A day at the Pet Expo

I was able to attend the annual pet expo in Hartford, CT this past weekend. The event is geared towards to the pet owner and includes various vendors, adoption shelters, pet contests and special shows.

What I noticed more about this year’s event is how many non-pet vendors had booths. I guess if you have a large room full of people, why not try to sell your stuff. The non-pet vendors ran the scope of life and included a chiropractor, home-made fudge, a travel agent, and the fast-talking sales people of the orange shammies (they soak up your pet stain fast, I guess)

Although it is called a pet expo, really the focus is on dogs and cats. For us aquatic pet lovers, there was nothing to be found. Same goes for all other exotic animals. As for the items being sold, everyone had their niche. I noticed a lot more “natural” food vendors, with all kinds of brands that I have never heard of before. Add in the home-made pet food bakery, and there was no shortage of new foods to sample.

Other displays included the ‘usual’ that you find at these fairs – clothes, collars, leashes, groomers, and vet care to name a few. All with their own twist or gimmick. From “home-made” products to those with fancy designs, there was no shortage of choices.

The more unique vendors included pet photography, pet portraits (get a painting of you and your pets), holistic care (aromatherapy, soothing drops), an animal communicator, animal massage, and a booth featuring a tooth spray for dogs. A mobile groomer had their van as their display, and did grooming right at the expo.

Overall, a day at the expo is always a good time, and you meet some great people and see some new products. Plus, lots of free samples!! Although I go to a lot of these events, I always seem to come across a new product that is designed to make a pet owners life easier.