24th Annual America's Family Pet Expo Returns to OC Fairgrounds, April 19 - 21

Online, March 16, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Tickets are on sale for the 24th annual America's Family Pet Expo (AFPE) returning April 19-21, 2013 to the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa. Always a "petstravanagza", the America's Family Pet Expo boasts all creatures great and small - from rabbits, cats, dogs, to miniature horses and exotic lizards, all on display, allowing show guests to get up close in a variety of interactive exhibits, educational shows and displays, as well as shop the latest in pet trends and products. Tickets are on sale now at www.PetExpoOC.com . AFPE kindly reminds guests that the event is for humans only, pets are not allowed at the Expo.

"America's Family Pet Expo will bring together thousands of unique and rare animals, including the new Reptile Show and Sale," said Doug Poindexter, President of the World Pet Association, producers of the America's Family Pet Expo. "This event has something for pet lovers of all kinds with plenty of entertainment, information and pets of all varieties. We will also have pets available for adoption. It's a great event for the entire family."

Every year, AFPE offers an exciting variety of unique entertainment opportunities for the whole family. The 2013 Expo welcomes Captain Megasis, an adorable four-legged super hero who stars alongside everyone's favorite talking puppies in Disney's "Super Buddies." To celebrate the all-new film coming to Blu-ray combo pack on August 27th attendees will get the chance to take their photo with Captain Megasis throughout the weekend.

New to the Expo, guests will marvel at fearless flips and jumps during Neecha Braun's Daring Dobermans, a live stage performance featuring a bevy of talented dogs of all sizes and breeds performing captivating tricks with interactive audience participation.

Wondering what's new for your canine companions? AFPE has several events including Dog Training with Renee. Renee Jones is a renowned Certified Professional Dog Trainer - "Knowledge Assessed," who comes from Alabama to teach show guests how to train their four-legged best buddies with a bit of Southern charm. Or watch a wet-and-wild demonstration by Splash Dogs, a nationally recognized dog enthusiast group that organizes and promotes dock jumping events across the United States. Try not to get wet as these water loving dogs compete for longest jump into the pool!

At the Reptile Show and Sale, show guests can touch and hold snakes, lizards and tarantulas in hands-on demonstrations.

Interested in how canines are used to protect our communities? At the Police and Protection Dog Demonstrations watch Canine Officers at work and gain a deeper appreciation for these canine protectors in our community.

Head over to the Adoption Dog Makeovers and see the AFPE extreme makeover team demonstrate how to properly bathe and groom a dog, while enjoying quality time together. All of the dogs in the makeovers are available for adoption.

Interested in what makes your cat the purr-fect pet? The Pet Expo Cat Program allows you to learn about the many breeds of cats and their unique personalities. And, look up to the sky as magnificent birds of a feather flock together fly during the Free Flight Bird Show.

Guests will be entertained at the Fish Toss and The Aquatic Experience, which includes a display of large tanks filled with a variety of saltwater and freshwater fish and plants from around the world.

At the Kid's Aquarium Contest, each participant receives a 10 gallon aquarium, heater, filter and water and the kids add their own fish and unique decorations. The aquariums will be on display throughout the Expo and are judged according to age group and three categories: Natural, Creative and Themed. Every participant is ultimately a winner because after the Expo, each child can bring home their creation. Children are encouraged to sign up for participation in next year's Kid's Aquarium Contest. School age kids, 5 to 16 years old are encouraged to participate.

If looking for a fantastic feline, cuddly canine, bouncing bunny or any number of adoptable pets, there will be hundreds of animals ready for their "forever home" from local community partner organizations at the Expo.

General Admission, $13.00; seniors 60 and over, $11.00. Children 6-12, $8.00. 5 yrs and under, free. Active and retired military free with ID. Show hours: Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday 10am-7pm; Sunday 10am-6pm. OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa 92626. Parking is $5. Kindly leave all pets at home. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.PetExpoOC.org.

The America's Family Pet Expo is created, produced and managed by World Pet Association, Inc., a 60-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting responsible pet care.