Poznań's annual Marsz Kejterka will take place this Saturday, 10th of October, bringing dog owners, animal lovers and shelter dogs together for a walk in Park Jana Pawła II.
The event starts at 11:00 near the Pyra monument, on the side of ul. Żelazka, before participants set off together with their dogs.
“Kejter” is a local Poznań word for a dog, while Kejterka/Kejterek is the affectionate version. It is one of the city's best-known examples of its distinctive local dialect and vocabulary.
The first Marsz Kejterka was held in 2022, with more than 100 people taking part. Four years on, the event has become a small but established tradition for Poznań's dog-loving community.
A walk for dogs, owners and future adopters
The march has a clear message behind the walk, drawing attention to animal cruelty, abandonment and the importance of meeting pets' needs.
It is also an opportunity for people who are thinking about adopting a dog to learn more about the process. Staff from the Poznań Animal Shelter will be present, together with dogs currently waiting for new homes.
For regular dog owners, meanwhile, the event is a chance to meet other people from the city's sizeable community of dog lovers. The organisers expect a typical Poznań mix of four-legged participants, from small to large, young to old, pedigree dogs and mixed breeds.
Keeping the walk comfortable for every dog
A busy gathering of people and dogs will not suit every pet, so the organisers are asking owners to think about their dog's temperament before joining.
Dogs must remain on leads throughout the event, while owners should keep a sensible distance from other participants and pay attention to their dogs' behaviour and needs.
If a dog is uncomfortable around unfamiliar animals, crowds or large groups of people, staying away from the march and choosing a quieter place for a walk may be the better option.
For those whose dogs do enjoy this kind of environment, however, Saturday's event offers a chance to take part in one of Poznań's more distinctive community walks, with the city's shelter dogs at its heart.
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