The America’s Family Pet Expo returns to the OC Fair Event Center in Costa Mesa Friday, April 28 – Sunday, April 30, 2017.

The Pet Expo is excited to announce the return of the crowd pleasing “Cook’s Racing Hogs & Dogs,” a race that consists of four pigs, which run from one end of a 90-foot U-shaped track to the other. Four dogs then compete in a similar race. Waiting at the end of the track is a treat – vanilla ice cream and a golden Oreo cookie.

The 2017 Expo will be the “Cat’s Meow” as the The Catit Playground Debuts. The interactive activity brings a close up view for guests to watch adorable adoptable cats and kittens and see how they interact with different toys and people.  This is a great atmosphere for guests to learn all about cats and toys they like.  Lucy’s Wave Maker will return and also feature a cat surfer. The world one and only mobile wave machine makes an encore appearance America’s Family Pet Expo showcasing the best surfing dogs and cats too! The wave maker made international headlines from its appearance in the 2017 Rose Parade.

Returning favorites to the Pet Expo include Repticon, reptile show and sale, offering hundreds of common and rare species of reptiles in all shapes and sizes, such as lizards, snakes, and spiders. Plus, the ever-popular Splash Dogs will also be on hand offering a “splashing” good time as these dogs compete at dock jumping.

Last year, there were more than 500 animal adoptions including dogs, cats – and even a few guinea pigs – that were adopted from the Pet Expo’s Southern California animal rescue partner organizations. Pet Adoptions will be handled onsite for those looking for that perfect animal addition to the family. There will be hundreds of animals hoping to find their “furever home” from local community partner organizations at the Pet Expo.

 

In advance of the Expo, kids can design and create a 10-gallon aquarium in the Kids Aquarium Contest. There will also be Police Dog Demonstrations, an Aquatic Touch Tank and The Great American Petting Zoo for the whole family to enjoy. Added to the Expo line-up is the America’s Family Pet Expo Hobbyist Aquascaping contest. This new feature will consist of intermediate to advanced aquarists in a competition to create the most appealing natural aquarium.

The participants will use a variety of live plants and other natural decorations in order to create a miniature underwater jungle. Pet Expo attendees are encouraged to come watch the process of setting up a fully functional planted aquarium from 10am on Friday, April 28 to 12pm on Saturday, April 29.  Ribbons and cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 aquascapers on Saturday, April 29 th at 5:00pm.

The America’s Family Pet Expo returns to the OC Fair Event Center in Costa Mesa Friday, April 28 – Sunday, April 30, 2017.

General Admission, $15.00; seniors 60 and over, $13.00. Children 6-12, $10.00. 5 yrs and under, free. Active and retired military free with ID. Show hours: Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday 10am-7pm; Sunday 10am-6pm. OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa 92626. Facility charges $8.00 parking.