CHANTILLY, Va. — From dogs to cats, to pigs and monkeys, pets of all types roamed the aisles at the Super Pet Expo at the Dulles Expo Center.
Organizer Eric Udler of Bethesda, Maryland, said the event has activities to keep pets entertained and numerous vendors for pet parents to buy treats, toys and other products for their four-legged friends.
“These are unique pet products, many of them handmade, that you can get for your pet that are not found anywhere else,” Ulder said.
At an indoor pool, dogs can take a plunge and compete for the best jump. There are also doggy playgrounds and obstacle courses.
Valerie Warriner from Herndon, Virginia, was at the show with her two dachshunds. She says she enjoys the event because her dogs can come along and bark all they want.
Kelsey Scott from Haymarket, Va., brought her great dane, Dakota. He received a lot of attention from attendees, which isn’t hard to believe because he is larger than a miniature horse.
“He thinks he’s a lap dog though … he likes to sit in your lap,” Kelsey said.
Melissa Johnston of The Plains, Va., said her dogs are especially excited about the treats she purchased, which include bully sticks and antlers.
Also set up is a walk-in aviary where dozens of parakeets land on shoulders, allowing attendees to pose for selfies with the birds.
This is the sixteenth year for the event in the D.C. area. Ulder said he came up with the idea after he became a dog owner back in 2000.
“I wanted to create a pet shopping extravaganza where you can go with your dog,” Ulder said.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly. Admission is $13 for adults and $8 for children. Kids 3 years old and younger are free.
