The Greater Philadelphia Pet Expo returns on Mar. 7-9, with fur-flying entertainment, dog sporting fun, and educational programs designed for the whole family. The event will again be held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Ave., Oaks) and features many special attractions, pet adoptions and outstanding shopping for pet lovers and their pets.
“This event is the largest and most popular show we do,” said show Co-Producer Karen Garetano of Family Pet Shows, which runs several similar events in the Northeast.
The many special exhibits always feature some of the hottest new products coming out often before they hit the retail shelves. Pets on leashes are always welcome, and several area rescue groups with adoptable pets will be on hand. Gail Mirabella will be back with the Dynamo Disc Dogs, as well as other popular presenters including Circus Stella Performing Dogs, Luring 101, Rainforest Reptiles Shows, Rabbit Hopping, a TICA Cat Show, a special Alpacas exhibit, Piggyvilla, Gus the Brahman, and more.
“We always have fun at these events, but we also are strong supporters of responsible pet ownership and humane values when it comes to all issues involving animals and pets,” said Garetano. “We partner with several community organizations, shelters, veterinarians, and other animal lovers to educate and inform when it comes to best practices for training, feeding, and all aspects of pet care.”
Community and rescue organizations participating in the show include the Greater Philadelphia Search & Rescue, Noah’s Ark Rescue & Sanctuary, The Philly Bully Team, Forgotten Felines No More, Brandywine Valley SPCA, Animal House Project, and more
The event is expected to draw over 10,000 attendees over the weekend. Friday, Mar. 8, is Family Night, and kids under 12 are free, and the rest of the weekend adult admission is $15. Kids ages four to 11 are $6, and kids under three are always free. Friday hours are 3-8:00 PM; Saturday, Mar. 12, from 10:00 AM-7:00 PM; and Sunday, Mar. 13, from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. For additional information, call (631) 423-0620 or visit Family Pet Shows.
Note: Attendees are welcome to bring their well-behaved pets to the expo. There are some regulations and restrictions per COVID. Please find more info here.
About Family Pet Shows
Family Pet Shows, formerly known as The Horse and Pet Expo, is a family-owned and operated company run by Karen and Dennis Garetano, and their son Joe Garetano. In 1994, after years of publishing Horseworld USA magazine, they launched a horse expo in 1994 in Fort Washington. After two years of successfully producing this show, they expanded the event to include other animals and pets and changed the name to the Horse and Pet Expo, and began adding new locations.
The company now hosts seven different pet shows annually in New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, and each event draws thousands of dedicated pet lovers. The Garetanos have always been dedicated to making the shows educational and fun, with the ultimate goal of teaching the importance of responsible pet ownership. They provide complimentary display space to many 501(c)3 rescue and adoption groups to help save many animal lives, and a majority of the floor space is devoted to entertainment and educational programs presented by a wide variety of organizations and performers. They strive to make every show a family and pet-friendly pet event like no other they can find in the Northeast.
About This Year’s Featured Performers and Presenters
Gail Mirabella and The Dynamo Dogs: You can teach your old dog new tricks! These veteran-performing dogs will knock the spectator’s socks off with their Trick Dog Show Routine, Frisbee Dog Acrobatics, and dynamite performances. Mirabella and her canine friends will wow the crowd as they do all over the country.
Luring 101: Dogs will have a blast running through the lure course and testing out their agility while letting out some energy! Dogs love to zip through this course and it’s a blast to watch!
Circus Stella: At Circus Stella, laughter meets awe-inspiring feats. Let our talented canine performers dazzle you with aerial acrobatics, daring balancing acts, and the comedic canine capers of our performing rescue dogs! Get ready to laugh, cheer, and be amazed at Circus Stella, the perfect blend of fun and excitement for the whole family!
Rainforest Reptile Show: This is an exciting, fascinating adventure through the rare and endangered reptile world! Many exotic reptiles will be at the show for kids and adults alike to learn about.
TICA Championship Cat Show: For cat lovers who have never been to a cat show, this is a purr-ific way to see all the different breeds of cats up close.
Gus the Brahman: Meet and get to sit and get your picture taken on an American Brahman Steer (Saturday and Sunday only).
Rabbit Hopping: Rabbit Hopping: It’s not the bunny hop you’re thinking of — but talented rabbits who love to jump! Allikatt’s Bunnies will present an agility demo of rabbits hopping all weekend, and there will be demonstrations and even a seminar so you can learn how to get involved in this sport with your own hare.
Piggyvilla: The Tri-County Pot-Bellied Pig Club will be there to promote and educate pet pig owners and the public about pot-bellied pigs. Visit the fun and unique Piggy Villa exhibit to see pot-belly pigs perform tricks and help you decide if a pet pig will make a great addition to your family.
Alpacas: See the softest, cutest, most cuddly critter that you will ever meet. You can see colorful, gentle alpacas in the area where you can meet them up close and personal, and have the opportunity to feel what’s been called the “softest fiber” in the world — baby alpaca fleece! There will be an educational display where you can learn about these beautiful animals.
AKC Good Citizen Testing: Testing will be offered at the Greater Philadelphia Pet Expo. All breeds and mixed breeds are welcome. Please check the website for information.
Learn more at VFTCB.
