If you find yourself constantly wondering "how much is that doggy in the window?" then America's Family Pet Expo is the show for you.
Now in its 24th year, the family-friendly expo presents a virtual Arc load of critters at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa from April 19-21. From dancing dogs to miniature horses, exotic reptiles to adoptable pets, there's a bit of everything on display. Even better? Rather than gazing at these animals behind glass, attendees can interact with all manner of creatures through exhibits, educational shows and hands-on displays.
“America’s Family Pet Expo will bring together thousands of unique and rare animals, including the new Reptile Show and Sale,” says Doug Poindexter, President of the World Pet Association, producers of the America’s Family Pet Expo. “This event has something for pet lovers of all kinds with plenty of entertainment, information and pets of all varieties. We will also have pets available for adoption. It’s a great event for the entire family.”
Let's take a closer look at some of the animal and entertainment highlights, not to mention educational workshops and adoption programs you and your family can enjoy.
Entertainment
Each year America's Family Pet Expo offers an exciting variety of unique entertainment opportunities for the whole family. The 2013 Expo welcomes Captain Megasis, an adorable four-legged super hero who stars alongside everyone’s favorite talking puppies in Disney’s “Super Buddies.” To celebrate the all-new film coming to Blu-ray combo pack on August 27th attendees will get the chance to take their photo with Captain Megasis throughout the weekend.
Guests will also marvel at fearless flips and jumps during The Amazing Dobermans. Trained by Neecha Braun, a live stage performance featuring a bevy of talented dogs of all sizes and breeds performing captivating tricks with interactive audience participation.
For something a bit more wet-and-wild, there's Splash Dogs, a nationally recognized dog enthusiast group that organizes and promotes dock jumping events across the United States.
Education
If all the impressive four-legged exploits on display have you wishing that Fido could do a little more than just "rollover," check out Dog Training with Renee. Renee Jones is a renowned Certified Professional Dog Trainer who comes from Alabama to teach show guests how to train their four-legged best buddies with a bit of Southern charm.
Or reward Fido by checking out Adoption Dog Makeovers to see America's Family Pet Expo's extreme makeover team demonstrate how to properly bathe and groom a dog. You can even adopt the dogs on display.
But America's Family Pet Expo isn't limited to canines. The Pet Expo Cat Program allows you to learn about the many breeds of cats and their unique personalities. And, look up to the sky as magnificent birds of a feather flock together and fly during the Free Flight Bird Show.
For The Kids
From goats to bunnies to learning about the exotic reptiles on display, kids will love America's Family Pet Expo. But with so much going on, make sure your little ones don't miss the Kid's Aquarium Contest. Here's how it works: Each participant receives a 10 gallon aquarium, heater, filter and water and the kids add their own fish and unique decorations. The aquariums will be on display throughout the Expo and are judged according to age group and three categories: Natural, Creative and Themed. Every participant is ultimately a winner because after the Expo, each child can bring home their creation. Children are encouraged to sign up for participation in next year’s Kid’s Aquarium Contest. School age kids, 5 to 16 years old are encouraged to participate.
And remember, if you're looking for a fantastic feline, cuddly canine, bouncing bunny or any number of adoptable pets there will be hundreds of animals ready for their “forever home” from local community partner organizations at the Expo.
Tickets to America's Family Pet Expo are $13 for adults and $8 for children. To purchase tickets and for more information visit PetExpoOC.org.
*Kindly leave your pets at home.
