Pets As Therapy (PAT) named as the nominated charity for the Woof Wag Festival
The organisers of the Woof Wag Festival have announced that the national charity Pets As Therapy (PAT) has been selected as the official charitable partner for the inaugural dog festival. The partnership aims to shine a spotlight on the vital work carried out by PAT’s dedicated volunteers and their temperament-assessed pets, who bring comfort, companionship, and therapeutic support to people in communities across the UK.
The Woof Wag Festival is set to be held on Saturday 16 May 2026 at Wicksteed Park in Kettering, Northamptonshire.
Pets As Therapy was chosen for its unique mission, which perfectly aligns with the festival's community spirit and goal of boosting emotional wellbeing. The charity facilitates visits by registered PAT Dogs to a wide variety of establishments, including hospitals, hospices, schools, and care homes.
Here at Woof Wag we feel that Pets As Therapy’s contribution to communities across the UK is profoundly life-enhancing. They perfectly embody the power of the human-animal bond, with their 'superhero dogs' providing vital emotional support and making a genuine therapeutic difference—whether it’s helping a child gain confidence through reading or bringing a smile to someone coping with illness or isolation. We are incredibly proud to offer PAT the opportunity to be our nominated charity at the Woof Wag Festival. Together, we are now working on some exciting projects for the festival that will highlight PAT’s important work in the community.
Steven Wibberley, Pets As Therapy Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as the charitable partner for Woof Wag Festival 2026. Events like this help us raise awareness about the work we do right across the UK with our team of over 5,000 volunteers. We know that when we share joy, it doesn't just stay with us – it multiplies. For the volunteers, for the people and places we visit, and for the pets. That is what makes Pets As Therapy so special. Thank you to the organisers of Woof Wag Festival – we can’t wait to see everyone next May!”
Festival attendees will have several exciting opportunities to engage directly with Pets As Therapy throughout the day. Visitors can meet PAT Dogs and their amazing handlers to learn first-hand about their life-changing visits. Additionally, interested dog owners can find out how they and their canine companion can take the steps to become a volunteer PAT team. Keep an eye on our festival announcements for specific timings and locations! You can find out more at WoofWagFestival.uk
The Woof Wag Festival will be held on Saturday 16 May 2026 from 10am to 4pm at Wicksteed Park in Kettering, Northants. In line with Woof Wag’s commitment to accessibility, entrance to the dog festival will be free for all attendees. Visitors are encouraged to sign up for their free ticket and be entered into a draw of 300 prize bags.