EVENTS
There’s always something happening at Helpful Hounds. From family fun days and fundraising events to community visits, awareness campaigns, talks and challenge events, every event helps raise vital funds and awareness for our life-changing assistance dog programmes.
Whether you’d like to meet our amazing dogs, learn more about the work we do, support a local fundraiser or simply enjoy a great day out, we’d love to welcome you.
Every ticket purchased, raffle entered, donation made and conversation shared helps us train and support more assistance dogs, giving children, young people and adults with disabilities greater independence, confidence and wellbeing. As a small charity, your support has a direct and lasting impact.
Take a look at our upcoming events below—we hope to see you there!
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| South Coast Wine Festival | 1786698000 14th August 2026, 9:00 AM - 16th August 2026, 6:00 PM |
| Bark in the Park | 1787475600 23rd August 2026, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Helpful Hounds @ Vdub at the Pub | 1787302800 21st August 2026, 9:00 AM - 23rd August 2026, 6:00 PM |
| Helpful Hounds Quiz Night | 1790362800 25th September 2026, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM |
| Dorset Plane Pull | 1788166800 31st August 2026, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Helpful Hounds @ GATHER, Poole Dolphin Centre | 1788084000 30th August 2026, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Verwood Rustic Fayre | 1788166800 31st August 2026, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Helpful Hounds: Dogs at The Dolphin
Join us at The Dolphin Shopping Centre in Poole on Sunday 30th August, from 10am to 4pm, for a fun, friendly and relaxed day celebrating dogs and the amazing work they do in our community.
This is a drop-in event, so there’s no need to book and no set time slots — just come along whenever suits you and enjoy everything on offer.
Throughout the day, you’ll have the chance to meet some of our wonderful community dogs and assistance dogs, find out more about the important roles they play, and learn how assistance dogs are trained to support the people who rely on them every day.
Whether you’re a dog owner or simply a dog lover, there’ll be something for everyone. You do not need to bring a dog to join us — everyone is welcome! If you do have a dog, they can take part in some of our have-a-go activities and try out a few new skills in a fun and supportive environment.
We’ll also have a chill zone, where you can take a moment to relax, unwind, and enjoy the calm, quiet company of a dog — perfect if you’d like a gentler experience during your visit.
There will also be games, prizes and demos throughout the day, making this a great opportunity to learn more, get involved, and spend time with some truly special dogs.
Cheer on Helpful Hounds at the Dorset Plane Pull!
Monday 31 August 2026
From 10:00am
Bournemouth Airport, Hurn, Christchurch, BH23 6EA
Join us for an unforgettable day as the Helpful Hounds team takes part in the Dorset Plane Pull – a charity fundraising event supporting multiple charities across the region.
Our amazing volunteers will be putting their strength and teamwork to the test by helping pull a 35,000kg Boeing 737 a distance of 50 metres. It’s an incredible challenge, but they’re doing it for an even greater cause – raising vital funds to help Helpful Hounds provide life-changing assistance dogs to disabled children and adults across Dorset. (planepull.co.uk)
Come along and support!
You don’t need to be taking part to enjoy the day. Spectators are warmly welcomed, so bring your family and friends and cheer on all the teams as they take on this unique challenge.
There will be plenty happening throughout the day, including:
Teams competing to pull the Boeing 737
Live music and entertainment
Children’s entertainment and activities
Food and drink vendors
A licensed bar
Charity stalls where you can meet some of the beneficiary charities, including Helpful Hounds
A dedicated spectator area to watch the action unfold
Entry is free, although donations are encouraged to help support the beneficiary charities. The event is fully accessible, with free parking available and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome too.
Visit the Helpful Hounds stand
Be sure to stop by our stand to meet the team, find out more about our life-changing assistance dogs, learn how you can support our work, and cheer on our incredible volunteers before and after their pull.
Whether you’re supporting a particular team, looking for a great family day out, or simply want to see if 20 people really can pull a Boeing 737, we’d love to see you there!
Come along, make some noise, and help us cheer the Helpful Hounds team all the way to the finish line.
Helpful Hounds Quiz Night
Put your knowledge to the test and join us for an evening of fun, friendly competition and fundraising in support of Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs.
Whether you’re a quiz champion or just in it for the laughs, gather your friends, family or colleagues and enjoy a great night out while helping transform the lives of disabled people across Dorset.
Event Details
📅 Friday 25th September
🕖 7:00pm
📍 Pamphill Parish Hall, Wimborne
£2 per person
Teams of up to 6 people
Fun prizes to be won
Charity raffle
Refreshments available
Bring Your Own Drinks (BYOB)
Every pound raised helps Helpful Hounds train and support assistance dogs that provide greater independence, confidence and companionship to disabled people.
Spaces are limited, so register your team today and get ready for a fantastic evening of trivia, laughter and community spirit.
We can’t wait to see who will be crowned our Quiz Night Champions! 🏆🐾
