America's Family Pet Expo Educates More Than 25,000
America’s Family Pet Expo, held June 24-26 at the Fairplex
in Pomona, Calif., promoted responsible pet care to more than
25,000 visitors.
Organized by the World Wide Pet Industry Association (Arcadia,
Calif.), the fair featured workshops, demonstrations and how-to
sessions by animal experts on a broad range of animal-care
topics.
“Our mission is to educate as many people as possible
on the proper selection, care and training of all types of
companion animals,” said Doug Poindexter, executive
vice president of WWPIA. “We want people to have as
much information as possible ahead of the pet selection process,
so they understand the commitment of time and money necessary
to keep a pet healthy, happy and safe.
“Once a pet is taken into a home as a new family member,
we want to be sure those entrusted with the pet’s well-being
have all the necessary skills to care for and train the pet,”
he continued. “It then is a win-win situation for both
the pet and the family.”
Educational presentations included “Kids and Dogs—How
to Keep Safe,” “Choosing the Right Pet Rat,”
“Proper Enclosures for Your Reptile,” “Dog
Grooming Made Easy for Kids,” “It’s a Pig’s
Life,” “Answering Your Rabbit Questions,”
“Cichlid Habits,” “Enriching the Life of
the Ferret,” “Bunny Grooming Basics,” “Guinea
Pig Nutrition,” “Living With Handicapped Birds,”
“Living With Hamsters,” “Born to Be Wild
and Why,” “Teaching Other Animals to Get Along
With Your Bird,” “Getting to Know Reptiles”
and “Ask the Vet—Cat Care.”
In addition, petting and learning opportunities were available
at the All God’s Creatures Petting zoo and at animal
exhibits by hobbyists, clubs and organizations.
Stage presentations included Valentine’s Performing
Pigs, Rockets K-9 Comets and Splash Dogs.
A total of 26 adoption agencies found homes for 267 dogs,
cats, birds, rats and guinea pigs.
Vendors offered information on thousands of items for pet
safety, health, nutrition, exercise, mental and emotional
well-being, and training.
The next America’s Family Pet Expo will take place
Nov. 18-20 at the Novi Expo Center in Novi, Mich. For more
information, contact WWPIA at 800-999-7295, or visit www.wwpia.com.
[September 2005 PET AGE]
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