5 Essentials to Take for Your First Visit to Crufts 2025

If you’re planning your first visit to the famous Crufts dog show in 2025, it’s natural to feel excited yet wonder how to prepare for the day ahead. The event at the NEC Birmingham is vast and bustling, so being thoughtful about what you bring can make all the difference to your experience. This guide covers five essential items to take with you to stay comfortable, keep organised, and get the most out of this exceptional event.

1. Hand Sanitiser: Hygiene is Key

Crufts brings together thousands of dogs and visitors, making good hygiene crucial not only for your safety but for the wellbeing of the dogs. While the NEC provides ample toilet and hand washing facilities, carrying a small bottle of hand sanitiser helps keep your hands clean between visits. Adding travel or wet wipes can be handy for quick refreshes, especially after petting dogs or handling promotional items.

2. A Pop-up Seat: Rest When You Need To

With limited seating available inside the arenas and cafés, carrying a lightweight pop-up seat or folding walking stick seat is a great idea. It allows you to take a break and rest your feet comfortably whenever you need, especially during long spells of watching shows or shopping. Balancing convenience and minimising your load is key, so choose a compact and easy-to-carry option.

3. Comfortable Shoes and Spare Socks

Comfortable, supportive footwear is non-negotiable for a day at Crufts. Expect significant walking over the large NEC site, so avoid new or unsupportive shoes that can cause discomfort or foot pain. Bringing an extra pair of shoes and socks means you can change if needed, helping prevent soreness and allowing you to enjoy every moment without distraction.

4. Water and Energy Snacks

Keeping hydrated and maintaining your energy levels is important. While you can buy food and drinks on-site, queues often form and prices can be steep. Bringing your own water bottle and some energy-boosting snacks ensures you won’t have to wait or miss any of the action due to hunger or thirst. Just remember to follow the event’s guidelines on what you can bring in.

5. A Comfortable Backpack and Foldaway Bags

Even if you start your day light, chances are you’ll end up collecting brochures, freebies, and souvenirs. A comfortable backpack lets you carry these items while distributing the load evenly. Additionally, having a few foldaway shopping bags tucked inside your main bag means you can easily carry purchases without the need for plastic bags, supporting a greener event experience.

Preparing for Crufts with these essentials will help you stay comfortable and make the most of the event’s fantastic displays, competitions, and shopping opportunities. Remember to plan your day, wear layers suitable for varying indoor temperatures, and give yourself plenty of time to explore.