The Greater Philadelphia Pet Expo will return on Mar. 8-10, with fur flying entertainment, dog sporting fun, and educational programs designed for the whole family. The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center will again host the event, which features many special attractions, pet adoptions, and shopping for pet lovers and their pets.

“This event is the largest and most popular show we do,” said Show Co-Producer Karen Garetano of Family Pet Shows, which runs several similar events in the northeast.

The many special exhibits always feature some of the hottest new products coming out often before they hit the retail shelves. Pets on leashes are always welcome, and several area rescue groups with adoptable pets will be on hand. Popular performers and presenters include Gail Mirabella and her Dynamo Dogs, Sit Means Sit Trick Performance Show, the Dog Lovers Lure Course, Rainforest Reptiles, Rabbit Hopping, a TICA Cat Show, a special Alpacas exhibit, Piggyvilla, and more.

“We always have fun at these events, but we also are strong supporters of responsible pet ownership and humane values when it comes to all issues involving animals and pets,” said Garetano. “We partner with several community organizations, shelters, veterinarians and other animal lovers educate and inform when it comes to best practices for training, feeding, and all aspects of pet care.”

Community and rescue organizations participating in the show include the Greater Philadelphia Search & Rescue, Noah’s Ark Rescue & Sanctuary, The Philly Bully Team, Forgotten Felines No More, 3 Husketeers Rescue, Brandywine Valley SPCA, The Animal House Project, and more.

The event is expected to draw over 10,000 attendees over the weekend. Friday, Mar. 8, is Family Night, and kids under 12 are free. For the rest of the weekend, adult admission is $15, kids 4-11 are $6, and those three years and under are always free. Hours on Friday, Mar. 11, are 3-8 PM, on Saturday, Mar. 12, from 10 AM to 7 PM, and on Sunday, Mar. 13, from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Attendees are welcome to bring their well-behaved pets to the expo, and there are some regulations and restrictions per COVID.

About This Year’s Featured Performers and Presenters

Gail Mirabella and The Dynamo Dogs: You can teach your old dog new tricks. These veteran-performing dogs will knock spectators’ socks off with their Trick Dog Show Routine, Frisbee Dog Acrobatics, and dynamite performances. Mirabella and her canine friends will wow the crowd as they do all over the country.

Dog Lovers Day Lure Course: In this popular event, dogs will have a blast running through the lure course and testing their agility while letting out some energy. Dogs love to zip through this course, and it’s a blast to watch.

Sit Means Sit: Come watch their dogs race against the clock to see who can score more baskets and participate in some agility and tricks.

Rainforest Reptile Show: Enjoy an exciting, fascinating adventure through the rare and endangered reptile world. Many exotic reptiles will be at the show for kids and adults alike to learn about.

TICA Championship Cat Show: For cat lovers who have never been to a cat show, this is a “purrific” way to see all the different breeds of cats up close.

Gus the Brahman: Meet and take your picture on an American Brahman Steer (Saturday and Sunday only).

Rabbit Hopping: Allikatt’s Bunnies will present an agility demo of rabbits hopping all weekend, and there will be demonstrations and a seminar to learn how to get involved in this sport with your own hare.

Piggyvilla: The Tri-County Pot-Bellied Pig Club will be there to promote and educate pet pig owners and the public about potbellied pigs. The fun and unique Piggyvilla exhibit will have pot-belly pigs performing tricks.

Alpacas: See the softest, cutest, most cuddly critter you will ever meet. You can see colorful, gentle alpacas at the area where you can meet them up close and personal and have the opportunity to feel what’s been called the “softest fiber” in the world (baby alpaca fleece). There will be an educational display where you can learn about these beautiful animals.

AKC Good Citizen Testing: Testing will be offered at the Greater Philadelphia Pet Expo. All breeds and mixed breeds are welcome. Please check the website for information.

Learn more about Family Pet Shows, formerly known as The Horse and Pet Expo, a family-owned and operated company run by Karen and Dennis Garetano, and their son Joe Garetano. In 1994, after years of publishing Horseworld USA magazine, they launched a horse expo in 1994 in Fort Washington. After two years of successfully producing this show, they expanded the event to include other animals and pets and changed the name to The Horse and Pet Expo and began adding new locations. The company now hosts seven different pet shows annually in New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, and each event draws thousands of dedicated pet lovers. The Garetanos are dedicated to making the shows educational and fun, with the ultimate goal of teaching the importance of responsible pet ownership. They provide complimentary display space to many 501(c)3 rescue and adoption groups to help save many animal lives, and a majority of the floor space is devoted to entertainment and educational programs presented by a wide variety of organizations and performers. They strive to make every show a family and pet friendly pet event like no other they can find in the northeast.

Learn more about upcoming Montgomery County and surrounding-area events at Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board.