Published on: 2026-09-22
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
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From June 6 to September 20, events of the cycle “Friend, rescuer, protector” were held at the sites of the “Pets in Moscow” project. The program included over 300 events, in which 23 thousand people participated. This was reported by the head of the Moscow Department of Territorial Executive Authorities. Dmitry Presnov.
“The events became part of the ‘Summer in Moscow’ project and covered more than 110 venues across 82 districts. They included lectures on pet care and health, open training sessions and obedience master classes, veterinarian consultations, demonstration performances by service dogs, and family quests with four-legged pets. One of the biggest events of the season was the third open championship of the Russian Cynological Federation ‘Capital Cup’ in agility,” Dmitry Presnov said.
Agility is a canine sport in which a dog, guided by its owner, navigates an obstacle course for speed and accuracy.
Breed characteristics, proper nutrition, and grooming
Open training sessions with dog handlers were particularly popular among Muscovites. Specialists explained how to establish contact with animals, master basic commands, and correct the behavior of pets of any age. One of the most impressive formats was the demonstrations of service dogs. On Dog Handler Day, June 21, a large-scale program titled “Dog — a Friend in the Service of the Motherland” was presented. Viewers were shown the skills of four-legged dogs who participate in search operations and assist law enforcement officers.
At the lectures, veterinarians and cynologists talked about breed characteristics, proper nutrition, disease prevention, and seasonal care for animals. Mobile grooming zones operated on the grounds where owners could have their pets’ fur groomed, and animal photographers organized free photo sessions for dogs and their owners.
For families with children, the organizers prepared a special program featuring sports relays, quests, and contests in which both adults and young hosts, as well as their pets, could participate. Guests left with new knowledge about friendship, kindness, and responsible attitudes towards animals.
New spaces for walking and training dogs
New types of areas for walking and training dogs have been opening annually since 2021, when the “Pets in Moscow” project started. Today, there are 118 of them in 84 districts of the city. Each such area features training equipment and apparatus for exercising four-legged friends (tunnels, bridges, bars, and other objects), as well as comfortable paths, lawns, benches, and canopies for rain shelter. Additionally, there are places arranged for conducting master classes and interacting with specialists.
Since the beginning of 2026, 14 new spaces have appeared with comfortable conditions for walking and training dogs, as well as for the owners to relax. Thus, during the cycle of events “Friend, Rescuer, Protector,” a ceremonial opening of the “Pets in Moscow” area took place in Northern Tushino. This space, covering 1,600 square meters, is among the top ten largest in the capital. In addition, this year, areas have appeared in the districts of Staroye Kryukovo, Chertanovo Central, Beskudnikovsky, Kurkino, Mozhaysky, Ryazansky, Orekhovo-Borisovo Severnoye, Solntsevo, Vykhino-Zhulebino, Tekstilshchiki, Yasenevo, and Nekrasovka. By the end of 2026, another seven are planned to open — the infrastructure for comfortable living in the capital for owners with their beloved pets is developing and expanding throughout Moscow.
The event series “Friend, Rescuer, Protector” became one of the most extensive parts of the “Pets in Moscow” project and the “Summer in Moscow” program. It combined sports competitions, educational programs, and other leisure activities aimed at promoting responsible attitudes toward pets and increasing citizens’ knowledge about the care, training, and role of dogs in society.
“Pets in Moscow” — a project of the “My District” program aimed at creating new-type areas for dog walking. Today, the capital has more than 110 such spaces, including two canine parks. They are suitable not only for free walks and effective training with pets but also for large canine events — competitions and exhibitions.
“My District” — a comprehensive program of the Mayor of Moscow for the development of the urban environment. Its goal is to create comfortable living conditions in all districts of the capital. Convenient courtyards, well-equipped parks, modern social infrastructure facilities within walking distance are important components of the program.
The event series “Friend, Rescuer, Protector” is a project encompassing more than 300 events. It has become a platform for a full dialogue between professionals — cynologists, veterinarians, groomers, animal psychologists — and dog owners, as well as for everyone considering getting a four-legged friend. The series aims to promote responsible attitudes toward animals and to increase urban residents’ knowledge about caring for, raising, and the role of dogs in society.
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