New England Pet Expo expected to draw 10000 people Saturday in Wilmington - Boston Globe

That's just a glimpse of what the First Annual New England Pet Expo has in store for you and your pet from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Aleppo Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington Saturday. You can bring Fido and Fluffy, even if they need their shots — the event will offer vaccines at discounted prices. Just make sure they will be on a leash or in a secure carrier.

"There isn't another event like ours in the Boston area, and New England is very pet-friendly," said Courtney Rydstrom, director of show production for the expo, who is certain that the event will be a blast. "You can bring your whole family for the day including your dogs, cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, snakes, lizards and birds, and have a really good, fun day."

If your pets don't like crowds, you'd be better off enjoying a day of activities by yourself. The event organizers are expecting 8 to 10 thousand people with 2 to 3 thousand pets. A previous event, held in Denver, Colorado, in August, welcomed 11 thousand people and 2 thousand companion animals. The company behind the New England Pet Expo, called Amazing Pet Expos, has been organizing pet events in 17 states for the last 3 years.

The event will showcase 165 exhibitors that range from retailers and veterinarians to groomers and trainers, said Rydstrom. Admission and parking will be free of charge. Inside, amongst a myriad of pet products, services and prize giveaways, you'll be able to watch handlers race their dogs through obstacle courses, get low-cost pet microchips and even participate in pet costume and talent contests.

"Any pet is welcome," said the director about the contests. "We have had dogs, cats, goats, and horses participate in the past."

Robin Moxley, owner and founder of Pawsitive Paws Dog Training, who will demonstrate how to compete in Frisbee with her rescued Sheltie named Cricket, sees the event as an opportunity to show thousands of dog lovers how to strengthen the bond with their pets through various activities.

"I want to encourage people to build a bond with their dogs," said Moxley. "I want to reach a large number of people to show them what type of relationship they could have with their dogs. The possibilities are endless."

Vendors will also offer free nail trims, and advice on training, health and behavior, added Rydstrom. Staff from 10 veterinary clinics will answer questions, and 30 rescues will bring 100 to 200 pets looking for permanent loving homes.

If you are a pet book fan, Linda C. Greenberg will sign her book "No Fleas on Us: Animal Shelter Tales." She will also talk about what it was like to work at the Marblehead No-Kill Animal Shelter, where she has been the adoption coordinator for 23 years.

The Aleppo Shriners Auditorium has plenty of room for activities. The indoor, air-conditioned facility has 37 thousand square feet and at least 1,500 parking spots for visitors. To avoid lines, Rydstrom said pet owners can fill out a release agreement online before attending.

"It will be very entertaining and fun," said Rydstrom. "Just a great day out."

Daniela Caride has been a journalist for more than 20 years and is the publisher of the pet blog The Daily Tailspecializing in cat and dog stories, tips, and reviews.