Please note that schedules may be subject to change.

* Main Entertainment Stage *

10:35AM: Shorty Rossi Welcomes Pet Lovers to the 2013 Phoenix Pet Expo
Shorty Rossi, star of ‘Pit Boss’ on Animal Planet, welcomes our many pet-lovers to the super fun Phoenix Pet Expo

10:45AM: A Super Fun Ventriloquist and Comedy Show!
Rob Hartley, author of ‘For The Love of My Pet’
Rob Hartley, the author of ‘For the Love of My Pet’, is also an entertainer and ventriloquist. Come enjoy his live ventriloquist show (with audience participation!) and even learn how you can make a fun dog puppet. If you’ve ever thought about writing a children’s book or a book about pets or animals, Rob will share how you can do that successfully.

11:15AM: Preventing Animal Cruelty and Neglect
Sgt. Lisa Mejia, MCSO MASH Unit (Cats & Dogs)
Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s no-kill shelter, MASH, was created to house and care for animals that have been abused or neglected by their caretakers and that have been rescued by the Animal Cruelty Investigative Unit. The purpose of the shelter is to provide for these tragic animals, who must necessarily await the outcome of their owners’ cruelty cases in court. Sgt. Lisa Mejia will share how these animals are cared for and rehabilitated, allowing them to be ad- opted out to their new forever homes.

11:45AM: Overcoming Separation Anxiety: Relief for the Latchkey Dog
Top Dog Eileen Proctor, America’s Canine Connections Coach
Did you know that separation anxiety is the second most common reason dogs are given up or euthanized by their owners? Dogs are pack animals and the stress of being separated from their “pack members” all too frequently causes them to become emotionally upset. Typically, this leads to destructive behavior, continuous barking, or having accidents in the house. Many dog owners mistake these behaviors as spiteful when in reality, they are usually the result of  mental anguish. But there are ways to stop this frustrating situation for both you and your beloved pet! Don’t miss this valuable, fun and fur-filled opportunity to learn the simple but effective ways that you can quickly help your pooch get over their separation anxiety and actually enjoy being home alone from national pet lifestyle expert Top Dog Eileen Proctor.

12:15PM: Pet/Owner Musical Chair Competition
Musical Chairs is a doggy variation of the classic children’s game. Music plays as handlers walk with their dogs off-leash counter-clockwise around a rectangular area. A line of chairs (with alternating chairs facing in opposite direction) runs down the center of the rectangle.  When the music stops, the handlers instruct their dogs to sit by verbal request and/or hand signal only (i.e., without touching them) and rush to sit on a vacant chair in the center of the rectangle. Stop by and take part in this popular event – everyone can play! To enter, bring your pet to the entertainment stage at 12:00PM.

12:45PM: Reptiles, Amphibians & Bugs Oh My!
Scott Robinson, Ecto Critterz
Reptiles, Amphibians & Bugs! These words conjure up a variety of responses, ranging from “Eeeeww, gross!” to “Way cool!” From strange and fun information to interesting facts, Ecto Critterz can answer your questions about both the small and not-so-small reptiles. An estimated 4.6 million households in the United States own at least one reptile (13 million reptile’s total). America’s newest pet craze leaves millions of animals misunderstood and mistreated-right from the gecko. Learning about the natural history and proper captive care of these animals just might change your world outlook and get you thinking more about the environment as a whole.

1:15PM: Harrison Forbes Q & A
Forbes’ 20 year career as a dog trainer, animal behaviorist and best-selling author has propelled him into the spotlight as a highly sought-after pet expert. His extensive career in dog training has propelled Forbes into becoming the “go-to” guy for national pet stories, appearing on “Lar¬ry King Live” discussing the Michael Vick case, as the resident pet expert on “Live with Regis and Kelly,” and appearing on the Fox News Network, CNN, CBS “The Early Show,” and “The Today Show” on NBC. Having been involved in the training and importing of over 700 police service dogs, Harrison has also been called upon to train dogs for films in Hollywood, including Francis Ford Coppola’s film “The Rainmaker.” He’ll be hosting a pet Q & A session, so bring your pet-related concerns and ask away!

1:45PM: What is BSL and How Can You Help End Breed Discrimination?
Kathy Swaney, Valley of the Sun Dog Rescue
Breed-specific legislation (BSL) refers to laws that target dogs based on how they look rather than their actions. Hundreds of U.S. cities have already enacted BSL, and more cities adopt it every year. Many cities and counties—plus Marine Corps and Army bases—have banned select breeds altogether. Currently, BSL most often focuses on Pit Bull types (dogs that have “Pit Bull characteristics”), but some cities also target Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinchers, American Bull Dogs, Bull Terriers, Mastiffs, Dalmatians, Chows and other large breeds and mixes of the targeted breeds. Local animal advo¬cate Kathy Swaney, Valley of the Sun Dog Rescue, will discuss BSL, why BSL doesn’t work, and how you can help prevent breed discrimination.

2:15PM: How to Educate and be an Animal Activist
Shorty Rossi & Hercules, ‘Pit Boss’ and Shortywood Productions
Shorty Rossi, star of ‘Pit Boss’ on Animal Planet will be making an appearance with his popular canine sidekick, Hercules. Rossi has a special passion that has been a major part of his life since he was a teenager – championing the cause of pit bulls. When Rossi isn’t managing Shortywood Productions, a company that works with little people in the entertainment industry or filming ‘Pit Boss,’ he’s working with Shorty’s Pit Bull Rescue, a charity he formed that rescues, rehabilitates and places neglected and abused pit bulls in loving, nurturing homes. Shorty’s Rescue is not a shelter or a charity; it’s employees work tirelessly to help relieve the suffering of and prevent cruelty to pit bulls through education and activism. A Q & A session will follow.

2:45PM: Animals Got Talent! Pet Talent Show
Does your pet have an amazing talent? Here’s your chance to show it off! Contest will consist of one category: Best Trick. Immediately following the competition winners will be determined by audience applause as assessed by Phoenix Pet Expo staff.  To enter, bring your pet to the entertainment stage at 2:30pm (you’ll see signage directing you where to go once you arrive at the stage) and be ready to dance, jump, sing or whatever your specialty may be! You definitely don’t want to miss THIS!

3:15PM: National Military Working Dogs Team
Jim Frost, The Military Working Dog Foundation
“First time in American history that Congress has elevated Military Working Dogs to National Monument status by law.” – John Burnam. Congressional legislation was signed into law by President Obama, giving authority for the construction and maintenance of a historic national monument to honor the United States Armed Forces Working Dog Teams. Jim Frost, of the John Burnam Monument Foundation, shares how you can help honor the unsung pet heroes who serve in our military.

3:45PM: Therapy Dogs
Billie Smith, Therapy Dogs Inc.
Therapy Dogs Inc. will entertain audiences with an exciting and highly informative presentation on the capabilities and roles of therapy dogs. Billie will explain the necessary requirements for a therapy dog, a brief history of the organization and some on hand experiences working with Therapy dogs. Check out how these canine heroes help people every day!

4:15PM: Harrison’s Dog Karaoke
Do you have an amazing singing voice? Do you want to win a year’s supply of Natural Balance Dog Food? Then enter the Dog Karaoke competition. All you have to do is choose a song from our pet-themed song selection, take the stage and serenade the audience and judges. After everyone has showed off their skills, the pet expo staff and celebrity dog trainer, Harrison Forbes, will determine the winner. To enter, please arrive at the entertainment stage by 3:45pm to look over the song choices.

5:00PM: Pet Costume Contest
Please note this uber-popular event is held on the Agility Course.

* Agility Course *

10:10AM, 11:00AM, 12:00PM, 1:00PM, 2:00PM, 3:00PM, & 4:00PM: Agility Demonstrations Presented by Jumping Chollas
Agility is a sport that appeals to all dog lovers - from junior handlers to senior citizens. Agility students from Jumping Chollas will show us how agility is designed to demonstrate a dog’s ability and drive to work with it’s handler in a variety of situations. Information regarding how to get started in agility, a list of local agility clubs and a Q & A session will follow the demonstrations.

5:00PM: Pet Costume Contest
Show off your pet dressed in their best costume for the super popular Pet Costume Contest! Each pet must wear a costume during the competition period to be eligible. Winners will be determined by audience applause as assessed by the Houston Pet Expo staff. To enter, bring your pet to the agility course at 4:45PM (you’ll see signage directing you where to go once you arrive at the agility course).

* Doxie Derby Course *

11:00AM, 12:00PM, 1:00PM, 2:00PM & 3:00PM: Doxie Derby Races Presented by Dachshunds Only Rescue
Dachshund Racing, Wiener Dog Racing, Doxie Derby Racing... it doesn’t matter what you call it, but it’s wildly entertaining to see these little ones quickly attempt to race to the finish! Dachshunds will run swiftly to their owner at the finish line, coaxed by food or toys. Stop by to watch the Doxie Derby and see if the Doxies choose to run the course, run in circles, or visit with a neighboring pooch! You’re invited to participate and the winning weiner from each time slot will win a prize!

* Flyball & Disc Dogs Course *

10:20AM: Flyball Demo presented by Phoenix Fuzion and Phoenix Hot Pawsuit
Flyball is a dog sport in which teams of dogs race against each other from a start/finish line, over a line of hurdles, to a box that releases a tennis ball to be caught when the dog presses the spring loaded pad, then back to their handlers while carrying the ball. Flyball provides an entertaining and active way to interact with one’s dog and other dog enthusiasts in an environment that is fun while allowing the dogs exercise and enjoyment. Phoenix Fuzion and Phoenix Hot Pawsuitbelieves that any dog, no matter the breed or skill should be allowed to run. Regardless of club affiliation, skill level or breed, all dogs are welcome to join them to learn the sport of flyball.

10:50AM: Disc Dogs presented by Phoenix Fuzion and Phoenix Hot Pawsuit
Disc dog is the more generic name for what is commonly called Frisbee dog. In disc dog competitions, dogs and their human flying disc throwers compete in events such as distance catching and somewhat choreographed freestyle catching. The sport celebrates the bond between handler and dog, by allowing them to work together. Part of the popularity of the sport is its accessibility. All that is necessary to enjoy it is a level playing area, a dog, and a flying disc. It is estimated that over one million dogs play flying disc in the United States alone.

11:20AM: Flyball Demo presented by Phoenix Fuzion and Phoenix Hot Pawsuit
Please see 10:20AM for details.

11:50PM: Easy Tricks for any Pooch presented by Phoenix Fuzion and Phoenix Hot Pawsuit
Teaching your dog simple tricks can not only help stimulate your dog’s brain, but improve communication skills with your dog - plus dogs love to learn! And who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, anyway? Not us! Learn three easy tricks that anyone can teach their pooch at home.

12:20PM: Flyball Demo presented by Phoenix Fuzion and Phoenix Hot Pawsuit
Please see 10:20AM for details.

12:50PM: Disc Dogs presented by Phoenix Fuzion and Phoenix Hot Pawsuit
Please see 10:50AM for details.

1:20PM: Flyball Demo presented by Phoenix Fuzion and Phoenix Hot Pawsuit
Please see 10:20AM for details.

1:50PM: Disc Dogs presented by Phoenix Fuzion and Phoenix Hot Pawsuit
Please see 10:50AM for details.

2:20PM: Flyball Demo presented by Phoenix Fuzion and Phoenix Hot Pawsuit
Please see 10:20AM for details.

2:50PM: Basic Obedience Demo presented by Phoenix Fuzion and Phoenix Hot Pawsuit
The goal of dog training is to build a bond between pet and family and to enjoy the process. Come learn how your pet can benefit from basic obedience training and see some canine students strut their skills. Commands such as sit, stay and come will be discussed. Trainer Q & A to follow.

3:20PM: Flyball Demo presented by Phoenix Fuzion and Phoenix Hot Pawsuit
Please see 10:20AM for details.

3:50PM: Disc Dogs presented by Phoenix Fuzion and Phoenix Hot Pawsuit
Please see 10:50AM for details.

4:20PM: Flyball Demo presented by Phoenix Fuzion and Phoenix Hot Pawsuit
Please see 10:20AM for details.

* Ultimate Air Dogs *

11:00AM, 1:00PM & 3:00PM Ultimate Air Dog Trials
5:00PM Ultimate Air Dog Finals
Ultimate Air Dogs is a nationally recognized dog enthusiast company that organizes and promotes dock jumping events across the United States. First and foremost, have fun! Ultimate Air Dogs is an exciting activity for both you AND your dog. When you attend your first event, try to stay open to other competitors at the event. Many experienced “teams” (dog & handler) are very helpful, but if you have any questions please talk to a Ultimate Air Dogs staff member for more information. Amateur or pro, spectator or enthusiast, if you like watching dogs fly (and, boy, do they fly!), please stop by the Ultimate Air Dogs pool at the Houston Pet Expo!