Animal lovers are invited to enjoy a full day of family and pet-friendly fun as the popular Pet Celebration event returns to Ferne Animal Sanctuary on Saturday 21 February 2026.
Running from 10am to 4pm at the 72-acre sanctuary in the Blackdown Hills near Chard, the event promises a packed programme of activities for visitors and their four-legged friends.
One of the highlights of the day is the community dog walk at 11am, taking participants and their pooches on a four-mile countryside ramble from the sanctuary to The Cotley Inn.
Visitors can also enjoy a willow workshop, pet-friendly lucky dip and gift boxes, pet-themed arts and crafts in the Creative Corner, and an online photo caption competition. Refreshments will be available throughout the day at the on-site café, Perdida.
Emma Purnell, Chief Executive Officer of Ferne Animal Sanctuary, said: “We are excited to kick off our events season with the return of the Pet Celebration. The team has worked hard to bring back some of our favourite elements from previous years, while adding new offerings to the day our supporters love so much.
“As always, the proceeds from the day will be used to support the animals in our care.”
Workshops and online activities
Local willow sculptor Fon Cosens will host a hands-on workshop teaching participants how to make and decorate their own willow hare for the home or garden. The session must be pre-booked and costs £65 per person.
For those unable to attend in person, the sanctuary’s Pet Caption Competition is open online, with entries priced at £2 per submission until 21 February. Favourite photos will be displayed as part of a trail at the sanctuary.
In addition, Confetti Illustrations is offering hand-painted A6 pet portraits via the Ferne website, priced at £15 each, with £5 from every order donated to the sanctuary.
Reduced entry for the day
Ferne Animal Sanctuary is offering a reduced entry fee for the Pet Celebration, priced at £5 per adult and £3 per child when purchased at the visitor centre on the day.
The non-government funded charity has been providing refuge, rehabilitation and rehoming for animals for more than 85 years. Around 300 animals are cared for on its 72-acre site, located within the Blackdown Hills National Landscape near Chard in Somerset.
For full event details and pre-booking information, visit ferneanimalsanctuary.org.
