YOUR GUIDE TO THE
PAWS & CLAWS PET SHOW
Welcome! We are thrilled to be returning for another massive, annual Paws & Claws Pet Show on Saturday, November 21st!
TICKETS HERE
This detailed guide will walk you through how everything works :)
WHAT IS PAWS & CLAWS ANYWAY?
The Paws & Claws Pet Show is an all-day 18+ human pet and handler charity event, this year benefitting Doctors Without Borders. 100% of our profits will be donated! Think of it like a big pet play picnic at a dog show!
What Can I Do At Paws & Claws?
You can either:
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Attend as a Participant to compete with or without a Handler in 6 show events.
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Attend as a Spectator to watch the show while enjoying a day of community and fun.
What if I'm a Handler?
Handlers should purchase a "Handler/Spectator" ticket. If your pet/s are Participants, you will be able to participate with them during most of the show events.
How Much Are Tickets?
Tickets are $25 for Participants and $20 for Handlers/Spectators (plus fees). We have low income options upon direct request for those in financial need. You can also opt to donate towards our venue, Alfheim Society, who generously welcomes us for free.
All Tickets Include:
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Immersive Vet & Grooming Stations
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An open "park" pet mosh area (pet play focus, no sexual play)
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A day of pet show voyeur fun
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Heated pool after-chill. Clothing optional hang - not a play party.
Food & Shopping:
Lunch will be sold by Slutty Sammys, including vegan and gluten free options. You may also bring your own food/snacks. We will additionally have some snacks and water available for free at our "treat bar."
For those staying for the after-chill, we will order pizza.
Solid Citizen by Z will be vending amazing handcrafted leather gear, and pet play zines by International Trainer 2026 Shayn will be sold at the grooming station.
HOW DO I COMPETE IN THE SHOW? CAN ANYONE COMPETE?
Get a Participant ticket to ensure your spot in the show! These are limited to 24 spots. We cannot guarantee day-of entries.
Human animals of all "species" are welcome to compete - not just pups!
If you want a Handler but don't have one, we will connect you with a volunteer.
DO I HAVE TO COMPETE IN EVERY EVENT?
No! :) Although we encourage Participants to enjoy trying out all the show events, you are not required to compete in all of them if you don't want to. Don't be afraid to do it "wrong" if it fits you or your animal!
You will still be in the running for the big ribbons below (it is possible to win) if you choose to opt out of some events.
OUR JUDGES:
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Shayn, International Handler 2026
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Goddess Emmeline
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JenRaven of Wicked Woodz toys
OUR MC is Pup Star Orion, International Puppy 2025
WHAT AWARDS CAN I WIN?
Just like any pet show, we will have ribbons that you can win! The ribbons are:
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1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place for All Individual Events
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Audience Choice Award
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Creature Spirit Award
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Best Handler
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Best in Show Pup
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Best in Show Non-Pup
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*NEW* Fresh Meat Award (a judge favorite award out of those competing for the first time!)
Please Note: This year, we're trying out limiting each participant to being eligible to win 1 individual event ribbon and 1 big ribbon (with the exception of Cattle Drive since it's a team event). We're trying this because everyone genuinely does a great job and more of you deserve to take home ribbons. But if you've competed in the past, don't be discouraged if you take home less ribbons than you may have in previous years.
WHERE AND WHEN IS IT? IS THERE A SCHEDULE?
The Paws & Claws Pet Show is on Saturday, November 21st at Alfhiem, a private residence and community space.
ADDRESS:
9540 Burnet Ave
North Hills, CA 91343
PARKING is street and unmetered.
ACCESS:
Make sure you close the main gate behind you when you enter the property. You will see our check-in table to the left of the house, and you will enter via the left side gate next to the house. Please do not enter the front door.
Our arena is on the residence's tennis court, with puzzle mats and soft fake grass where the Participants will compete. This creates a grass-allergy-free, padded event space for play.
There are friendly bio-dogs on the property. They will be kept away from our arena, but you will encounter them when going to the bathroom.
If you have a service dog, they must be kept in our arena; they cannot meet the other bio-dogs.
We will ask that you arrive in vanilla-friendly clothing and change once on-site.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS:
Bathrooms are not ADA accessible. There is one step leading from the back door of the main house (with the bathroom) to the backyard, which features a paved path through uneven grass. The path from the street to our arena at the back of the property is paved and wheelchair accessible.
"RUFF" EVENT SCHEDULE:
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10am: Doors Open, Participant Check-Ins, Vet & Grooming Experience Stations Open
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11am: Show Begins with Presentation Event
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12pm: Protection Event
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1pm: Rally Obedience Event
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2pm: ON-SITE LUNCH BREAK with vendor Slutty Sammys (vegan + GF options offered)
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3pm: Agility Event
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4pm: Cattle Drive Event
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5pm: Dock Diving Event in the Heated Pool
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6pm: Awards Ceremony
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7pm-10pm: After-chill in clothing-optional heated pool, on-site pizza dinner for volunteers + those staying
WHAT ARE YOUR COVID & SAFETY POLICIES?
COVID-19
We require the following:
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Proof of Fall 2026 Covid Shot OR recent negative test (can be home test within 12 hours).
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We do NOT have tests on site. If you have insurance, it may cover tests through Walgreens.
We will accept physical vaccination cards, digital vaccination cards, a photo of your card, or a screenshot of your vaccination record. Your test can be shown via bringing the physical test or a photo. All of our staff and volunteers will also be vaccinated or tested.
Mask Policy:
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Our event takes place in a large, open-air, outdoor space.
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Masks are recommended, but not required.
Do NOT arrive sick or knowingly exposed - please request a refund. If you are sick, you will be asked to leave with no refund.
GENERAL SAFETY
We will have a first aid kit and CPR Certified person on-site. There is no lifeguard.
You will be required to sign a waiver and assume all personal risks associated with participating in play and events.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
IF YOU ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE SHOW
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Knee Pads (sleeve-style recommended) and Padded Gloves (mitts or fingerless MMA style)
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Simple Intro and <2 minutes Obedience routine
EVERYONE
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Photo ID
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Fall 2026 Covid vax proof or negative test
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Ticket on your phone or name on your ticket
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Personal snacks if desired
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Cash or digital monies for our lunch vendor
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Your preferred seating (blankets, chairs, etc)
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Any weather-related accouterments (umbrellas/canopies for shade, jacket, etc!)
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Whatever makes you feel like your animal or Handler best!
Note: No outfits explicitly depicting military, police, or hate groups. You will be asked to change or possibly to leave.
PHOTO POLICY:
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Attendees who are okay with being photographed by the official Event Photographer will be given a special wristband.
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Official photos may be posted on our socials and website or used in future promotional materials.
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You may take your own personal pictures with your phone. Do not take or post photos without consent of everyone in the photo.
Below, you can read descriptions of each show event. Many will have a brief demo before the event begins!
PRESENTATION
Each Participant is introduced and then has up to 2 minutes to perform their routine. The Participant may do this themselves, with a Handler, or the Participant can give our MC a brief written intro to read.
INTROS SHOULD INCLUDE:
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Participant's name
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Species
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Breed (if applicable)
The Participant's routine should present who they are and what they're about. This can be a trick, obedience routine, talent, or anything else!
POINTS FOR:
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Overall Impression
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Creativity
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Style
HANDLER OPTION: Introduce Participant, perform routine with them.
CATTLE DRIVE
⏱️👥 A timed TEAM event!
There will be a marked square "pen" in the center of our arena. Participants will be paired randomly in teams of 2.
GOAL: Participants will work together to herd 3 Human Cattle into the pen. The time stops at 3 minutes, or when all 3 Cattle are herded together. Be careful, or they may escape before you can herd all 3!
HERDING METHODS: Barking, blocking, gentle nipping, nudging, luring, enticing, etc. Pre-negotiate with the cattle if you have unusual ideas.
POINTS FOR:
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Speed
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Teamwork
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Creativity
PENALTIES:
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If Participants are unable to herd all 3 Cattle by the 3 minute mark, the time will stop and penalties will be applied for each Cattle not in the pen.
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Injuries or excessive emotional distress to the Cattle will result in disqualification from the Cattle Drive event and big ribbon awards.
BONUS: Because they will have little time to strategize, the first team will receive a small time bonus.
HANDLER OPTION: Signal to release your pet to herd and offer encouragement.
AGILITY
⏱️ This event is timed!
The Agility Course will include obstacles such as Weave Poles, Hoop Jumps, Hurdle Jumps, Pause Box, and Tunnel.
GOAL: The Participant will run the course in the correct order.
POINTS FOR:
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Speed
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Accuracy
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Style
PENALTIES: Time penalties will be applied for missed obstacles and faults such as missing a weave pole, knocking a jump, etc.
HANDLER OPTION: Handlers may run alongside and signal/guide their pet through the obstacles.
RALLY OBEDIENCE
A numbered series of obedience command exercises will be written on signs attached to cones, creating a course that the Participant must follow.
The course will be constructed using 5-10 of the following commands: CLICK FOR COMMAND GUIDE
GOAL: The Participant will follow the course and perform the commands correctly, with smooth overall pacing.
POINTS FOR:
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Focus
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Accuracy
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Flow
PENALTIES:
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A penalty will be applied for doing the course in the wrong order or doing a command incorrectly.
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Note: There is no one rule for how a command has to look - it just needs to be clear (e.g., we aren't going to tell you how "sit" has to look, but the judges must be able to tell you're doing "sit").
HANDLER OPTION: Perform the course with your pet by walking alongside them and giving the commands. Leashes are allowed.
PROTECTION
Test your guard animal skills!
The Participant will guard their Handler/a provided hooman from an Aggressor.
GOAL: The hooman will walk from one side of the arena to the other, stopping briefly in the middle. The Participant must protect them from all sides, never allowing the Aggressor to "tag" the hooman.
GUARDING METHODS: Barking, growling, hissing, blocking, advancing to "push" back, etc. Must be non-violent and on all fours. Do NOT make physical contact with the Aggressor!
POINTS FOR:
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Efficiency
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Nerve (Confidence)
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Style
PENALTIES:
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A point penalty will be applied every time the Aggressor "tags" the hooman.
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A point penalty will be applied if the Participant trips the hooman.
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A major point penalty will be applied if the Participant makes physical contact with the Aggressor.
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Injuries or excessive distress to the Aggressor will result in disqualification from the Protection event and big ribbon awards.
HANDLER OPTION: The Handler may be the person who is being guarded/protected. Can issue commands.
DOCK DIVING
GOAL: Participants will jump into the deep end of a heated pool to catch a water toy with their paws!
POINTS FOR:
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Catch Accuracy
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Splash
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Style
HANDLER OPTION: Throw the toy for their pet to catch.
The pool is clothing optional. JUMP SAFELY!
SEARCH & RESCUE (NOT FOR 2026)
⏱️ A special service-type challenge! This event is timed!
The Course will be set up like a wreckage, with a hooman trapped in the debris! Worse yet, the Rescuer will be blindfolded.
GOAL: Participants must first locate the trapped hooman and then lead the Rescuer to save them. Time stops when the trapped hooman is free!
POINTS FOR:
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Speed
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Safety & Care
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Creativity
PENALTIES:
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Time penalties will be applied if the Rescuer runs into any of the debris obstacles.
HANDLER OPTION: The Handler may opt to be either the trapped hooman or the Rescuer.
WHAT ARE THE VET & GROOMING STATIONS?
Think of them like specialized pet play taster booths meant to recreate things that a pet could do at a real pet show. They are available to EVERYONE, including Spectators!
How Long will Each Experience Last?
Approximately 5-10 minutes.
When Can I Visit the Stations?
Any time throughout the show. Volunteers may take breaks as they need, so check in with them!
They will not be open during the after-chill.
What's the GROOMING STATION?
Get pampered like the Best in Show Animal that you are with a trip to the groomers!
You'll begin by completing a "7-Point Check" form to tell the Groomers what activities and touch you consent to, any sensitivities for them to accommodate, and more.
Then prepare for a fun, relaxing sensory experience at the groomers'. Don't worry, you won't have to get wet!
Activity Options Include:
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Sensory Waterless* Bath/Brush Massage
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Bubble Machine
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Grooming Lead Option
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Can Include Soft Brushes, Massage Rollers, & More
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Wet Wipe "Paw Cleanse"
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*Mister Bath Option
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Blow Dry or Towel Dry
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Fresh Breath Mint
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"Fur" Hairstyling
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Bow/Bandana Finish
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Many color & pattern options!
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What's the VET STATION?
Go through a fun, non-invasive "check-up" to earn a certified bill of health!
To ensure a positive experience, this station has THREE LEVELS OF INTENSITY, ranging from gentle and positive to a little rough and lightly humiliating. You will be able to select your desired level and activities, as well as express what touch you consent to and any sensitivities you have, on an "Intake Sheet" before the experience.
Activity Options Include:
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Checking ears, nose, eyes, mouth, tail, paws, and heart
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Reflex test
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Non-invasive temperature check
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Simulated shot (no needles)
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"Medicine" Adminstration (tic tacs)
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Cone of Shame
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Vet Wrap for "sore spots"
EXPERIENCE STATIONS FAQ:
Do I have to participate in all the stations' activities?
NO! The 7-Point Check & Intake Form are meant as negotiation worksheets, where you can select what activities you are and are not okay with, as well as any alterations you want to request as accommodation. You do NOT have to do all the activity options.
Can my Handler help groom me / assist with my vet visit?
YES! Just let the volunteers know, and they will negotiate with your Handler to include them in the experience.
Can I tip the station volunteers?
YES! We will have jars for cash tips that also list their preferred electronic pay method. Tipping is appreciated, but not mandatory.
Can I bring my own things to be groomed or "checked" with?
You may bring things, but whether or not they may be used is up to the booth volunteers.