DogFest on The Farm backs charity helping retired service animals - like hero prison dog Rex
The Leeds festival is supporting an important cause 🐾
DogFest on The Farm has announced the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA) as its official charity partner for 2026 - raising cash for hero service dogs.
The event, taking place at Harewood House on September 12 and 13, will offer a packed weekend of activities, including an appearance from special guest chef James Martin.
And ticket-holders will now have the opportunity to support the NFRSA when purchasing tickets, with an optional donation available at checkout.
The NFRSA cares for retired service animals across the country who have served alongside the UK’s emergency services, including in Yorkshire.
This includes retired German Shepherd prison patrol dog Rex, who served within HMP Wakefield for just under five years.
His role was to provide security, prevent escape and serious disorder whilst supporting staff and acting as a deterrent to prisoners.
Rex was trained in obedience and searching for property (weapons, phones or anything with human scent), to locate missing prisoners or staff within buildings or externally, and to chase and detain a person where necessary.
His proud handler Ray said: "Rex was given away by his owner when he was two years old, and I was the lucky person who made the acquaintance of this stand-offish, growly, angry monster.
“But like everything, things change, and after a lot of hot dog sausages we bonded and made it through our initial course together.
“It took Rex a year to fully settle and trust me, yet every second was worth it. He is my best mate and is my shadow, going everywhere with me.
“He loves my two kids and partner nearly as much as he loves his ball or other toys. He is happiest when standing waist deep in whatever water he can find and splashing around. Rex is a faithful companion, who is the most loving furball to those whom he chooses. He has worked by my side for the last five years, but these days he is mainly chilling out and embracing retirement."
There will be fundraising activities at DogFest on The Farm, in addition to James Martin’s Kitchen Theatre, breed meet-ups, the Agria Fun dog show, dogstacle course and hay bale hurdles.
Sam Matthews, marketing director at DogFest, said: "At DogFest, we celebrate the incredible bond between dogs and humans, and so we’re honoured to partner with the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals for 2026.
“These remarkable animals have given so much in service to our communities, and this partnership allows us and our visitors to give something back, helping ensure they enjoy the happy and healthy retirement they truly deserve."
Founder and Chair of the NFRSA, The Rt. Hon. The Countess Bathurst, added: “We are delighted to be named the official charity partner for DogFest in 2026. Since founding the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals in 2022, our membership has grown to more than 650 retired service animals, and we are immensely proud to have awarded over £275,000 in grants to date.
“Entirely funded by the generosity of our supporters, the NFRSA exists to ensure that those animals who have given so much in service are properly cared for in retirement. DogFest is a genuine celebration of the bond between people and dogs, which very closely aligns with our own values.
“This partnership will provide a wonderful national platform to raise awareness of our work and to help us continue our mission to Protect our Protectors.”