News.
DogFest announces National Foundation for Retired Service Animals as Official Charity Partner for 2026
20th July 2026
DogFest on the Farm, taking place at Harewood House on 12th and 13th September, has announced the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA) as its official charity partner for 2026.
The NFRSA is dedicated to supporting the ongoing care and welfare of retired service animals across the country who have served alongside the UK’s emergency services, including right here in Yorkshire. By assisting with the costs of essential veterinary treatment, the charity ensures these loyal animals receive the care they deserve in retirement.
As part of the partnership, DogFest attendees will have the opportunity to support the NFRSA when purchasing tickets, with an optional donation available at checkout. Festivalgoers can also get involved with on-the-day fundraising activities across all 2026 DogFest events including DogFest on the Farm at Harewood House and DogFest at the Palace at Blenheim Palace.
Rex: a retired German Shepherd Prison Patrol dog at HMP Wakefield (pictured above)
Rex is a beautiful German Shepherd who proudly served within His Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Wakefield for just under 5 years.
Recently retired, Rex is now part of the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA), who will assist with his vet fees in retirement.
Rex is just one of the Prison Patrol dogs working within the UK’s high security prisons.
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.
Dogs like Rex may be called to an incident on an exercise yard, to provide an escort for confrontational prisoners, or deployed onto a wing to support staff with whatever they are facing.
Rex is quite a character as described by his dad (and handler) Ray: “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.”
DogFest, known for celebrating the joy dogs bring to our lives, is proud to align with a cause that recognises the invaluable contribution of working animals who have spent their lives protecting and serving communities.
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, said: “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.”
For more information and to purchase tickets for any of the upcoming DogFest events, visit https://dogfest.co.uk/