Rainbow Pooch in the Park

Join our LGBTQIA+ Social Dog Walk and celebrate the heartwarming bond between our community and our beloved four-legged companions.

Join us for Rainbow Pooch in the Park, a social dog walk dedicated to honouring the unique role that our Rainbow Pooches play in supporting LGBTQIA+ lives. Held in beautiful country parks, this event celebrates our dogs as quiet heroes who provide powerful mental and physical support to our community. Whether you’re a dog parent or a dog-loving ally, come and connect with others who share a love of canine companionship and an appreciation for the positive impact it brings to our lives.

What to Expect

Community & Connection
Enjoy a relaxed setting where fellow LGBTQIA+ individuals come together to celebrate pride and the deep, meaningful connections we have with our four-legged friends.

Mental & Physical Wellbeing
Breathe fresh air, feel the calm of nature, and take a step towards better wellbeing with a Rainbow Pooch by your side, whether they’re leading the way or walking alongside.

Silent Support, Unconditional Love
Our Rainbow Pooches offer quiet but powerful support, strengthening our sense of belonging and helping us thrive - one paw at a time. Join us to say ‘thank you dogs’ to these superheroes in dog disguise.

How It Works

This gathering takes place on the second Sunday of each month. To keep the experience comfortable and inclusive, we welcome up to twelve dogs per walk, with one ticket required per dog. Our Social Walk Lead, Graham, will meet you at the entrance to The Pavillion. We will take a register and then do a welcome. This will involve introducing us to your dog and we will set some simple treat-based exercises so that we learn a little more about your dog and what they need to have a joyful experience on the walk. The walk will leave the meeting point promptly no later than 11:15am. You are invited to bring your own treats to work with your dog but we will also have supplies on hand. Our route includes a gentle, on-lead start, and well-adjusted dogs may go off-lead in safe areas at the discretion of the Social Walk Lead. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear, as we’ll be exploring trails that venture off designated paths.

Booking

Dogs attend for FREE but we invite a minimum donation of £1 per person with the promise a lot of doggie treats in return!

We've also established a Discretionary Fund enabling individuals facing financial barriers to attend for FREE. Please select 'Discretionary' at point of sale.

Whether it's a humble pound or a generous sum, your support is invaluable to us. Your contribution covers essential costs and supports the continuation of our work in the community.

Venue Details

Warley Woods is a 100 acre community park which is a mix of woodland, open meadow and a golf course. It has registered, grade 2 status with English Heritage because of its historic plan, designed by Humphry Repton. The park is designated as a Site of Important Nature Conservation and a Site of Local Importance to Nature Conservation. Warley Woods began its life as private parkland for the Galton family in the 18th Century. It was saved from being developed for housing by public subscription and was opened as public park in 1906, and became known as “The People’s Park”. Its public building is The Pavilion which is home to Warley Woods Community Trust and hosts its shop, a cafe, a meeting room and public toilets.

Directions: The address for Warley Woods is - The Pavilion, 101 Lightwoods Hill, Smethwick B67 5ED. Warley Woods Park and Golf Course is approximately 4 miles west of Birmingham city centre, just off the Hagley Road (A456) in Sandwell. The park is bounded by Abbey Road, Harborne Road, Lightwoods Hill and Barclay Road, the main entrance is off Lightwoods Hill.

Parking: The only on site car parking is off Lightwoods Hill (B67 5ED for sat navs) at The Pavilion where there is designated parking for disabled visitors. For your information: Some older maps show parking within the park off Abbey Road but this is no longer available although there is on street parking on all sides of the site.

Meeting Point

The entrance to The Pavillion. Our Social Walk Lead, Graham, will be wearing Rainbow Pooch Pride branded clothing. The walk will leave the meeting point promptly no later than 11:15am.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if it rains?
A: We walk in all weathers but we also want to ensure your safety. If the event is cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions we will let you know not later than one hour before the event.

Q: My dog is currently in training. Can they come?
A:Only well-socialised dogs are allowed on the walk. Participants sign a disclaimer indicating full responsibility for their own dog and themselves. Our Walk Lead also assesses dog suitability on arrival. If you wish to join with your trainer, please email us at **hello@rainbowpoochpride.com** well in advance for more info.

Q: My dog is on the banned dog breeds list. Can they come?
A: The following banned breeds cannot attend unless you have a you are allowed to join if you have a Certificate of Exemption issued by the court and proof of third party public liability insurance: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and XL Bully. Please bring them along as you will be asked to present it. For further guidance visit: https://www.gov.uk/control-dog-public/banned-dogs

Q: Does my dog need to be muzzled?
A: It is mandatory for these breeds to be muzzled and on lead at all times: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and XL Bully. If your dog's breed is not listed, you are not legally required to muzzle your dog. If your dog is regularly muzzled on walks and/or benefits from being muzzled, they are more than welcome to be!

This event is only open to individuals aged 18 years plus who identify as LGBTQIA+. Rainbow Pooch Pride is a trans-inclusive organisation. We celebrate and support our trans and gender-diverse community. We have a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination or disrespect. This is a space where everyone deserves to feel safe and seen.

**Allies are welcome to join as volunteers where training in LGBTQIA+ allyship will be provided. For more information email ** **hello@rainbowpoochpride.com** .

This event is funded by Birmingham Pride Community Grant.

This event is delivered in the English language.