A committee of resident volunteers teamed up to organize an exciting day for Sun City pet lovers, all to support animals in need. The upcoming Sun City Pet Expo will take place on Saturday, September 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Outdoor Pavilion. The event is entirely free and open to the public, featuring a wide variety of family-friendly activities, demonstrations, and opportunities to support local animal welfare organizations. Friendly, leashed pets are welcome to join in on the fun.
“I hope you’ll come out and join us for the Pet Expo,” said Shannon Smith, Lifestyle Assistant. “It’s sure to be a fun day for all, including your pets.”
The festivities kick off at 9 a.m. with the “Leash Up & Let’s Go” pet walk, indicating the opening of the expo’s vendor tables. Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy live dog obedience demonstrations by Car-Dun-Al Dog Training, showcasing training techniques and handling skills. For those hoping to expand their furry families, several local animal shelters will be on-site with adoptable pets seeking their forever homes. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the participating shelters, including Animal House, Anderson Humane, and Young at Heart.
One of the afternoon highlights will be the pet talent show at 1 p.m. Registration is completely free, and all pet owners are invited to sign up and showcase their companion’s distinct talents and tricks. Beyond the talent show, human and canine guests alike can enjoy a variety of games and activities, including a booth open all day where visitors can create a free keepsake paw print craft for their dog.
There will be 20 diverse vendor tables, ranging from veterinary services and pet grooming experts to unique gift shops, wild-bird specialty stores, and professional training resources. Lunch and snacks can be purchased from Bellie’s Food Truck, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The event is generously sponsored by DeFiore Funeral Home, which offers compassionate pet cremation services.
To help raise vital funds for the shelters, organizers are hosting a raffle featuring over 20 prizes donated by local restaurants and event vendors.
The event is also hosting a donation drive to supply the shelters with everyday essentials. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations from the shelters’ wish list, which includes towels, blankets, copy paper, Dawn dish soap, deodorizers, paper towels, heavy-duty garbage bags, and canned dog or cat food.
The volunteer committee extends its gratitude to all the local businesses, donors, and residents who have volunteered their time, talents, and resources to make this community event possible. Mark your calendars for a fun-filled day dedicated to celebrating pets and supporting the organizations that protect them.
Smith said, “I’m thankful to all those who have volunteered their time and talents to help make this a successful event.”
