Last weekend was the fourth or fifth time that I’ve attended the annual America’s Family Pet Expo in Orange County, California. But with my husband busy working on his capstone project to finish up his Master’s degree, this year I had to drag my father-in-law along instead. I think that worked out for the best, as he and I are on the same wavelength when it comes to attending these types of shows. We both need to see every booth and walk through all of the areas of the show – even the creepy reptile exhibit. (Just kidding to the reptile owners out there – I have two tortoises myself!)
What made this year different was that it was my first year attending the show through the eyes of a cat blogger. While I’ve always been interested in the latest and greatest for cats, I had a newly added purpose for attending. I collected business cards of cat rescues to possibly feature and met some very interesting people who I will be profiling later on my blog.
I was also given a lot of samples (everyone gets them of course, not just bloggers), and I asked one of the companies if they would be attending BlogPaws in June – and their answer was yes. Here’s Olive yumming up a sample from Ciao. It’s kind of like a go-gurt stick for cats (no, it’s not yogurt). Olive loved it! This one is the tuna flavor, but we also have chicken to sample as well. (And no, this is not a sponsored post – I just wanted to share cute pictures of Miss Olive enjoying a treat.)
Adoptions at the Expo
In addition to products, one of the biggest draws to the show is of course the animals! There were cats, dogs, bunnies, reptiles and more available for adoption. Naturally, I spent most of my time browsing through the cat adoption area. While many cats would be terrified of being in such a loud, noisy environment, most of the ones I saw were pretty well-adjusted, or at least appeared to be. I imagine the rescues choose cats that will show well in an expo environment. I only came across one cat who backed away when I approached.
Here are a few of the animals that were available for adoption at the expo.
In 2015, there were over 600 animal adoptions and 45,000 visitors who attended America’s Family Pet Expo. (Source: Pet Product News) It will be interesting to see how the adoption numbers stack up this year compared to last. After the show, I caught up with Chris and Zac, who adopted a cat at the expo. Stay tuned – I will be sharing their adoption experience later! #adoptdontshop
Whether pet blogger or pet owner, everyone should attend a pet expo at least once. America’s Family Pet Expo, I’m sure along with other pet expos, offers an exciting and fun-filled day for any pet lover.
Have you ever been to a pet expo? What did you think of it?
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Wow, that sounds like a really big expo. The Amazing Pet Expos come to Austin every year and there are always tons of people there. I didn’t go last year, but it was fun the other times that I attended. My mom always went along and had a blast.
That sounds like so much fun. I wish we had a pet expo near me.
Yes I have attended a number of them and they are lots of fun. I was at one in Ft.Lauderdale and a number of them in Michigan. It does boggle my mind though, as to the number of vendors that look at you like you are from another planet when you give them your card and mention a blog. Many are clueless! I had blogged about both the Ft.Lauderdale expo and the Michigan ones on both of my blogs (I have a dog blog too)…….it is a fun experience. The rescues are always eager to be featured, but the smaller vendors still haven’t gotten with the program yet lol. catchatwithcarenandcody
Yes, ever adopt! :-)
We don’t live in an area that gets such events. That makes Mom very sad. We’ll look forward to hearing more about the EXPO. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
It sounds like a great event. We haven’t had any pet expos in our area.
Dat sounds like lots of fun. Wish we had somethn’ like dat ’round here.
Luv ya’
Dezi
I’d never heard of one… so I went and googled, to discover it was last weekend here in Calgary. Well at least I’ll know about it for next year .
Oh no, just missed it! But yes, now you know for next year. :-)
It sounds as though you had a great time, especially being a cat blogger as it gives you a different perspective. will you be coming to BlogPaws this year? We just found your blog and love it!
Marjorie and the Dash Kitten Crew
Thank you for stopping by my blog! Yes, I will be attending BlogPaws for the first time this year and I’m very excited.
Whoa! TW has been to very small expos around here that don’t have adoptions. wish we knew when a bigger one would come around here. Olive is so pretty.
Sounds great! I don’t know of any pet expos in our area.
What I wouldn’t give to visit a pet expo!!! Nothing fun like that ever comes to my area though :( Mudpie has some of those Ciao treats to review but we haven’t gotten to it yet.
Sounds like you had a good time! Must have been fun.
I so wish I could go to the events in the US :D
I attended a small one in my country and loved it even though I wished there were more companies and rescues featured. Seems like you had a great time and made some contacts.