The NOS Alive festival announced its 2017 edition with the “sold out” sign hanging for several weeks. On July 6, 7, and 8, Foo Fighters, Depeche Mode, The xx, and The Weeknd will take over the Algés Promenade (12 kilometers from Lisbon), bringing together a total of 100,000 attendees around rock and electronic music.
But this year, the biggest novelty comes in the form of a pioneering initiative worldwide. This NOS Alive becomes the first festival in Europe and the United States to include a dedicated area for dogs: the “acaopamento” (from “cão,” which means dog in Portuguese).
This initiative arose to combat that feeling of “I’m going to a festival, but I’m leaving my pet behind.” A bittersweet feeling for those who love their ARISTODOGS and are forced to leave them in the care of others during activities or events that are not designed for them.
Fortunately, attendees at this edition of NOS Alive will not have to leave their ARISTODOGS with friends or family. They simply need to arrive at the venue, located next to Algés train station (with easy access on the way to Cascais), to find the signs for the “acaopamento,” where Tiago Patel, who is responsible for the site and for caring for festivalgoers’ furry companions, will be waiting for them.
Patel studied Animal Production Engineering, although since 2005 he has specialized in dog training, participating in competitive disciplines and various courses and seminars, as well as creating and promoting work in the field of animal behavior. This knowledge enabled him, five years ago, to create his team: “Equipa Tiago Patel.”
To leave your dog in the company of Tiago Patel and his team, you must complete a prior registration, consisting of a fairly comprehensive form about the dog, its characteristics, habits, and so on. This gives an idea of how seriously the Portuguese take this matter and of the professionalism surrounding the initiative. The next step, once there, is for the team to take the dog to the canine center in the municipality of Sintra, where they will presumably have a wonderful time. They can enjoy massages, games, the company of other dogs, and plenty of outdoor fun together.
Patel maintains that “a dog that is a dog is a happy dog,” a phrase that sums up the level of well-being he seeks to provide for the animals. He acknowledges that many people confuse what is fun for them with what is fun for their dog. The decibel level reached at a festival like this can seriously harm dogs. That is why it is worth emphasizing that NOS is not a festival for dogs, but a festival with a specialized dog camp, located on a lush Portuguese farm.
There are four important aspects worth highlighting:
- The implementation of this service constitutes an acquired right for visitors with their ticket or pass.
- It is mandatory that ARISTOPARENTS bring the food their dog will eat during the festival. Above all, this is to avoid complications — because every ARISTOPARENT has their own habits or beliefs regarding their furry companion’s diet.
- Through the festival app, you can monitor how your dog is doing at all times.
- When the festival ends, the animals are returned to the same point where they were dropped off, so ARISTOPARENTS and ARISTODOGS can return home together.
Without a doubt, this initiative enriches the leisure and services offering of what, according to various prestigious media outlets, is the best festival in Europe. And as far as our neighboring country is concerned, thanks to actions like this, Portugal is consolidating its position as an indisputable example to follow when it comes to animal welfare and inclusion. Congratulations!
