DOGATHON™ 2025 is returning to bring together dog lovers for a day of fun and excitement! Organized annually by the VETERNAK club of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Putra Malaysia (UPM), this event is more than just a gathering and fundraising event, it is a meaningful initiative to raise awareness about stray dogs welfare and promote responsible pet ownership.
Since its inception in 1997, DOGATHON™ has been committed to raising funds to support the Stray Animal Awareness Program and assist with the PRO-KASIH “Catch, Neuter, Rehome” (CNR) programme, which focuses on humane stray population management. PRO-KASIH is a student organization that is currently involved in neutering stray cats in UPM and open for adoption for neutered stray cats and dogs. The practice of good animal welfare is essential to minimise the stress imposed onto animals, allowing them to express their natural behaviours and leading to a more humane treatment of animals. By joining DOGATHON™, visitors can enjoy a memorable day with their pets while supporting a meaningful cause. Dogathon™ 2014 was especially successful in that it charted a best for “The Biggest Dog Gathering in Malaysia” in the Malaysia Book of Records with a total of 1216 dogs!
Every year, great games and activities for both visitors and their dogs have been a hallmark of Dogathon™. One of the most exciting highlights of DOGATHON™ 2025 is the Dog Race Challenge, a 1km course where participants and their dogs can enjoy the fun run together and venture through obstacles along the track in the cool early morning. Aside from the race, visitors can take part in various interactive games, including Dogémon Gym, an obstacle course to test the dog's agility featuring Fire, Water, Grass and Electric Zones with different challenges; Dogémon Pawsuit Pursuit, a challenge involving solving riddles, selecting costumes, performing tricks and navigating obstacles; Dogémon Adventure House, a station for treat hunts, hide and seek games, and a photobooth session; and Pawfect Memories, where visitors can design custom tote bag or a photo frame with their dog’s paw prints and drawings. There will also be a general complimentary physical examination upon entering the event. To add on, a veterinary consultation booth will be available for optional general checkups and emergency cases.
DOGATHON™ 2025 will also be running online contests such as Dogé-pup Cosplay Challenge and Dogémon Memes Contest from 12th February to 20 April 2025. Grand prizes worth RM200, RM100, and RM50 will be awarded to the top three winners for both contests respectively! Additionally, the top 10 finalists of Dogé-pup Cosplay Challenge will be invited to dogathon live Catwalk where expert judges Kelly Wong Ern Joe from JGA Grooming Academy and Ng Suk Hong from De Grand Grooming Academy to evaluate the most creative dog costumes. Furthermore, this event will also showcase a Dog Obedience Demonstration led by Ms. Low Phaik June, a VSA-Certified Dog Trainer and founder of Mighty Dog Academy, in collaboration with Border Collie Club Malaysia.
On top of that, there will be a pet fair with over 20 booths offering a variety of pet-related products. Visitors can also enjoy a selection of food stalls catering to humans! DOGATHON™.
2025 promises to be an exciting and wonderful event for pet owners, animal lovers, and advocates of animal welfare. The public is warmly invited to join and be part of this meaningful cause while enjoying a day filled with engaging activities and entertainment.
Don’t let this rare opportunity to create unforgettable memories with your beloved furry friends slip through your fingers! The event will take place on 26th April 2025 at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FPV), UPM, from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
For more information and updates, kindly visit Facebook (@DogathonTM), Instagram (@dogathontm), and TikTok (@DogathonTM) or feel free to reach out to us for further clarification!
