Tod and Copper embark on a carefree chase after a cricket, as a line of trucks pulls the county fair into town. Copper is spellbound by the sound of dogs singing aboard an old school bus bearing the name The Singin' Strays, and the two friends grow eager to join the fun. But when Copper’s clumsy tracking annoys his owner, Amos Slade, Copper ends up tied in the yard while Slade and Chief head to the fair without him. Tod seizes the moment, frees Copper by pulling off his collar, and the pair dash toward the bright lights and music.
At the fair they meet the five-member troupe of The Singin' Strays: Dixie, a graceful Saluki; Cash, a bold Spanish Hound; Granny Rose; and twin brothers Waylon and Floyd. The troupe’s performance is under the watchful eye of a talent scout who could change their fortunes. Tensions flare when Cash and Dixie quarrel, prompting Dixie to walk off and forcing the group to perform without her. During the show, Copper tucks into the moment and works his way onto the stage, joining Cash in song. The number is a hit, and Cash extends an invitation for Copper to join the band, which he accepts after Tod fibs that Copper is a stray. Copper spends the day with the group, inadvertently neglecting Tod’s promise to watch fireworks together.
Dixie sees Tod’s worry and sympathizes with his sense of abandonment. In a candid moment, Tod admits Copper isn’t a stray, and Dixie quietly plots to remove Copper from the group. The plan unfolds when Tod hides in Chief’s barrel, triggering a wild chase that leads to chaos at the fair. The disruption sabotages the Singin’ Strays’ moment in front of the talent scout, Mr. Bickerstaff. Copper is dismissed from the band, which promptly dissolves amid hard feelings. Cash directs some blame at Dixie, while Copper’s friendship with Tod sours, though Dixie later confesses that she was the one who suggested Copper’s cover be blown. Tod is taken back home by Widow Tweed, and along the route, Bickerstaff’s hat flies from his head and lands atop Tod.
The following day, Tod and Copper begin to repair their bond. In an effort to make amends, Tod returns Bickerstaff’s hat to Copper, who uses it to track down the talent scout at a local diner. Tod orchestrates a ruse to make Cash and Dixie believe the other is in trouble, drawing the entire band to the diner. Copper speaks to the group about the importance of harmony, and they respond with a heartfelt reprise of We’re in Harmony. The performance captures the scout’s attention, and he arranges for The Singin’ Strays to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, rekindling the band’s future. In the end, Copper makes a quiet choice to return to Tod’s side, opting to leave the professional stage to stay close to his friend.
