“The Pet Expo is now in its 28th year, and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Doug Poindexter, president of the World Pet Association, producers of the America’s Family Pet Expo. “Offering education on responsible pet care, entertainment and pet adoptions, The Pet Expo is the ultimate destination for all pet lovers. Each year the show progresses to include the best in pet ownership and care. We will continue to offer a variety of educational presentations, product launches, amazing pet acts and our popular animal adoptions, as well as showcasing the latest trends in the pet care industry.”
Last year, there were more than 500 animal adoptions including dogs, cats— and even a few guinea pigs— that were adopted from the Pet Expo’s Southern California animal-rescue partner organizations, according to Pet Expo representatives.
The event will also feature Cook’s Racing Hogs & Dogs, a race that consists of four pigs that run from one end of a 90-foot U-shaped track to the other. Four dogs then compete in a similar race. Waiting at the end of the track is a treat— vanilla ice cream and a golden Oreo cookie.
The 2017 Expo will also debut The Catit Playground, an interactive activity that brings a close-up view for guests to watch adoptable cats and kittens and see how they interact with different toys and people.Â
Lucy’s Wave Maker will return and also feature a cat surfer. The wave maker made international headlines from its appearance in the 2017 Rose Parade. America’s Family Pet Expo is the first stop on the 2017 National Tour that kicks off in Costa Mesa.Â
Returning favorites to the Pet Expo include Repticon, reptile show and sale, offering hundreds of common and rare species of reptiles in all shapes and sizes, such as lizards, snakes, and spiders. Plus, the Splash Dogs will also be on hand offering a “splashing” good time as these dogs compete at dock jumping.
In advance of the Expo, kids can design and create a 10-gallon aquarium in the Kids Aquarium Contest. There will also be police-dog demonstrations, an aquatic touch tank and The Great American Petting Zoo.
Added to the Expo line-up is the America’s Family Pet Expo Hobbyist Aquascaping contest. This new feature will consist of intermediate to advanced aquarists in a competition to create the most appealing natural aquarium. The participants will use a variety of live plants and other natural decorations in order to create a miniature underwater jungle. Pet Expo attendees are encouraged to watch the process of setting up a fully functional planted aquarium from 10am on Friday, April 28 to noon on Saturday, April 29. Ribbons and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three aquascapers on Saturday, April 29 at 5pm.
Pet adoptions will be handled onsite for those looking for that perfect animal addition to the family. There will be hundreds of animals hoping to find their “furever home” from local community partner organizations at the Pet Expo.
General admission is $15; seniors 60 and over, $13. Children 6 to 12, $10. Children 5 years and under, free. Active and retired military free with ID. Show hours are: Friday from 10am to 6pm; Saturday from 10am to 7pm; and Sunday 10am to 6pm.
OC Fair & Event Center facility charges $8 for parking. Attendees are asked to kindly leave all pets at home.
For more information and to purchase tickets online visit PetExpoOC.org.
Source: Pet Expo
