America's Family Pet Expo Donates 134 Booth Spaces to Pet Adoption and Rescue Organizations

MONROVIA, Calif., April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's largest pet and pet product expo, America's Family Pet Expo, hosted by the World Pet Association (WPA), returns to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif., April 15-17. The three-day event is recognized not only for its family-friendly entertainment, shopping and stage shows, but also for its notable history of educating people surrounding responsible pet care and placing animals in forever homes.

Since 1996 WPA has assisted in facilitating more than 6,400 animal adoptions, with a record-breaking 668 pets placed with families at last year's event. With WPA's commitment to promoting responsible pet care, all of the show space reserved for adoption agencies and rescue organizations is either donated or offered at a reduced price on behalf of WPA. Additionally, VCA Animal Hospitals, this year's pet adoption sponsor, will offer a certificate for a free first exam at one of its hospitals to ensure each adoptee has a healthy start.

"The World Pet Association takes responsible pet care and the well-being of pets seriously, which is why animal adoption is such an important part of America's Family Pet Expo," said Doug Poindexter, president, World Pet Association. "Last year we were proud to set a new record for the number of pet adoptions, and it's our hope that this year we will see just as many adoptions –  if not more – as we connect potential families with dogs, cats, lizards, birds, snakes, hamsters and more, all in need of a loving home."

In addition to helping hundreds of pets find forever homes, WPA also supports rescue efforts across other platforms. The nonprofit organization Forever Wild, which rescues and rehabilitates captive-bred exotic animals, is an exciting addition to this year's expo. Whether an animal was left in a foreclosed home, rejected by the animal entertainment industry, confiscated from Fish & Game because of its dangerous nature or unable to adapt to the domestic environment when taken home to be a pet, these exotic animals have been rescued and rehabilitated, and are now free to enjoy the stable environment the Forever Wild sanctuary provides.

Also featured at America's Family Pet Expo this year is Las Vegas entertainer Joe Krathwol, known worldwide as The Birdman®. As seen on Animal Planet, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and other national broadcast programs, The Birdman's show will feature an array of exotic birds, basketball-playing Cockatoos and a juggling Blue and Gold Macaw, in routines that highlight both their natural behaviors and their intelligence. The Birdman educates the audiences about the each species, its status in the wild, and other interesting facts.

The OC Fair & Event Center is located at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa.  Event hours are Fri. 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sat. 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sun. 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

General admission is $12, seniors 60 & over are $10.  Children 6-12 are $6.  Youth 5 years and under are free. Active Military with a valid ID get in free. General parking is $5.  General Admission tickets may be purchased at a $2 discount at www.PetExpoOC.org. For further information, please call (800) 999-7295.

The World Pet Association (WPA), formerly the World Wide Pet Industry Association, is the oldest industry organization promoting responsible growth and development of the companion pet and related products and services.  As society's "humanization" of pets grows stronger, WPA knows it is important to inform and educate the general public to ensure safe and healthy lifestyles for our animal friends. WPA plays host to America's Family Pet Expo, the largest consumer show in the world, hosted annually in Costa Mesa, Calif. The organization also holds SuperZoo (www.superzoo.org), an annual pet industry trade show that showcases a comprehensive collection of exhibits and offers a variety of informative educational seminars known as SuperZoo University.  In addition, WPA has developed a Web site for both the industry and the consumer called PetSource.org (www.petsource.org).  This new Web site is a one-stop resource for information on pets of all kinds.  WPA also offers Pet Industry Briefs, a free weekly e-newsletter containing vital industry information at your fingertips. For more information on WPA or to sign up for Pet Industry Briefs, please visit www.worldpetassociation.org.

SOURCE World Pet Association