Taped in March in San Diego, “Pet Expo 2006” will premiere on HGTV at 9 p.m. EDT on Aug.19 as part of the national cable network’s “Dog Days of Summer” event. The four-hour block of programming also will include the premier of “Doggone Design,” featuring custom-built doghouses; an encore presentation of “Pet Pads,” featuring homes designed around pets; and an encore presentation of “Pet Palaces,” featuring homes modified to cater to pampered pets.

Hosted by Tava Smiley of “I Want That! Kitchens” and John Sencio of “Cash in the Attic,” the special will examine the ever-growing trend toward “humanizing” pets by focusing on toys, bedding, dinnerware, treats, habitats, travel accessories, fashion, grooming and beauty, training tools, high-tech gadgets and luxury items. It also will cover personalized products and apparel for pet owners.

“Our viewers crave up-to-date information on consumer products and design ideas that will enhance their lives in and out of their homes,” said Judy Girard, president of HGTV. “Our continuing focus on new products and innovations gives viewers their first look at the latest trends, all in the same fun, upbeat, entertaining style that has made the network a go-to resource for home and lifestyle for the past 11 years.”

“This show is monumental not only for Global Pet Expo, but the pet industry as a whole,” said Bob Vetere, president of the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (Greenwich, Conn.). “The pet industry is growing in size and notoriety, and promotion like the HGTV special lets the entire world know it, which will ultimately result in increased attention and capital.”

APPMA works with the Pet Industry Distributors Association (Bel Air, Md.) to produce Global Pet Expo.

Coinciding with the television special, HGTV.com, the network’s companion Web site, will include information about design trends from Global Pet Expo as well as expanded coverage of other products from the show and exclusive broadband videos.

HGTV, characterized by home and lifestyle programming, is distributed to more than 89 million U.S. households and is one of cable’s top-rated networks. HGTV.com draws an average of 5.2 million visitors per month. [July 2006 PET AGE]