Fun for the whole family at Pet Palooza 2023!

By Carolina Saenz

It won’t come as a surprise that animal lovers are passionate about their pets. Inspired by her love of animals, Stephanie Stock is the organizer behind the firstever Pet Palooza Brantford, in support of Brant County’s SPCA. This family event will be held on May 27th from 10 am to 5 pm at the Brantford Civic Centre Stock shares more details about this furry event and what attendees can look forward to seeing and experiencing!

This is an event that has been in her mind for over a year, she shares

“I wanted to have an event for everyone, not just vendors, something the whole family can enjoy! I own CLIPet, a pet mobile nail trimming service, and with also my other business Kidtastic, I always love being a part of the community. I love animals and know so many other families do as well and thought it would be an event for our community!” said Stock.

The experience of putting this event together, her biggest event thus far, has been a learning curve Nonetheless, with the help from her committee, friends, and community supporters, it has been so enjoyable!

“We received 19 incredible sponsors from local businesses which was a huge help to make this event run the way we were hoping.

And the help that’s come forward with donating to our silent auction table is so heartfelt!!” writes Stock. This pet-friendly family event will certainly offer something for everyone to enjoy. Talk and shop with 47 pet related vendors, including a couple of rescue and pet organizations such as Hearts to Homes Feline Rescue and Sanctuary, Purrfect Companions of Norfolk, Brant SPCA, and Autism Service Dogs. Food vendors such as Honey’s Bistro and Cheeky Treats will also be present. Families who wish to bring their pets with them can do so, but they are required to sign a pet waiver with a few rules. The Dog Lovers Day Lure Course will allow dogs to be loose, as it is enclosed, and they can even get their picture taken No doubt a fun day for pets and humans alike!

As for entertainment, the amazing Woof Jocks Canine All Stars who travel all over Ontario, will be performing three 35-minute spectacular shows in the middle of the arena

Local dog trainer Tawnya Casey from K9 Case and her assistant will have several dogs performing parkour tricks. Dogs from the audience will also be able to give it a try. Casey will also have a booth to provide additional information and a chance to chat with her.

The “Kidz Korner” will feature Jungle Jamz Travelling Reptile Show, which will showcase an amazing array of reptiles such as snakes, a turtle, a bearded dragon, and tegu. It’ll be an enjoyment for kids and adults alike! And because a Kidz Korner wouldn’t be complete without a bouncing castle, Ashlee’s “Ferris Wheel Jumper” will be present. From the Brantford Fire Department, Teagan will be bringing fun games for kids. Sparky the Dog and Marshall from Paw Patrol will also be walking around ready for the perfect family picture! From out of town, Dozer the pig will be visiting. An eight-year-old misfit pig who loves being around people, she will be wandering around as well as have a booth for photo opportunities.

“To finish off our kidz korner, we have our amazing main sponsor FurrySeven Renovations that are putting together an assortment of crafts and bracelet making for all the kids to enjoy, it’s going to be one furrific kidz korner!!” shares Stock The Pet Palooza will be a yearly event, each year donating proceeds to a different pet organization or rescue. This year, al proceeds will go to the Brant County SPCA.

Additionally, this year’s Pet Palooza would like to invite five other pet rescues/ organizations at no charge to be vendors and showcase hoe they help local pets and families. For these vendors, a silent auction will be held featuring great items, and all proceeds will be split between them

Purchase tickets at Kidtastic located at 603 Colborne Street South, and at the door the day of the event. Tickets are $10 for ages 13 and up, kids 12 and younger are free. Every admission also includes a chance to win door prizes. “This is a pet friendly family event but also a fun way to give back to our pet community!!”, concludes Stock