This year's Pet Expo promises to be bigger and better, with additional stalls, extra space, and more to enjoy including dashing dachshunds and a skateboarding cat!
Hosted by Rockhampton Regional Council, the Pet Expo is in its second year and will be held this Saturday, 6 September, at the Robert Schwarten Pavilion, Rockhampton Showgrounds, from 9am to 2pm.
Planning and Regulation Councillor Grant Mathers said the event brings together a wide range of pet-related businesses offering products, services, and experiences.
"The 2025 Pet Expo is a family-friendly event showcasing the best of our local pet community," Cr Mathers said.
"We've created this event to be a one-stop shop for pet products and services from across the region.
"If you're a pet owner or thinking about becoming one, make sure you come along — it's a fantastic event to be part of."
With free entry, the event promises something for the whole family, from children to fur-babies.
"There will be competitions, educational talks on pet care and The Girls Brigade Rockhampton will be running kids' activities," Cr Mathers said.
"One of our new attractions this year is the Dashi Dash, so we encourage anyone with a dachshund to come along and be part of the race—it's sure to delight spectators.
"We'll also have a microchipping station, where owners can have their pets microchipped for just $10. If your pet doesn't like crowds, you can pick up a voucher instead.
"There will also be market stalls to browse, offering a variety of pet products, services, and information from local businesses and organisations."
Returning this year is Jane Cockerton from All Cats Matter Inc, who is bringing her famous skateboard-riding cat, Sir Dobby.
"We attended last year and are delighted to be returning," Ms Cockerton said.
"It's a great place to have fun while raising awareness about pets. I'll be talking about training cats, who are just as easy to train as dogs—you just have to find the right motivation."
Sir Dobby is a fun and inquisitive two-year-old Elf Cat whose curiosity led him to hop on a skateboard and discover a love for it.
"Skateboarding is his comfort zone—he enjoys being on it," Ms Cockerton said.
"His attitude to life is comparable to a 20-year-old man; he's into everything and anything."
Fresh from performing at the Cat Lovers Festival in Sydney, Sir Dobby will be showing off his skateboarding tricks—along with a few surprises—at the Pet Expo.
