The countdown is on! There’s only a short time left until the BIG Basset Bustle Extravaganza takes over the Copetown Community Centre on May 23rd — and the excitement is building fast!

Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about this can’t miss, tail wagging celebration. If you’re planning to join the Bustle (and why wouldn’t you?), be sure to read on!

1. Do I need to pre-register for the Basset Bustle?

Nope — easy peasy!

There’s no pre registration required. Simply stop by the Registration Booth when you arrive at the Copetown Community Centre Park on Bustle Saturday and check in there.

And don’t forget — when you register, the first 200 hounds will receive a charming, complimentary Basset Bustle bandana. Stylish and adorable!

Bustle Kits are available on our website, and you can grab pledge forms plus maps and directions right now by visiting our website or clicking below.

Pro-Tip: If you plan on staying over the Friday night, the Bustle Hotel sells out fast so please book early!

Pledge forms
Maps/Directions
Google Map to Copetown Community Centre

2. What if I want to enter my Basset in the Bustle-famous Costume Contest?

DO IT. We highly encourage fabulous fashion, creative costumes, and maximum basset flair!

Our Basset Costume Contest is one of the most popular (and most adorable) events of the day, so if your hound has a costume — or even just a vibe — they’re already a winner in our books.

Sign up details will be available at the event, so bring your costume ready to impress (or amuse), strut your stuff, and prepare for cheers, laughs, and lots of photos. Costumes can be cute, clever, silly, dramatic, or gloriously ridiculous — bassets excel at all of the above.   Please note: The costume contest is held at the beginning of the Bustle, so if you want to participate, please plan to be there just after 11 am, after the kick-off Bustle.

Pro tip: Extra treats, belly rubs, and applause may occur.

3. What exactly is a Basset Bustle?

Basset Bustle (verb) from the Latin Canine Droolius Congregatio:  A massive gathering of lovable, very short, and delightfully drooley dogs who come together in one place to party and enjoy a joy filled celebration!!

Each year, the Bustle kicks off in grand style with all the bassets marching together in a big parade around the park. It’s a sight to behold — and this year, we’re making it bigger and better than ever!

We’re spreading the word far and wide to make sure we have more bassets than we’ve ever had before. So be sure to bring your camera — you won’t want to miss a single moment of this drool worthy day!

4. What can I expect at the Basset Bustle Extravaganza / What type of merchandise will there be?

Get ready for a full day of basset filled fun! We kick things off with the Big Basset Bustle Parade in the Park, featuring LOTS of bassets and led by our very special AmBassetdor. It’s the perfect way to start an unforgettable day!

You definitely won’t want to miss the Basset Raffle Extravaganza, packed with amazing prizes including huge doggie gift baskets, basset crafts, statues, fun gifts, and so much more.

And that’s just the beginning! We’ll also have:

• Our 2027 Calendar Photo shoot
• Contests galore — including our fan favourite Basset Costume Contest
• Basset games, prizes, and activities
• Merchandise shopping
• Nail clipping PLUS even more surprises

There’s truly too much fun to list it all!

Speaking of shopping — our merchandise includes BHRO T shirts, hoodies, denim shirts, ball caps, handcrafted items, and lots of other irresistible basset merch.

You do not want to miss this big day! Everything takes place in BassetTown (Copetown), where dogs are safe to run and play off leash in a securely gated facility. Oh — and did we mention there are some fun prizes waiting to be won too?

5. I don't have a basset, can I still attend?

We get this question every single year — and the answer is a big, enthusiastic YES!

While this is the Basset Bustle, we’re really here to celebrate all of our canine companions (and the people who love them). No basset? No problem!

Don’t have a dog at all? That’s okay too!
Curious about Basset Hounds?
Have a basset wannabe at home with the ears but not the pedigree?

Come on down! The Bustle is for everyone — dog lovers, future basset people, honorary basset fans, and anyone who enjoys a good time surrounded by wagging tails and happy chaos.

The only rule? Any dogs who do attend must be friendly, social, and happy to mingle with other dogs and people. After all, this is a party — and good manners are always in style.

6. I thought the calendar photo shoots took place at the Bustle?

They sure do — and they’re back in a BIG way!

We’re excited to announce that 2027 Calendar photos will be taken right at the Basset Bustle this year. Our friend and photographer extraordinaire Ann Brokleman will be taking photos throughout the day. With all the energy, excitement, and bassets in one place, it’s the perfect backdrop for capturing some truly unforgettable shots.

7. Where do my pledges go?

Every single penny you raise goes directly toward helping Basset Hounds who come into our care. Thanks to your incredible support, thousands of bassets have found new beginnings. We have nearly 40 years of Basset Rescue in Ontario.

Every dog that enters our program receives all necessary veterinary care, is carefully assessed, and is lovingly matched with their perfect forever home — which, for many of you reading this, might be your home!

The Basset Bustle is our largest and most important fundraising event of the year. The pledges you collect and the generosity you inspire are what make Basset Hound Rescue of Ontario one of the leading canine rescue organizations in Canada. Quite simply, without your support, we wouldn’t be able to help the many dogs who need us each year.

There’s still time — and we encourage you to start collecting pledges today in support of this vital event.

Download your Pledge Form here!

Prefer to pledge online? You can do that too:

Canada Helps Online Giving

All donations over $10 receive a tax receipt. Online donations generate instant receipts, while others will be mailed shortly after the Bustle. Please remind your supporters to print clearly on pledge forms so we can ensure receipts are mailed correctly.

Want to take your fundraising to the next level? You can create your very own personal Giving Page! Set a goal, share your story, upload photos, and email your link to friends and family — it’s a fantastic way to raise pledges and spread the word.    Learn how to set up a Giving Page

And don’t forget Facebook Fundraising! Create your own Facebook fundraiser by clicking the MENU button at the top of the page and selecting FUNDRAISER, then choosing Basset Hound Rescue of Ontario. Share it far and wide — all pages posted on our Facebook page will be shared!

Tell the world about your commitment to basset rescue — and thank you for helping give these amazing dogs the second chances they deserve.

8. Is there still time to volunteer to help at the Bustle?

We’re always happy to welcome more helping hands (and smiling faces). If you’d like to be part of the fun, please email Mindy at mindy@bassetrescue.ca.

Whether you want to lend a paw for a little while or jump right into the action, there’s always room on the volunteer team — and we promise it comes with plenty of bassets, laughs, and good vibes!

9. How can I spread the word??

It’s easy — and kinda addictive!
Post. Share. Repeat.

Tell your friends, tell your family, tell your neighbour, tell that person you met once at the dog park. The more you share, the bigger the Bustle — and the more bassets we can help!

10. Why would anybody want to miss this weekend?

Why would anyone skip a day filled with hundreds of bassets, floppy ears, wagging tails, happy chaos, prizes, parades, costumes, drool, and pure joy?

Short answer: They wouldn’t.

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