*Please note: While accurate at the time of publishing, entertainment schedules, speakers, and demos may be subject to change without notice.

MAIN STAGE

Saturday, May 13th, 2017

 

10:30 AM: Welcome to the 2017 Houston Pet Expo!

 

11:00 AM: The Petfinder.com™ Adoptable Parade of Rescue Pets

Try not to squeal with delight as our various rescue groups parade around the stage with some of their select pets in need of forever homes! Rescue group representatives will also be available to provide information on adopting a new pet companion. Please remember, adopt don’t shop!

 

11:30 AM: Old Dogs, New Tricks: Why You Should Adopt a Senior Dog

Judy Einbinder and Barbara Pennington. Volunteers, Angels Four Paws Dog Rescue

You have seen the videos, a child opening a brightly wrapped box on Christmas morning to reveal a sparkling new puppy. What you rarely see is the senior dogs in shelters and rescues that need your help. There are a plethora of benefits of adopting a senior dog, such as already being house-trained and not to mention having a fantastic snuggle buddy! Join Angels Four Paws Dog Rescue in their presentation about the benefits of adopting an older dog.

 

 

12:00 PM: Simple Tips and Tricks for a Talented Pup!

Gregory Laws, Owner, The BullPen Dog Training Center LLC

Have you tried “sit”, “stay”, and “down” but it hasn’t stuck yet? Learn about some training techniques for success! A well trained dog doesn’t happen overnight, but practice can be fun and help foster a great relationship with your pet. It doesn’t hurt to have a little extra help from some local trainers ready to give you a refresher course! Once you feel confidence in teaching your dog and understand techniques that work for them, you can do almost anything!

 

12:20 PM: Animals Got Talent!™ Pet Talent Contest

Does your pet have an amazing talent? Of course, they do! Then it’s a good thing that bragging rights are up for grabs because this is your pet’s chance to show off and awe us all with their mad skills! Animals Got Talent!™ Pet Talent Contest consists of three categories: “best trick overall”, “most creative trick”, and “silliest trick”. Audience applause will determine the winner of a fabulous prize!

 

12:30 PM: Pet First Aid: How to Respond in an Emergency Situation

Beth Bowers, Owner, Power to the PawZ Pet Services & Education

Would you know what to do if your dog starts showing concerning symptoms? Do you know how to perform doggy and feline CPR? Do you know what heat stroke looks like in dogs? As awful as these scenarios sound, they happen everywhere. Knowing how to respond in an emergency, and having a working knowledge of basic pet first aid dramatically increases the chances of saving your pet's life in an emergency. Learning these skills will keep your mind and ease and prepared for nearly anything!

 

1:00 PM: Pet Musical Chairs Competition

Musical Chairs is a doggy variation of the classic children’s game. Music plays as handlers walk with their dog’s off-leash counter-clockwise around a rectangular area. A line of chairs (with alternating chairs facing in opposite direction) runs down the center of the rectangle. When the music stops, the handlers instruct their dogs to sit by verbal request and hand signal only (i.e., without touching them) and rush to sit on a vacant chair in the center of the rectangle. Last dog (and person) sitting wins!

 

1:30 PM: One Dog at a Time: Saving the Strays of Afghanistan

Royal Marine Sergeant ‘Pen’ Farthing, Founder, Nowzad Dogs

Ten years ago, 42 Royal Marines arrived in the war torn town of Now Zad, in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. Their mission? To provide stability for the local people during a period of ever-decreasing security. However, it didn’t take long for these Marines to realize that it wasn’t only the local people who needed their help; Now Zad was full of unwanted, abused and uncared-for strays who often found themselves on the wrong end of local dog fighting rings. Breaking up an organized dog fight right outside their remote compound inspired the international charity to form and make a difference for animals in Afghanistan. Given the name “Nowzad,” Farthing’s new four-legged friend served as a source of companionship and support when he needed it most; the thought of leaving Nowzad behind was unconscionable. As you learn more about war’s most voiceless and unintentional victims, you’ll be transfixed by the remarkable stories which led to the creation of Nowzad Dogs and understand why CNN designated Pen Farthing as their 2014 “Hero of the Year.” Farthing’s best-selling book, One Dog at a Time: Saving the Strays of Afghanistan (St. Martin’s Press, 2012) is the gripping account of one man’s courage and humanity and his fight to make a difference in the most hostile and dangerous environments, one dog at a time.

 

2:00 PM: Everyday Dog Training

Stephanie Martinez, Community Outreach Meadowlake Pet Resort & Training Center

Getting your pup ready for their social life is an important step in their growth as a member of your family. Using positive reinforcement, it can be simple to focus all your dog’s energy into being a friendly, well-behaved, and overall happy pup! Common training goals striven for include polite leash walking, and polite greetings. Using tricks to enhance your training program and keeping that training fun for you and your dog will make these issues subside!

 

2:30 PM: The Petfinder.com™ Adoptable Parade of Rescue Pets

Try not to squeal with delight as our various rescue groups parade around the stage with some of their select pets in need of forever homes! Rescue group representatives will also be available to provide information on adopting a new pet companion. Please remember, adopt don’t shop!

 

3:00 PM: An Open Q&A Panel With Houston’s Most Knowledgeable Pet Experts

• Royal Marine Sergeant ‘Pen’ Farthing, Founder, Nowzad Dogs ((saving strays, dismantling dog fighting rings, trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR), keeping soldiers and pets together)

• Stephanie Martinez, Community Outreach Meadowlake Pet Resort & Training Center (pet behavior and body language, positive reinforcement and force-free training methods, proper greeting techniques)

• Beth Bowers, Owner, Power to the PawZ Pet Services & Education  (general pet health and preventive care, emergency preparedness, pet safety, understanding your pet’s veterinary care)

• Nikki Pesek, Director, Texas Reptile and Small Animal Rescue (reptile and exotic rescue work, volunteerism and activism, finding forever homes for adoptable animals)

 

For most of us, it’s a given that our pet companions are so much more than mere “best friends", they’re beloved family members, trusted confidantes, weekend workout partners, give us a sense of purpose, and - most importantly - offer unconditional love. Regardless of what type of pet you share your life with, pet parenting comes with its share of challenges. Taking the best care of - and sharing a happy home with - our pets requires knowledge and understanding. Come prepared to ask away as Houston Pet Expo’s most knowledgeable pet experts answer your most pressing animal-related questions.

 

3:30 PM: Saddling Up for Equine Assisted Therapy

Cathy Stroebel, Chairman of the Board, Texas Therapeutic Riding Foundation

Equine-Assisted Therapy has been used since the ancient Greeks for various forms of healing. This form of therapy allows persons of unique abilities to benefit physically, emotionally, and socially.  Join Cathy Strobel in her presentation, discussing her journey to becoming an advocate for therapeutic riding, using horseback riding as means of therapy and recreation, and her mission statement of helping others.

 

4:15 PM: The Biggest, Baddest, Bestest Pet Costume Contest Evah!

Pet supermodels sashaying their costumed selves on the Pet Expo’s (err, very makeshift) catwalk? Um, yes please, and we’ll take a second serving too, thankyouverymuch! Show off your pet dressed in their costumed best for the super popular Pet Costume Contest! Any pet is welcome to participate, whether they’re canine, feline, porcupine, or just simply divine. There’s just one itsy bitsy teeny tiny caveat: to be eligible to win, your pet must wear a costume. Audience applause will determine first, second, and third-place winners. You can be confident that we’ve had extensive totally-scientific training in judging these types of things and can quickly identify audience enthusiasm down to a single clap too. To enter, bring your pet to the Main Stage by 4:00 PM and be ready to work, sashay, shante!

 

AGILITY COURSE

Provided by State Farm®

www.statefarm.com

(This self-paced activity is for pets of all ages, sizes, abilities, and disABILITIES.)

 

Saturday, May 13th, 2017

All Day, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

 

Put your pet to the test on the State Farm Agility & Obstacle Course! Traditional agility is a fast-paced canine sport in which a handler directs a dog through an obstacle course in a race for both time and accuracy. However, that’s not what THIS particular course is all about! Designed to build a dog’s confidence and enhance their ability to work with their guardian in a variety of situations, this self-paced activity is one that any pooch can enjoy - whether they’re young or young-at-heart, weigh 8lb or 108lb, are in peak physical condition or have three legs - and is the perfect activity to challenge your best pet friend both mentally and physically. Staff will be on-hand to offer assistance and help make accommodations for dogs of every age and ability - including those with disabilities - as they navigate their way through this veritable canine carnival of fun.

KIDS AREA

Provided by Fancy Cheeks Face Painting

 

Saturday, May 13th, 2017

All Day, 10:00AM to 5:00 PM

 

Having fun at the Houston Pet Expo? Have some more and get creative in the Kids Area! Take a break and sit down for some amazing face painting or a temporary tattoo. You can even get a balloon-version of your favorite animal to take home!

 

LURE COURSE

Provided by Lucky Dogs Lure Coursing

www.luckydogsadventures.com

 

Saturday, May 13th, 2017

All Day, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

 

Racing across a grassy course with the wind in their face, free as a bird, and a “lure” just within reach? It doesn’t get much better than that, folks! Lure coursing is a sport for dogs (and even the occasional kitty!) which involves chasing an exciting mechanical “lure” that jerks, jumps, wiggles, and turns on a dime, much like those elusive squirrels and rabbits that somehow (luckily) always manage to get away. While lure coursing was originally designed to be a competitive sport for sighthounds, the Lucky Dogs Adventures Lure Course is designed for F-U-N. The mechanical lure is under the complete control of its operator, who can easily customize the speed and movement of the chase for each pet. So any pet who enjoys an exciting game of “Chase,” regardless of age, ability, handicap, size, or skill, is welcome to give the Lure Course a try! The sport of lure coursing is rapidly increasing in popularity, and once you’ve taken a gander at this game in action, you’ll see exactly why. This is a very popular feature, so those whose pooch (or courageous cat) would love a chance to give it a go, should make their way right over to the course and sign up - All runs only $10!

MAIN STAGE

Sunday, May 14th 2017

 

11:30AM: Welcome to the 2017 Houston Pet Expo!

 

12:00 PM: The Petfinder.com™ Adoptable Parade of Rescue Pets

Try not to squeal with delight as our various rescue groups parade around the stage with some of their select pets in need of forever homes! Rescue group representatives will also be available to provide information on adopting a new pet companion. Please remember, adopt don’t shop!

 

12:30 PM:Pet First Aid: How to Respond in an Emergency Situation

Beth Bowers, Owner, Power to the PawZ Pet Services & Education

Would you know what to do if your dog starts showing concerning symptoms? Do you know how to perform doggy and feline CPR? Do you know what heat stroke looks like in dogs? As awful as these scenarios sound, they happen everywhere. Knowing how to respond in an emergency, and having a working knowledge of basic pet first aid dramatically increases the chances of saving your pet's life in an emergency. Learning these skills will keep your mind and ease and prepared for nearly anything!

 

1:00 PM: Simple Tips and Tricks for a Talented Pup!

Velma Laws, CAO, The BullPen Dog Training Center LLC

Have you tried “sit”, “stay”, and “down” but it hasn’t stuck yet? Learn about some training techniques for success! A well trained dog doesn’t happen overnight, but practice can be fun and help foster a great relationship with your pet. It doesn’t hurt to have a little extra help from some local trainers ready to give you a refresher course! Once you feel confidence in teaching your dog and understand techniques that work for them, you can do almost anything!

 

1:20 PM: Animals Got Talent!™ Pet Talent Contest

Does your pet have an amazing talent? Of course, they do! Then it’s a good thing that bragging rights are up for grabs because this is your pet’s chance to show off and awe us all with their mad skills! Animals Got Talent!™ Pet Talent Contest consists of three categories: “best trick overall”, “most creative trick”, and “silliest trick”. Audience applause will determine the winner of a fabulous prize!

 

 

1:30 PM:  One Dog at a Time: Saving the Strays of Afghanistan

Royal Marine Sergeant ‘Pen’ Farthing, Founder, Nowzad Dogs

Ten years ago, 42 Royal Marines arrived in the war torn town of Now Zad, in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. Their mission? To provide stability for the local people during a period of ever-decreasing security. However, it didn’t take long for these Marines to realize that it wasn’t only the local people who needed their help; Now Zad was full of unwanted, abused and uncared-for strays who often found themselves on the wrong end of local dog fighting rings. Breaking up an organized dog fight right outside their remote compound inspired the international charity to form and make a difference for animals in Afghanistan. Given the name “Nowzad,” Farthing’s new four-legged friend served as a source of companionship and support when he needed it most; the thought of leaving Nowzad behind was unconscionable. As you learn more about war’s most voiceless and unintentional victims, you’ll be transfixed by the remarkable stories which led to the creation of Nowzad Dogs and understand why CNN designated Pen Farthing as their 2014 “Hero of the Year.” Farthing’s best-selling book, One Dog at a Time: Saving the Strays of Afghanistan (St. Martin’s Press, 2012) is the gripping account of one man’s courage and humanity and his fight to make a difference in the most hostile and dangerous environments, one dog at a time.

 

2:00 PM: Everyday Dog Training

Stephanie Martinez, Community Outreach, Meadowlake Pet Resort & Training Center

Getting your pup ready for their social life is an important step in their growth as a member of your family. Using positive reinforcement, it can be simple to focus all your dog’s energy into being a friendly, well-behaved, and overall happy pup! Common training goals striven for include polite leash walking, and polite greetings. Using tricks to enhance your training program and keeping that training fun for you and your dog will make these issues subside!

 

2:30 PM:So You Want to Adopt a Shelter Animal? How to Get Started

Eileen Akerson, President, Homeless Pet Placement League, Inc

Did you know that nearly 8 million animals enter US animal shelters or rescues each year? So many of us animal lovers dream of getting involved in animal rescue and then - while rescue can be VERY rewarding - some are entirely unprepared for the many challenges and the emotional toll that helping animals can take. Learn about some of the many ways to assist your local community by helping animals of all kinds; from donating to fostering and volunteering with your local rescue!

 

3:15 PM: The Biggest, Baddest, Bestest Pet Costume Contest Evah!

Pet supermodels sashaying their costumed selves on the Pet Expo’s (err, very makeshift) catwalk? Um, yes please, and we’ll take a second serving too, thankyouverymuch! Show off your pet dressed in their costumed best for the super popular Pet Costume Contest! Any pet is welcome to participate, whether they’re canine, feline, porcupine, or just simply divine. There’s just one itsy bitsy teeny tiny caveat: to be eligible to win, your pet must wear a costume. Audience applause will determine first, second, and third-place winners. You can be confident that we’ve had extensive totally-scientific training in judging these types of things and can quickly identify audience enthusiasm down to a single clap too. To enter, bring your pet to the Main Stage by 3:00 PM and be ready to work, sashay, shante!

 

AGILITY COURSE

Provided by State Farm®

www.statefarm.com

(This self-paced activity is for pets of all ages, sizes, abilities, and disABILITIES.)

 

Sunday, May 14th, 2017

All Day, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

 

Put your pet to the test on the State Farm Agility & Obstacle Course! Traditional agility is a fast-paced canine sport in which a handler directs a dog through an obstacle course in a race for both time and accuracy. However, that’s not what THIS particular course is all about! Designed to build a dog’s confidence and enhance their ability to work with their guardian in a variety of situations, this self-paced activity is one that any pooch can enjoy - whether they’re young or young-at-heart, weigh 8lb or 108lb, are in peak physical condition or have three legs - and is the perfect activity to challenge your best pet friend both mentally and physically. Staff will be on-hand to offer assistance and help make accommodations for dogs of every age and ability - including those with disabilities - as they navigate their way through this veritable canine carnival of fun.

 

KIDS AREA

Provided by Fancy Cheeks Face Painting

 

Sunday, May 14th, 2017

All Day, 11:00AM to 4:00 PM

 

Having fun at the Houston Pet Expo? Have some more and get creative in the Kids Area! Take a break and sit down for some amazing face painting or a temporary tattoo. You can even get a balloon-version of your favorite animal to take home!

 

LURE COURSE

Provided by Lucky Dogs Lure Coursing

www.luckydogsadventures.com

 

Sunday, May 14th, 2017

All Day, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Racing across a grassy course with the wind in their face, free as a bird, and a “lure” just within reach? It doesn’t get much better than that, folks! Lure coursing is a sport for dogs (and even the occasional kitty!) which involves chasing an exciting mechanical “lure” that jerks, jumps, wiggles, and turns on a dime, much like those elusive squirrels and rabbits that somehow (luckily) always manage to get away. While lure coursing was originally designed to be a competitive sport for sighthounds, the Lucky Dogs Adventures Lure Course is designed for F-U-N. The mechanical lure is under the complete control of its operator, who can easily customize the speed and movement of the chase for each pet. So any pet who enjoys an exciting game of “Chase,” regardless of age, ability, handicap, size, or skill, is welcome to give the Lure Course a try! The sport of lure coursing is rapidly increasing in popularity, and once you’ve taken a gander at this game in action, you’ll see exactly why. This is a very popular feature, so those whose pooch (or courageous cat) would love a chance to give it a go, should make their way right over to the course and sign up - All runs only $10!