The start of a new year is here and with that comes plenty of fun, pet-friendly, or pet loving events that you and your family can go to. Some of them allow pets and some don’t but all of them are sure to have great educational information regarding health and well-being, community outreach, and raising awareness of some of the issues that animal welfare groups are trying to change. Who knows, you may end up with a new parrot, cat, or being a volunteer at your local humane shelter after coming home from an event.
Check out the events listed and if you’re not near any of these, check with your local humane society and newspaper for local pet events.
With so many pet events across the country, this list can’t be quite comprehensive – at least not without your help. Is your pet event, or one in your area, missing from our list? Please help us update this list to keep it current by leaving the information in a comment below!
Pet Events in the USA – January 2013
Greater Philadelphia Pet Expo
When:January 11-13 2013 hours vary by day
Where: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center 100 Station Ave, Oaks, PA 19456
Admission: $12 for adults, $5 for children, children 3yrs old and under are free
More information: Family Pet Expo
Hotels in Philadelphia
Hundreds of vendors, demonstrations, and educators will be on hand for three days. Bring the family on Friday night because children are free that day. Meet trainers who will answer any questions you have about behavior modification, visit the booths of the local shelters and animal welfare groups to learn more about the pets available and breeds, and watch the demonstrations of dogs who do agility, rally, and other great tricks. Last year there were reptiles and exotic pets on display, this year is sure to have that too and more!
Police Department Pet Registration Day
When: January 12 2013 9am to 1pm
Where: 3614 South Ocean Boulevard Highland Beach, FL
Admission: Free
More information: Highland Beach Website
Hotels near Highland Beach
Any Highland Beach resident pet owner who wishes to register their pet may bring the pet to the pet registration “kick off” at which time a registration form describing the pet, i.e. breed, color, name, owner contact information, etc. will be completed and a picture of the pet will be taken. The data and picture collected will then be entered into the department’s new Pet Registration database.
2nd Annual Cutest Pirate Dog Contest
When: January 12 2013 3pm to 6pm
Where: Gaspar’s Grotto 1805 East 7th Avenue Tampa, FL
Admission: $15 for single, $20 VIP, $25 for teams of 2
More information: Krew of Alegria
Hotels in Tampa
Proceeds benefit Alegria’s Kickin’ for Kids, Inc. and Animal Coalition of Tampa – both 501(c) 3 organizations. This is a pirate dog costume contest with lots of categories for winning and great prizes.
Clicker Expo
When: January 25-27 2013
Where: Hyatt Burlingame 1333 Bayshore Highway Burlingame, CA
Admission: Registration fee varies
More information: Clicker Expo Website
Hotels in San Francisco
Learn more in three days than you ever thought possible! What sets ClickerExpo apart? Leading-edge training from a world-class Faculty, uniquely dedicated to your learning and growth. Come with or without your dog! Put theory into practice right away–work with your dog in the Learning Labs!
Bark and Bowl 2013
When: January 26 2013
Where: 10333 San Jose Blvd Jacksonville Fl
Admission: Free to watch, Teams must raise $500 to play
More information: Bark and Bowl Website
Hotels in Jacksonville
The National Canine Cancer Foundation is proud to present the Bark and Bowl! The Bark and Bowl is an inside event made up of music, fun, vendors, prizes, great times and dog lovers galore! Teams must consist of 4 or more players and each team must raise $500 to secure a lane and play. Design a t-shirt, come up with a creative team name! There will be an award given out for Best Team Name, Best Team Lane decoration, and Best Team T-shirt.
World of Pets Expo
When: January 25-27 2013
Where: Maryland State Fairground Timonium, Md
Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for children 5yr to 12yr, children under 5yr free
More information: World of Pets Website
Hotels in Timonium
There will be workshops, educational seminars and entertainment. Many activities and demonstrations will be directed toward children and the Expo is an exciting event for the entire family. Seminars include dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, ferrets and other animals. There will also be booths where children may handle live animals, a Parade of Breeds, a Petting Zoo, Rainforest Experience and much more.
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