The Ultimate Guide to the 2023 Columbus Pet Expo

Dog attending Columbus Pet Expo with owner

What is the Columbus Pet Expo?

The Columbus Pet Expo is a three-day event celebrating all things furry, fluffy, and feathery. This year’s event will be held at the Ohio Expo Center from March 10th thru the 12th. The expo is designed to bring together pet lovers, pet vendors, and pet experts from all over Columbus and beyond. Whether you’re a pet parent, a pet enthusiast, or a pet sitter in Columbus, the 2023 Columbus Pet Expo has something for everyone!

What’s happening at the 2023 Columbus Pet Expo?

The Columbus Pet Expo will be jam-packed with exciting activities, events, and exhibits. It will feature a variety of pet vendors selling everything from food to toys to clothing, as well as exhibits showcasing the talents of furry friends and pet experts from around the area. Additionally, the event will have adoptable pets from local shelters and rescues for those interested in adding a new furry friend to their family.

Columbus Pet Expo schedule for 2023
Get ready for the Columbus Pet Expo 2023 with a schedule packed with activities, contests, and entertainment!

Courses & Contests

K9 Class Package Hosted by Sara Carson

Don’t miss the Tricky K9s workshop at this year’s Columbus Pet Expo, hosted by celebrity dog trainer Sara Carson. In this one-hour workshop, you and your furry friend can learn several novice and advanced level tricks, including handstand, backwards circles, and leg weaves. The workshop package includes a personally autographed copy of Sara Carson’s book, Super Dog Tricks. It also includes one adult 3-day pass to the All American Pet Expo, special parking, and a t-shirt. The package costs $99 while spots last and is non-refundable. Only 10 spots are available each day.

– Dress Up Your Pet Contest

The 2023 Columbus Pet Expo will be hosting its 26th Annual “Dress Up Your Pet Contest” each day of the event. It’s open to all types of pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, reptiles, and llamas. Participants can enter online or 30 minutes prior to the contest. Winners will be determined by the applause of the audience, measured by a professional sound monitoring device. The prizes will be in the form of gift certificates, with 3rd place receiving $25 and a ribbon, 2nd place receiving $50 and a ribbon, and 1st place receiving $100 and a trophy. The contest will be held at specific times each day in the main arena. Participants are encouraged to invite friends and relatives for support, dress up with their pets, pre-register, and be a good sport regardless of the outcome.

– Wiener Dog Races

The Columbus Pet Expo is set to host two races that will surely get tails wagging- Racing with the Wieners and Lap Dog Races. Exciting preliminary heats will be held daily, and the victorious pups will compete in the finals at the main arena. A hotdog costume will be provided for the Dachshunds to wear in the Racing with the Wieners. Lap Dogs will race in their natural costumes. Only pups that are at least 6″ tall but no taller than 14″, weighing between 4lbs and 14lbs, can join the Lap Dog Races. All breeds that meet these qualifications are welcome. The first dog to cross the finish line will be crowned the winner. In case the winner can’t make it to the daily finals, the runner-up will take their place. Races are free to join, but pet owners can only enter one dog per race. Click here to sign up online!

– 1 Year of FREE Pet Food

The Columbus Pet Expo is holding a raffle for a chance to win free pet food of your choice for an entire year! Click here to enter online. The contest ends on March 12th, 2023 at 3:59 pm. The lucky winner will be announced at 4 pm in the Main Arena at The Ohio Expo Center & State Fair, and you don’t need to be present to claim your prize. Remember, there is no purchase necessary to enter this fantastic contest. Just imagine the convenience and savings of not having to worry about purchasing pet food for an entire year. Don’t miss your chance to win!

Entertainment

– All About Cats Expo

The All About Cats Expo will take place over three days from March 10th to March 12th, 2023. It will be held at the Ohio Building on the Ohio Expo Center grounds. This TICA officially judged event will feature 7 judging rings with seating for the public in front of each ring, with over 200 cats competing for ribbons. With Dr. Elsey as host, this exhibit will feature up to 60 breeds, including house-cats, and vendors with numerous products for cats. Attendees can also find cat rescue groups with adoptable cats.

– Dock Diving Dogs

Get ready to see some amazing jumps at the Columbus Pet Expo’s Dock Diving for Dogs attraction! This fast-growing sport is open to all breeds and sizes, and titles earned are eligible for the AKC Title Recognition Program. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking to try something new with your furry friend, the Dock Diving competition is the perfect opportunity to compete for your titles or try out the sport with the help of experienced trainers. Don’t miss out on the fun and excitement of this thrilling event! Click here to learn more and/or register!

– Pet Actor Auditions

Are you looking for your pet to be the next big animal star? Look no further than the pet auditions attraction at this year’s Columbus Pet Expo! Hosted by Pawsitively Famous, a company that provides exceptional animal talent for various projects. They’ll give you the opportunity to showcase your pet’s unique talents and possibly even land them a job in the entertainment industry. With a wide network of trainers and a database of over 3,000 animals, Pawsitively Famous has the resources to find the perfect animal for any project. Plus, their private Facebook community of over 2,700 members and large social media presence of 15,000+ followers is a valuable asset for casting. Don’t miss this chance to show off your furry friend’s skills and potentially launch their career in the spotlight!

– Kids World

Experience endless entertainment for your kids at Kid’s World in the Columbus Pet Expo! Cool Cat Sites Entertainment brings in Bouncers, Slides, and more. Texas Roadhouse sponsors the area and offers FREE KIDS MEALS with an $8 ALL PLAY WRISTBAND purchase, along with FREE adult apps. There are educational talks, such as Reptile Adventures and Pork Chop Revue and friends, and gem search. Kids can interact with friendly animals, including llamas, rabbits, horses, and goats, and enjoy eight brand new bouncers. Face painting and a craft area are also available. Let your kids’ creativity soar and get your tickets now!

Attending the 2023 Columbus Pet Expo

Attending the Columbus Pet Expo is an excellent opportunity to connect with other pet lovers, learn about the latest pet products and services, and gain valuable insights into pet care. You’ll leave the event feeling more confident in your ability to provide your fur babies with the care and attention they need.

As a pet parent, you already know how important it is to provide your fur kids with the best possible care. At Hands N Paws, we understand this too, which is why we offer professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Columbus, Ohio. Our team will likely be in attendance, browsing the different attractions and loving on the pets. Please say hi if you see us!

Benny DiFranco

Benny DiFranco

Hi! Thanks for reading this blog. I am the owner and founder of Columbus, Ohio's very own Hands N Paws. I started this business in 2018 with the purpose of giving more pet parents peace of mind. Looking forward to seeing you on the blog next time!

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The terms of this agreement are as follows: “Client” refers to you, “Company” refers to us (Hands N Paws), “Team Member” refers to the person from our team providing services for your pets, and “Team Members” refers to the Hands N Paws team as a whole.

 

Emergency Veterinary Treatment & Client Responsibility Policy

It is important to inform Hands N Paws of any specific emergency instructions or medical conditions related to Client’s pets. This will help ensure the safety and well-being of pets during emergencies.

In case any of Client’s pets need emergency veterinary treatment, Team Member will contact the designated vet on file and/or a local emergency vet. Team Member will also communicate with Client and/or emergency contacts regarding the situation.

Client gives permission to Team Member to transport the pet(s) to a veterinary clinic and/or make treatment decisions (except for euthanasia), especially if it’s a life-threatening emergency and/or Client cannot be immediately reached. Client is responsible for any veterinary fees incurred. 

Client releases Hands N Paws from any liability for any damage or harm to pets or property that occurs beyond the reasonable control of Team Member during the provision of emergency veterinary care. 

Pet Vaccination, Licensing & Identification Policy

To comply with local laws and ordinances, it is required that all pets have the appropriate vaccinations and licenses before Company begins services. For further information on these requirements, please visit the Ohio State Bar Association’s website at https://www.ohiobar.org/public-resources. Client should also check with his/her veterinarian to determine which vaccinations/shots the pet requires. 

For safety reasons, we encourage all dogs and cats to wear an ID tag or collar that includes name and contact number while Team Member is working with them.

 

Secure Access & Lockbox Policy

To ensure access to Client’s home during scheduled services, Hands N Paws requires that Client purchases a lockbox and places a spare house key(s) inside of it for Team Member to use. Client can purchase the lockbox on Hands N Paws’ website by clicking Buy Your Lockbox. Once it arrives, the lockbox should be programmed with a unique four-digit code. The lockbox should then be placed on the main door handle or in another secure location, and the lockbox code and location information must be entered in the Client’s account on Precise Petcare.

Alternatively, Client may elect to provide a code for entry via a garage door or electronic keypad and if so, must enter all necessary codes in Precise Petcare. Client is strongly encouraged to purchase a lockbox, however, to ensure that Team Member can access pets at all times during scheduled services, especially in situations where the power goes out or batteries die and Team Member need alternative access to the home.

 

Client Communication & Privacy Policy

All Team Members have access to Clients phone number, but are instructed to only use them when necessary or for urgent purposes during services with pets. Hands N Paws prioritizes the privacy and confidentiality of phone numbers as personal information.

All correspondence between Client and Team Member should be centered around Client’s pets and the services provided. If Client has inquiries regarding scheduling, cancellations, app-related matters, or any company-related concerns, these are to be directed to the Company via the office number: (614) 636-6644. The Company’s client support team is available during office hours, Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm. We are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal Holidays. The Company will make contact with Client outside of office hours should there be any urgent need for communication.

 

Pet Information Accuracy & Accessibility Policy

In order to provide the best possible service to pets, it is crucial that Client provides Team Member with detailed and up-to-date information regarding their pets. This information should be accurate, complete, and accessible through the Client’s account in Precise Petcare. Team Members can only work on the basis of the information that is available to them through the Client’s account in Precise Petcare. Likewise, Client acknowledges that the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the information they provide directly impacts the quality of the services delivered. Client, therefore, takes full responsibility for any consequences that arise from inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated account information.

 

Flexible Service Arrival Time Policy

Arrival times for services occur within a two-hour period. Team Members are unable to guarantee exact arrival times due to various factors that may affect scheduling and travel times. To accommodate these considerations, we use time blocks rather than specific times. Client will see this in the dropdown menu when Client selects Arrival Time in the request service form within their Client account.

While Team Members understands that Client may have preferences regarding arrival times, it is essential to acknowledge that Team Members cannot guarantee meeting those specific requests. Flexibility is needed in order for Team Members to accommodate for needs of other Clients on schedule.

 

Services & Pricing

For the most up-to-date and detailed descriptions on service offerings, please visit our website at www.myhandsnpaws.com.

 

Service Surcharge Policy

The following service surcharges may apply under certain conditions:

Last Minute Service: A fee of $15 per service will be charged for bookings made with less than 24 hours’ notice.

Holiday Service: A fee of $20 per service will be applied for services provided on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve.

Additional Pets: Base pricing for services includes up to 2 pets. For each additional pet beyond the initial two, an additional fee of $7 per pet will be added.

Out-of-Service Area: If Client location falls outside our designated service area, a fee of $10 per service will be charged. To check if a particular area is within our service range, please visit the respective service page on our website and scroll down to the bottom of the page.

Please note that these surcharges are separate from the base pricing for our services. To learn more about service rates, please visit our website at www.myhandsnpaws.com.

Service Request Approval & Availability Policy

Hands N Paws strives to accommodate as many service requests as possible. However, the approval of service requests is subject to the availability of Team Members. Upon submitting a service request, Client will receive a confirmation or declination email/notification indicating whether Hands N Paws can fulfill the requested work. Sometimes, this may take up to 48 hours.

If a service request is declined, we encourage Client to explore alternative options or contact our dedicated client support team for further assistance. Company is here to help and find the best solution for all pet care needs.

 

Meet N Greet Policy

To ensure a personalized experience for new Clients, Hands N Paws requires virtual Meet N Greets before getting started with pet services. These meetings allow us to connect with Clients and discuss their pet care needs.

All Meet N Greets come at a $25 cost and are about 20-30 minutes in length. For new clients who have their Meet N Greet and then book services with us right afterwards, that $25 will be credited towards their first invoice. For existing clients who have already had their initial Meet N Greet, the event is a flat rate of $25.

Meet N Greets can be scheduled on our website at www.myhandsnpaws.com.

 

Payment & Billing Policy

Payment Method: All services with Hands N Paws are to be paid for using a credit or debit card. All major cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Discover are acceptable. Client can securely add and store card information within their Client account. Adding and keeping a valid credit card on file is a requirement for requesting any services with Hands N Paws.

Ongoing Services: For services scheduled as ongoing, Client will be automatically charged every Friday for the previous 7 days’ worth of completed, canceled, and in-progress services.

Non-Ongoing Services: For services not scheduled as ongoing, a 50% down-payment will be charged on the day the services are accepted and confirmed. An invoice will be sent immediately. Client has until the date of the last confirmed service to manually pay the remaining balance on the invoice. If manual payment is not made, the remaining total will be automatically charged to the card on file on the date of the last service day on that invoice.

Declined Payments: In the event of a declined auto-charge, Client will be promptly notified. After the first declined charge, Client has a 24-hour grace period to rectify the issue. In the case of a second declined attempt, a late fee of 10% of the invoice total (minimum $10) will be added. Client must be attentive to emails regarding overdue notices.

Payment Terms: Hands N Paws will be paid the agreed-upon amount as discussed, with no exceptions, unless our Cancellation Policy (outlined below) applies and the Client receives a refund in the form of an Account Credit(s). In emergency circumstances, a refund may be issued as transferable credit(s) back to the Client’s card.

Additional Fees: Client may be charged additional fees if Team Members are instructed to, or determine the need to, purchase items for the pet(s) while under the care of Hands N Paws. These items may include pet food or treats, litter or cleaning supplies, transportation to the vet, or emergency expenses for the general care of the pet(s). Hands N Paws and/or Team Member will consult with Client before making any purchases, and will retain and share any receipts as proof of purchase.

 

Service Cancellation/Refund Policy

When Client schedules services with Hands N Paws, the Company has likely turned down other work so as to devote our time to the work requested from said Client.

Client understands and accepts the Company cancellation/refund policy as outlined below:

– 100% refund is issued as Account Credit if cancellation is made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled service(s).

– 50% refund is issued as Account Credit if cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled service(s).

– NO refund is issued for same-day cancellations/less than 24 hour notice.

PLEASE NOTE: Refunds are NOT transferable. Should Client be eligible to receive an Account Credit (based on terms above), that will be auto-added to his/her account and applied to the very next invoice with us.

 

Service Terms

Hands N Paws agrees to provide the services stated in this contract in a reliable, caring, and trustworthy manner. In consideration of these services and as an express condition thereof, Client expressly waives and relinquishes any and all claims against Hands N Paws arising out of or relating to the provision of services hereunder, except those arising from gross negligence or willful misconduct on part of Hands N Paws.

Client understands and acknowledges that the environment in which they are requesting Hands N Paws to complete services is reasonably sanitary and safe. If it is determined that home conditions are unsanitary and/or unsafe at any point in the working relationship, Company will make it known to Client. Action will be taken accordingly thereafter.

Additionally, Hands N Paws will not terminate during a period of scheduled service unless Hands N Paws determines, at their sole discretion, that a serious danger exists to the health or safety of Team Members or pets. If such concerns preclude Hands N Paws from providing further care for the pets, Client agrees to pay for their pet to be boarded at a boarding facility or taken under the care of another party until Client returns. All attempts will be made to notify Client and/or emergency contacts regarding such situations.

Client understands and acknowledges that he/she is responsible for letting Hands N Paws know of anyone who has access to their home during the duration of services booked. Client releases and holds Hands N Paws harmless of all loss, expense, and damage caused by any third-parties entering Client’s home at that time.

 

Contract Terms

This contract will take effect upon digital signature by Client (clicking “Agree & Submit” below) and will remain in effect until terminated by either party. Client may make online reservations for additional services at any time during the terms of this contract, as subject to Hands N Paws availability. All scheduled services will be governed by all the terms of this contract.

Client acknowledges that by signing below, he/she is providing written approval for the provision of services by Hands N Paws during any service period scheduled by Client and confirmed by Hands N Paws. Upon service confirmation, Hands N Paws will be authorized to enter Client premises and perform services without additional signed contracts and/or written authorizations.