America’s Family Pet Expo returns to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa Friday, April 26 - Sunday, April 28, 2019. The annual family-friendly event features all creatures cute and cuddly, furry, feathered and scaled of all sizes, shapes, and colors. Animal entertainment, education, adoption of innovative products, and nutrition all at the OC Fair & Event Center.
This year, the Pet Expo launches “The Lab” an interactive, hands-on “show within a show” where guests, exhibitors, and pets can meet. “The Pet Expo is about connections, whether they be with fellow pet enthusiasts, or with the animals, says Courtney Harold, Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Business Development. “The Lab will be a central meet-up location for socializing, new product launches, demonstrations, and pet education seminars.”
 |  |  All Photos Courtesy of America's Family Pet Expo |
The Pet Expo will also debut “Kids’ Pet Care Course.” Led by licensed dog trainers, Kid Camp is an immersive experience where kids age 6-12 can learn how to care for their pet and will Earn a responsible pet ownership certificate. In 2018, there were more than 698 animal adoptions including dogs, cats – and even a few guinea pigs who found forever homes during the three-day event which drew approximately 50,000 attendees.
Coming this year to America’s Family Pet Expo is the Instagram sensation “Moshow the Cat Rapper” (@iAmMoshow), who boasts nearly 223K followers and more than 1M video views. Known for rapping about cat care and his passion for “cat ladies and cats,” he will be rapping on stage along with meet and greets at the TICA Cat Show twice daily, all weekend.
The “All-Star Stunt Dog Show” will be entertaining at the Pet Expo. Founded in 1999, the canine agility-show features high-flying, fearless and air-defying canines as they try to out-trick, flip and out jump one another. Audiences will be mesmerized by their talent and boundless energy.
The 2019 Expo will be the “Cat’s Meow” as the Catit Playground and TICA, The International Cat Association, returns. From rare breeds to household domestics, TICA will offer continuous opportunities for owners to showcase their prize-worthy felines for best in show categories. Alongside TICA, the Catit Playground will provide a close-up view for guests to watch adorable adoptable cats and kittens and see how they interact with different toys and people.
 Photo Courtesy of America's Family Pet Expo |
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 ever-popular Splash Dogs will also be on hand offering a “splashing” good time as these dogs compete at dock jumping.
In advance of America’s Family Pet Expo, kids can design and create a 10-gallon aquarium in the Kid’s Aquarium Contest sponsored by Tetra/Marineland. Continuing this year is America’s Family Pet Expo Hobbyist Aquascaping contest sponsored by FLUVAL. Plus, the ever-popular Splash Dogs sponsored by CANIDAE will also be on hand offering a “splashing” good time as these dogs compete at dock jumping.
There will also be the Butterfly Walk-Through, Police and Protection Dog Demonstrations, an Aquatic Touch Tank, Tortoise Petting Exhibit, and The Free Flight Bird Show as added features.
Doggie makeovers and 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 “fur-ever home” from local community partner organizations at the Pet Expo.
“Our promise is to always be the at the forefront of trends, nutrition, and animal education,” said Harold. “Looking ahead to the future, America’s Family Pet Expo will continue to be the place for animal lovers of all ages to come together to connect and experience the best of pet ownership for generations to come.”
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| All Photos Courtesy of America's Family Pet Expo | |
LOCATION: OC Fair & Event Center at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa 92626
DATES & TIMES: Friday, April 26-Sunday, Saturday, April 28
- Friday 10am-6pm
- Saturday 10am-7pm
- Sunday 10am-6pm.
TICKETS:
General Admission
- Purchase ONLINE through April 25th - $16
- Box Office purchase April 26th - 28th - $18
- $14/Senior; $11/Child 6-12 years; Free for Kids 5 and under & Active & Retired Military (with valid ID)
PARKING:
- Facility charges $9.00 per vehicle
DOGS *update*
- Dog owners may now bring their dogs to the Pet Expo all weekend long with the purchase of a $10 admission ticket. Get all the details HERE
