Dogs of all shapes, sizes and varieties turned out in their droves for the annual Doggy Day Out at Uretara Reserve in Katikati.

Now into its third year, the family event aims to give back to the local dog community by offering entertainment, advice, competitions, plus great offers on dog essentials like microchipping.

Hosted by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, animal service officer Betty Hall says more than 100 dogs owners took part today.

'We've had everything here today, from small and cute dogs, to large and big, and everything else in between. And they weren't just pure breeds, there were cross breeds, everything.

'The Doggy Day Out is about people coming out with their dogs, enjoying themselves and meeting other dog owners. There's also been a lot of people here who don't own dogs, they just came down to enjoy the day.”

Zara Walton getting ready for the best dressed competition.

This year's Doggy Day Out also featured a number of shows, such as the My Dog's Got Talent and the best dressed dog competitions.

'We've had an agility show from the Mount Maunganui Dog Agility and Dog Obedience trainingclub who've come out to support us today, as well as our ‘spokesdog' Alfie showing the crowd what he can do with a soccer and rugby ball, and a broomstick.”

Betty says the this year's Doggy Day Out has definitely grown in size compared to those previous, and along with a number of local dogs and their owners, pooches and their humans from as far away as New Plymouth and Auckland also travelled to Katikati to take part today.

'It's quite surprising how far some people have come. It's definitely getting bigger and bigger, and people are coming from all over to take part in these events.

Michalla Mallett with Carmah, Shadow, Chaos, and Sassi. Michalla brought her Rough Collies up from New Plymouth for a trick display.

Assistant judges Kieran Hamshire, 8, Asha Anderson, 4, and Samantha Hamshire, 5.