Super Pet Expo 2024

The largest consumer pet event on the East Coast returns this month to over 10,000 consumers. Super Pet Expo will open its doors at the NJ Convention & Exposition Center from March 1 – 3 as well as at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, VA from March 15 – 17. Super Pet Expo features over 150 local and national exhibitors, ranging from the best pet products to local rescue organizations to pet specialists from across the spectrum of pet services.

These kinds of shows are ideal for pet parents to learn new tips and tricks about the care of their furrever one, as well as to experience new products designed to make their furrever relationship stronger, healthier and happier.

Super Pet Expo also hosts a variety of entertainment and activities, as well as educational events during the exposition. This year’s new activities include at the New Jersey event include:

• Dog Aging Project’s Chief Veterinary Officer Kate Creevy, DVM, Texas A&M, will share highlights of preliminary findings of research to identify factors – including lifestyle choices, preventive health options, and medical recommendations – that can improve healthy longevity for dogs. The Project is looking for people to participate by enrolling their dogs and sharing information for surveys that will add valuable intelligence to the project’s essential research.

• Jamie and Jessica Hatch, Gone to the Snow Dogs, with over 6 million followers across social media, will share best practices about hotel and V travel with pets. They will bring from Michigan their Siberian Huskies Memphis, Kira, and Eleanor whom online viewers know from YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

• The Masterson Method is an interactive system of body work to improve a dog’s comfort, mobility and longevity. Jim Masterson will show visitors how to read subtle changes in a dog’s body language that alerts owners where their dog may hide tension or discomfort as well as the gentle bodywork techniques that will help release both. He teaches the procedure, which he created, to dog and horse owners and therapists around the world. Masterson is the author of “Beyond Dog Massage,” (2023) and the book and DVD “Beyond Horse Massage,” (2011), as well as the DVD Light to the Core (2016).

• Betsy Middleton will capture a pet’s perfect pawprint—free with the cost of admission.

While these returning favorites continue to please the thousands of attendees in New Jersey:

• Performing celebrity dog members of champion stunt dog trainer Chrissy Joy’s Bone-A-Fied Talent Group will show off their Frisbee skills, tricks and fast-paced agility all weekend. Visitors will recognize some pups from national commercials and feature films. Joy hosts “The Dog Moms” and “Farm Girl” on DOGTV.

• For dogs that can’t get enough of playing with balls, a romp among some 5,000 of them in the Ultimate Dog Ball Pit will be a supreme treat. It’s safe, fun, and engaging.

• Dog agility demonstrations & free classes produced by Jersey Agility (JAG) is exciting and fun while improving a pet’s confidence, increase focus and provide exercise.

• The Doggie Derby, races for Dachshunds, Corgi’s and Small Dog Breeds, in its third year, invites a family member, toy or treat to entice participants to dash to the finish line with prizes for all winners. Preregistration online is recommended. Fee: $15 per race.

• Pets and owners are invited to join the laughter from Must Love Dogs and Comedy where co- founders Jolie Dudley and Nicholas Polanco create joyfully chaotic events. They simultaneously raise funds for animal rescue and wellness organizations while providing a platform for underrepresented performers.

• Pawsitively FAMOUS Animal Talent Agency & Podcast’s Dawn Wolfe, trainer of Hollywood pet stars, invites visitors to bring their dog, cat, ferret, rat or bird with unique talent for an audition. She’ll share some audition secrets too.

• The well-dressed pooch won’t want to miss Celebrity Catwalk, where couture-loving canines strut their stuff dressed in doggie designer fashions.

• Repticon in its 11th year, is a showcase of hundreds of reptiles. Experts will give advice and sell supplies and reptile products too.

• Luring 101, a capture the flag activity for dogs big and small, tall and short who love to chase. They take center stage in an enclosed 2,500 square foot lure course set up to give pets a high- speed run that will thrill both pets and audience. An additional fee applies.

• All dogs are welcome to run, walk and strut in a 2,000 square foot Puppy Playground. For those attending Super Pet Expo in Chantilly, VA, can look forward to these new activities:

• Jamie and Jessica Hatch, Gone to the Snow Dogs, with more than 6 million followers across social media, will share best practices about hotel and RV travel with pets. They will bring from Michigan their Siberian Huskies Memphis, Kira, and Eleanor whom online viewers know from YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

• The Masterson Method is an interactive system of body work to improve a dog’s comfort, mobility and longevity. Jim Masterson will show visitors how to read subtle changes in a dog’s body language that alerts owners where their dog may hide tension or discomfort as well as the gentle bodywork techniques that will help release both. He teaches the procedure, which he created, to dog and horse owners and therapists around the world. Masterson is the author of “Beyond Dog Massage,” (2023) and the book and DVD “Beyond Horse Massage,” (2011), as well as the DVD Light to the Core (2016).

• Tenth graders Sky and Yvonne Zhu have been promoting proper care of creatures such as hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits, raising public awareness about responsible small animal husbandry since 2021. The 16-year-olds will share how these little creatures can provide extraordinary companionship in their presentation Why Small Animals Make Good Pets. The Zhu’s have also established an Etsy shop, donating 100% of their profits selling small animal products they have crafted to small animal rescues.

• Betsy Middleton will capture a pet’s perfect pawprint—free with the cost of admission. 

For Chantilly, VA attendees, the returning favorite activites are the same as they are in Edison, NJ. Leashed pets are welcome at both events, though Super Pet Expo does not allow retractable leashes on-site. Tickets for this year’s shows range from $10 for children to $20 for an adult all-weekend ticket. To learn more, please visit www.superpetexpo.com