Attendees of this family-friendly event had the opportunity to interact with the reptiles through hands-on demonstrations, touching, and holding.  Here are a few pictures of the reptile fun!

Did you attend America’s Family Pet Expo’s Reptile Show and Sale?  Did you interact with the reptiles?  Did you take one home with you as your new pet?  We’d love to hear your feedback on the America’s Family Pet Expo Facebook Page!

The Adoption Dog Makeover team was made up of professional groomers that volunteered their time to groom dogs that were up for adoption at America’s Family Pet Expo. These volunteers included award-winning groomers, and some of the groomers even closed down their own businesses to help out!  Thank you to all our groomers who volunteered their time!

The doggy-makeovers were fun, but also served a purpose.  Many of the pups were in desperate need of a cut, nail trim, and brushing after spending time on the street or wherever they were rescued from.  And through the doggy makeovers, numerous pups were adopted during America’s Family Pet Expo!

Girl Scout Troop 513, a Brownie troop located in Rancho Santa Margarita, have once again put their love for animals into action by getting involved in the America’s Family Pet Expo as well as the Pets in the Classroom grant program.  The Troop’s involvement provided them with a hands-on learning opportunity and a chance to pass on their love for animals.

The Brownie Troop, which consists of 12 girls ages 8-9, has a history of doing activities that involve learning about and caring for animals.  Past projects include:

• Making pet beds and bringing them along with toys and treats to the Animal Urgent Care of South Orange County.
• Going to Wags and Wiggles in Rancho Santa Margarita and learning to train dogs using different kinds of commands.
• Adopting a rescued Sea Lion from the Pacific Marine Mammal Institute, visiting him during his rehabilitation, and watching four sea lions be released into the ocean.
• Donating food and supplies to the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary of CSUF Arboretum.
• Visiting Dana Point Harbor to the Ocean Institute and learning about, viewing and touching animals from the local ocean.

Past projects have provided the opportunity for the troop to learn more about animals, their habitats, and our environment as a whole.   This recent project with America’s Family Pet Expo and Pets in the Classroom was no exception.

At America’s Family Pet Expo, a pet and pet product expo consisting of pet shows & demonstrations, animal experts, pet adoptions, hands-on petting and learning opportunities, each of the troop members registered to be a part of the Kid’s Aquarium Contest, a learning program designed to teach children about the habitat of fish and the rewards of pet care.   Each troop member was given an aquarium to design an environment for.  In preparation for the field trip to the Expo, the troop visited a pet store to learn more about fish and fish aquariums.  Then, at the Expo, an expert explained the basic care guidelines and helped teach them how to be responsible pet owners.

“America’s Family Pet Expo is sort of like Disneyland for those who love animals,” said Dee Ann Lazatin, Co-Leader of the Troop.  “And our girls love animals!  They were all so excited.”

In addition to learning more about animals and animal care, the Troop wanted to give the proceeds of their Girl Scout Cookie sales to an animal- related charity. The Troop chose to donate the funds to the Pets in the Classroom Grant Program, which provides teachers with funding to purchase and maintain a classroom pet.

“Our Troop chose to participate in the Aquarium Contest at America’s Family Pet Expo as well as donate to Pets in the Classroom,” said Lazatin.  “All of our girls love animals and always talk about the teachers at school who have animals in their classroom.  Their eyes light up when we see, speak, touch and learn about animals. When we asked them which teacher would they love to see have animals in their classroom, they said every one of their teachers!”

The World Pet Association, host of America’s Family Pet Expo, has agreed to match the Troop’s donation to Pets in the Classroom.  A local teacher will be selected to receive the grant so that the troop can visit it.

“Our troop is very special,” said Lazatin, “and is always finding ways to give back.”

Here are a few tips to help you get the most of America’s Family Pet Expo:

• Purchase your tickets in advance!  By purchasing your tickets online at www.petexpoOC.org, you can save $2.00 per general admission ticket!
• Plan ahead!  Visit www.PetExpoOC.org and look at the various shows and entertainment options. Figure out which shows have designated times and plan out a rough agenda so that you don’t miss on the events you really want to see.
• Be sure to leave time to visit the various vendors, exhibitors, and expo areas.  There will be plenty of animals to observe, creatures to cuddle with, and products to purchase.
• If you have a pet at home, make a list of questions you may want to ask the animal experts that will be available at America’s Family Pet Expo.  Whether your questions concern the health, behavior, diet, or overall well-being of your pet, there is sure to be someone on site that will be able to assist you with your inquiries.
• If you plan on bringing your dog for Fido Friday, be sure to bring along the proper forms and review the requirements.  Visit www.PetExpoOC.org/Fido-Friday for more information.

We hope you found these tips helpful!  If you have your own tips for first time attendees, feel free to leave a comment on our Facebook page!  See you soon!

“Papi and Chloe” were there with America’s Family Pet Expo’s spokesperson, Ana Penman, who was interviewed by host Victor Cordero about the pups’ appearance at the Expo this weekend.

Have you considered a bird?  Birds are loveable creatures whose quirky mannerisms make it an interesting pet.  At America’s Family Pet Expo, bird experts will be on hand to help you pick out the appropriate equipment and teach you how to care for your pet bird properly.

What about reptiles?  You will be able to find dozens of varieties of reptiles at America’s Family Pet Expo’s Reptile Show and Sale. From lizards, snakes, to tarantulas – of all colors, shapes and sizes – adults and kids will have the opportunity to interact with hands-on demonstrations, touching and holding. This will provide you with a wonderful opportunity to get to know what type of reptile may be right for you!

How about Fish?  Fish can be easy pets to care for with the proper knowledge and equipment.  Stop by our Aquatic Experience and the various fish exhibits to get a great look at the beauty and tranquility that fish can provide.  Studies have shown that gazing at aquarium fish actually reduces stress and subsequently lowers blood pressure!  Just another reason to look into purchasing some fish!

There are so many great options out there for domestic pets.  Visit America’s Family Pet Expo to gain the knowledge and tools you need to make an informed decision on which pet could be the right companion for you!

The Pet Adoption Area at America’s Family Pet Expo is sponsored by VCA Animal Hospitals and is an important part of America’s Family Pet Expo.

The World Pet Association (host of America’s Family Pet Expo), provides booths to hundreds of local shelters and rescues in an effort to give attendees the opportunity to meet with hundreds of adorable adoptees. With animal experts on hand and pets of various sizes, personalities, and breeds to chose from, we hope you will be able to find the right friend to fit your lifestyle as well as the pet’s needs.

Whiskers twitch, tails thump and paws knead in the Pet Adoptions area.  The one constant with all of these adoptable darlings is that they are looking for a forever home with a loving companion.  Each year America’s Family Pet Expo is proud to be a part of this process.  With the help of the tireless volunteers who give their time and energy to find homes for these homeless pets we hope to be more successful each year in our quest to further the human animal bond. Looking for a loving companion?  Here’s a great place to start.

If you are thinking about getting a new or additional pet, be sure to come to the Pet Adoption Area at America’s Family Pet Expo at the OC Fair & Events Center April 20-22! You can make a difference in the life of an animal, and it will make a difference in your life!

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