The All About Pets Show, featuring Ontario’s Mane Event, is an entertaining extravaganza for animal enthusiasts of all ages, featuring everything from cats and dogs, to horses, fish, and even reptiles.
On Easter weekend, April 18 -20, some 20,000 people will stream through the gates of the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, for expert advice, entertainment, and one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
For the second year, Ontario’s Mane Event boasts an equestrian showcase with a dedicated exhibition hall that includes free clinics, included with admission. The clinics will be hosted by world-renowned clinicians such as Josh Lyons, Craig Cameron, Elaine Ward, and Maya Markowski.
The Equine Wellness Centre, in association with the Ontario Equestrian Federation, exhibits a new 30 X 30 Ring – a prime destination for horse enthusiasts. The line-up includes daily live demonstrations with respected industry leaders, and experts providing wellness, conditioning and fitness, training methods, equipment, and nutrition tips.
Catch your favourite cats and dogs competing and performing in multiple rings each day, providing non-stop action. The World of Cats and the Championship Cat show — sanctioned by the Canadian Cat Association – will crown the annual Best National Cat.
Dog lovers will be entertained, too. The WoofJocks Performance Dogs features talented breeds, which show off their latest tricks, and the Ultimate Air Dogs participate in a dock- jumping competition.
Breeders will be on hand to talk about a variety of breeds at the World of Dogs area. You can also visit the Grooming Showcase to meet members from the Ontario Dog Groomers Association and learn the tricks of their trade. Be sure not to miss the Rescue Rodeo Grooming Competition on Friday.
Anyone thinking about getting a new pet will get all the information they need to find the breed that suits them best. Who knows, you might even bring home a goat as a family pet once you see the Supergoats show off their agility in the ring.
Visitors will also meet and learn from veterinarians, trainers, groomers, and celebrity speakers, such Beverley Mahood, country music artist and host of CMT’s Pick a Puppy. Mahood will also host the FouFou Dog FashionShow on Centre Stage, and she’ll also be a host of the Parade of Breeds in the Dog Performance Ring.
Some of this year’s celebrity guests include:
• Victoria Stilwell: One of the most recognized and respected dog trainers. Star of Animal Planet’s hit TV series It’s Me or the Dog, Stilwell also serves as a judge on CBS’s Greatest American Dog.
• Josh Lyons: World-renowned horse trainer and clinician.
• Laura Forbes and Brad Dewolde of Animals on the Go!: A dynamic and interactive animal training business, which provides ethically trained and handled animals for the television, movie, and media industries, who work with over 40 species of animals.
• Dr. Marty Becker: Dubbed “America’s Veterinarian” by Dr. Oz, Becker celebrates the healing power of pets and works to make veterinary medicine fear-free.
The cost of admission is: adults, $18 ($16 online); Youth/Seniors $12; Family Pass $48 (2 Adults, 2 Youth). Visit www.allaboutpetsshow.com for more information.