If you’re looking for fun dog acts, cool birds, crime solving K-9s, ferrets and lots and lots of cats, head out to Arlington Park this weekend. It’s time for another Chicagoland Family Pet Expo and if you love pets, it’s a great way to spend a few hours. There are adoptable pets, performing pups, cute kitties and lots of new products and pet services to explore.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the really fun things to see and do while you’re there:
- Let your pet take center stage – The deadline has passed to register your pet for these activitivies - but they are plenty of fun to watch. There will be a Housecat show – like a pure breed show with regular kitties – and there is the St. Petrick’s Day costume contest – featuring regular pets dressed for the one and only St. Petrick’s Day Celebration. Do note – this isn’t a pet friendly event. If your pet isn’t entered leave him or her at home.
- Check out the shows – There’s a great variety of pet entertainment – from the Extreme Canine Stunt Dog Show to the Happy Jack Trick Act to John Lege – That Guy with the Birds and Police K-9 Demos. Becaues seating is limited for these shows, it’s a great idea to grab a seat early so you don’t miss out on the fun.
- Support animal rescue – If you’re considering adding a pet to your family, it’s a great place to check out some of the pets looking for homes – dogs, cats, ferrets and birds. You can also meet with various rescues to learn out more about what they have to offer and learn about adding that breed or type of pet to your home. If you’re not considering adding a pet, check out the great gear and goodies at the rescue booths – shop and support animals in need.
- Look and learn – There’s a lot of great educational non-profits on hand as well. On the advocacy side, learn where those cute pet store puppies come from at the booth sponsored by The Puppy Mill Project. Find out how easy it is to train a rescue dog by talking to the folks at The Dog Saving Network (see their trained shelter dogs too). There are also booths educating about Canine Cancer called Two Million Dogs and learn about why you shouldn’t declaw your cat at the booth for P.A.D.S. – People Against Declaw Surgery.
- Check out new products and services – There will be many vendors on hand with great new pet products for you to check out and purchase. There also will be local veterinarians and pet businesses on hand to answer questions and fill you in on some of the new services they also have to offer.
- 2 for 1 deal – If you want a break on admission, the time to attend is from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday evening. That is when you may purchase one ticket at full price and get a second one for free – adults are $10 and kids from 3 to 12 are $5 and those under three are free.
The Family Pet Expo runs from 1 to 9 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Parking is $6. Learn more online about the rescues, businesses and cool acts. You may also download a coupon for a dollar off and follow the show on Facebook.
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