comfort, and safety over a collar.
9. Avoid On-Leash Greetings-Leashed meetings can lead to frustration or tangles.
10. Enjoy Yourself-Take in the atmospher and explore the great vendors at Rochesterfest.
EVENTS SPONSORED BY
CENTRAL BARK
Bite Prevention Seminar—aimed at children to help educate and reduce the risk of bites.
Paw Art—Bring your pet to this class to get paw or tongue prints on a sheet of paper to take home with you.
Groomer Q&A—Brief presentation on the importance and how-to of at home grooming maintenance. Learn tips for getting your pet acclimated to different services, and fear-free techniques.
K9 Sprinter will offer this great presentation
“Gearing Up-Finding the Right Tools for you and your Dog”.
Ready to take the guesswork out of dog gear? Whether you’re training, walking, or just trying to make outings more enjoyable, this 30-minute seminar will walk you through the wide world of leashes, collars, harnesses, and more. Learn what each tool is designed for, how to match equipment to your dog’s unique needs, and feel confident about the choices you make. Whether you're new to dog ownership or just curious if there's a better way—this one's for you.
2. Not every dog is the same—and neither is every leash or collar. In this short, info-packed seminar, we’ll explore the different types of dog-walking equipment, what each one is best used for, and how to choose the right fit for your lifestyle.
3. Flat collar or head halter? Long line or slip lead? If you're overwhelmed by all the gear out there, you're not alone. This seminar simplifies the confusion with real talk about real tools—how they work, when to use them, and what’s best for your dog. Get ready to walk away with answers.
The Dachshund Race at Rochesterfest will be returning in 2025 on Saturday, June 28th at 11:00 am. The great people at “Small Dog Minnesota” will once again be coordinating this event.
