Dancing dogs, silver screen felines and creepy crawly critters will take center stage at America’s Family Pet Expo, the world’s largest consumer pet show. The 20th annual Expo returns to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa on Friday, April 17 through and Sunday, April 19.
America’s Family Pet Expo offers three days of family-friendly entertainment for Southern California residents, with more than 1,000 animals scheduled to perform in stage shows, competitions and demonstrations. Offering chances to learn about different dog breeds, ride a pony, pet a python, or check out the hundreds of animals available for adoption, the Pet Expo provides attendees interactions with all types of animals.
The Expo will be held in conjunction with the 2009 Youth Expo, an annual educational event offering thousands of local students the opportunity to compete in contests and various academic projects. School groups attending Youth Expo on Friday will have the opportunity to attend Pet Expo for free.
Scheduled animal performances include:
• Iams Superdogs— an eclectic mix of breeds such as Yorkshire terriers, bulldogs, Great Danes and more, will hit the stage to choreographed musical numbers and relays.
• Hollywood Cats presented by Critters of the Cinema— fearless felines will showcase their abilities with interactive performances and tricks. Some of their skills include walking a high wire and playing basketball and the piano.
• Creepy Crawly Critters Show— animals that give some people the creeps, presented by wildlife conservationist Joe Krathwohl. Audiences will get an up-close view of snakes, scorpions, lizards, crabs, frogs, spiders and other odd predators.
Other show highlights include:
• Nearly 100 breeds of dogs, cats, birds, fish, llamas, reptiles, pigs, rats, mice, rabbits and exotic animals to hold, learn about and pet.
• Dozens of local adoption agencies and rescue organizations
America’s Family Pet Expo is presented by the World Wide Pet Industry Association, Inc., a 58-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting responsible pet care.
The OC Fair & Event Center is located at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. Event hours are Friday 10am to 6pm, Sat. 10am to 7pm., Sunday 10am to 6pm.
General admission is $12, seniors 60 & over are $10. Children 6—12 are $6. Youth 5 years and under free. General parking is $5. General admission tickets may be purchased at a $2 discount at www.PetExpoOC.com. For more information, call (800) 999-7295.
