Dog Lovers Day

A Roman gathering for dog lovers

Dog Lovers Day is a free event held in the Valle dei Cani at Villa Borghese, the designated dog area within Rome's most famous historic park, in the Municipio II district. The initiative is promoted by Zoetis Italia, a leader in animal health, with the patronage of ANMVI (National Association of Italian Veterinarians), and is aimed at all dog owners in the Capital and the Metropolitan City of Rome, in the Lazio region.

This is not a commercial fair or a dog show: it is an educational event designed to bring citizens closer to the culture of veterinary prevention in an informal, outdoor setting where the dog is a guest alongside its owner.

Key themes of the day

The common thread is the daily relationship between a person and their dog, explored with the help of professionals. The four main pillars of the event are:

• Health and parasite prevention: how to protect your dog from external and internal parasites throughout the year;
• Proper nutrition: the role of the food bowl in the animal's general well-being;
• Behavior and mental balance: reading a dog's signals and managing motivational imbalances;
• Combating DIY solutions: the veterinarian as a stable point of reference, not just in emergencies.

Talks, consultations, and activities

The format alternates between listening sessions and individual moments. The informative talks are held by ANMVI veterinarians and certified dog trainers, featuring short, accessible presentations even for those without technical knowledge. Next to the conference area, spaces are set up for free veterinary consultations, where every owner can receive personalized advice for their dog.

The day is completed by the distribution of informative materials and guidelines on good parasite prevention practices, recreational moments for families, and a photobooth with a professional photographer dedicated to owner-dog pairs. Participation is free and open to all, in compliance with current animal safety and welfare regulations.

Villa Borghese, the setting

The choice of the Valle dei Cani is no coincidence: it is one of the most popular dog areas in Rome, nestled in the greenery of Villa Borghese, just a few steps from the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina and easily accessible from the Pinciano, Parioli, and Flaminio neighborhoods. The park offers shade, space, and paths that allow you to extend your visit even after the event ends.

A traveling format between Rome and Milan

Dog Lovers Day is not an isolated event: the same cycle includes a second stop in Milan, at Parco Sempione, the following week. The two days have collectively gathered over a thousand owners, confirming the growing interest in more conscious animal health management. As Marco Melosi of ANMVI noted, direct dialogue between veterinarians and owners remains an essential tool to combat the misinformation circulating online.

Who is it for?

The event is suitable for anyone who lives with a dog, from first-time owners to those with experience: families with children will find dedicated activities, while those looking for specific answers can take advantage of individual consultations. Even those considering adopting a dog can participate to better understand the commitments, costs, and responsibilities involved.