The annual Pet Expo, Henrico Humane Society’s flagship fundraiser, is a family affair. Held at the Richmond Raceway Complex, January 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., this kid-friendly event offers a variety of activities to keep pets, parents, and children entertained.
While you walk your furry family members in the pet parade or enter them in one of the many dog contests, your kids can have their day of fun, too. This year, the Pet Expo will feature a bounce house, an adoption stand with stuffed animals, a Vet Clinic’ where kids can get their new plush pet examined, face painting, and crafts.
What else can your family do you do at the Pet Expo? There is a full day of activities: a pet parade, puppy races, dog contests, agility and lure courses, dog adoptions, caricatures, and several silent auctions (see schedule below). More than fifty vendors will be onsite selling pet-related products and services, so whether you’re looking for stylish collars, an obedience trainer, toys, treats or anything in between – you’re likely to find it at the Pet Expo.
“It was important to us to make this event fun for all family members and for every age,” said Melissa Golden, event organizer and HHS vice president. “Pets become family members, and this event celebrates everyone who loves and cherishes their family pet.”
Since it launched in 2000, more than 38,000 people have attended the Pet Expo, which has netted more than $400,000 to benefit the pets in HHS’s care. It’s the longest running event in Richmond where people can bring their pets to participate in a day of fun with the entire family.
This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the event and to commemorate this milestone, the Henrico Humane Society invites all adopters and their families to strut their mutt in an alumni parade and pose for a group picture.
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Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12; children under 6 and pets are free. Tickets can be purchased online for $8 prior to the event. All proceeds benefit Henrico Humane Society. For more information on the Pet Expo, visit them on Facebook at Henrico Humane Society or at henricohumane.org.
Pet Expo Schedule:
10:30 Agility Demo
11:00 a.m. Obedience Demo
11:15 Detector Dog Demo
11:30 Parade of HHS Alumni Dogs and Group Picture
11:45 Parade of Adoptable Dogs
12:00 Blessing of the Animals followed by Dog Contests* – Best Costume, Best Trick, and Prettiest Eyes
1:00 Dog Yoga
1:30 Puppy Races
1:45 Trick Demo
2:15 Dog Contests* – Best Kisser and Frosty Paws Eating
3:00 Obedience Demo
3:15 Live Music
*Entry fee is $3
