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The Ultimate Guide to the 2023 Columbus Pet Expo

  • Pet Activities
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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Existing Client Login

Please review this agreement carefully. Your electronic signature on this indicates that you have read, reviewed, and agreed to the following Company policies.
Your signature also indicates that you grant Hands N Paws the permission to add your email address to our mailing list. This is not a binding agreement, however; if you wish, you can click “Unsubscribe” at the bottom of any of our emails to opt out of receiving them altogether. To re-subscribe at any point, please visit our website at www.myhandsnpaws.com and scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page. Enter your email address in the mailing list field and submit.
The terms of this agreement are as follows: “Client” refers to you, “Company” refers to us (Hands N Paws), and “Team Member” refers to the person from our team completing services with your pets. 

 

LIABILITY RELEASE

Should any of Client’s pets require emergency veterinary treatment, Hands N Paws will treat pets first and foremost, then make all reasonable efforts to contact Client and/or emergency contacts provided. Regardless, the Team Member on-site holds the right to take appropriate action to help all pets, including obtaining veterinary care. Client authorizes Hands N Paws to transport pet(s) to and from a veterinary clinic for treatment and/or to request “on-site” treatment if deemed necessary. Client authorizes Hands N Paws to make treatment decisions on their behalf (with the information available) for any treatment excluding euthanasia, especially if Client is not reachable and/or it’s a life-threatening emergency that calls for immediate action. Client agrees to pay any and all veterinary fees that result from this action.
Client also agrees to release Hands N Paws from any and all liability that may arise as a result of damage to property and/or injury to/death of pets that occurs outside of the Team Member’s control.
Client will also be held responsible for injury and/or damage caused to Team Member(s) as a result of previously undisclosed aggression in any of Client’s pets.

 

VACCINATION, LICENSING & ID POLICY

All pets are to be vaccinated and licensed as required by local laws and ordinances. Please visit the Ohio State Bar Association’s website for more details on these items by going to https://www.ohiobar.org/public-resources.
Please also check with your veterinarian for details on what vaccinations/shots your pet is required to have.
In the interest of safety, all dogs and cats are encouraged to have an ID tag or collar that states their name and a contact number while a Hands N Paws Team Member is working with them.

 

LOCKBOX POLICY

All Team Members will need guaranteed access to Clients’ homes during scheduled services. Client agrees to purchase a lockbox and place spare house key(s) inside the box for Team Members to use for accessing the home.
Please visit our website at www.myhandsnpaws.com and click Buy Your Lockbox to locate the proper lockbox for purchase.
Once received, lockboxes are to be programmed with a unique four-digit code and placed on a main door handle to Client’s home (or other secure place). Client is then required to enter their lockbox code and location information in his/her client account by logging in to Precise Petcare and going to Petcare > My Info > Home Access.
Client may also elect to provide a code for entry via garage door or electronic keypad. In this case, Client is responsible for entering all necessary codes in Precise Petcare.
Regardless, a lockbox is strongly encouraged to be purchased so as to avoid situations where power might go out, batteries to keypads die, and/or keys hidden under outside objects are not found, etc. Lockboxes guarantee that Team Members are able to access pets at all times during scheduled services.

 

PHONE NUMBER EXCHANGE POLICY

It is strongly discouraged that Team Members and Clients exchange phone numbers with each other in working together. Phone numbers are personal and Team Members have specific work hours.
Clients should direct all communications with Team Members in our app, Precise Petcare. Both parties can communicate via submitted journal reports, which Team Members send after completion of all services with pets. More information on this can be found by visiting our client support page at www.myhandsnpaws.com/client-support.
For any pressing/non-emergency communications, Clients are advised to call our office number at (614) 636-6644. Office hours are Monday through Friday 9am-5pm. We are closed on Saturdays, Sunday, and Federal Holidays.
PLEASE NOTE: Office hours differ from fieldwork hours. Office hours are the times in which we provide client support via answering phones, emails, etc. Fieldwork hours are the times in which we offer services/are working in the field with pets. Our fieldwork hours are 7am-10pm (and overnights), 365 days a year.

 

CAT POLICIES

Clients are NOT allowed to request that Team Members “ignore the cat” when providing care for other animals in households that have multiple pets. Regardless of the cat’s disposition, personality, or levels of need, Hands N Paws Team Members must provide some kind of attention and care to the cat during scheduled services. Similarly, Client must create a pet profile for the cat(s) and provide care notes accordingly.

UPDATING PET & CLIENT PROFILES POLICY

Our Team Members can only perform services correctly if they are equipped with the correct (and most up to date) pet care information. You will only be allowed to request services on the basis that pet and personal profiles are updated every 6 months (at minimum). Any Client who attempts to request services at the 6 month mark will receive an error message letting them know that they cannot submit a request if they haven’t made updates to their profiles. If there is nothing to update at the 6 month mark, simply reword a current piece of information and click Save at the bottom of the page.

SPECIFIC VISIT TIME POLICY

Client acknowledges that arrival times for services occur within a two-hour period. It is NOT possible for Team Members to arrive at exact times. This is why time frames appear, rather than exact times, in the dropdown menu when selecting a time for the service(s).
Client agrees to requesting services in the two-hour time frames offered.

 

SERVICES & PRICING

For detailed descriptions on our services, please visit our website at www.myhandsnpaws.com.

Dog Walking
*Rates below apply for up to 2 dogs; add $7 per additional dog
QUICK WALK – 20 mins – $22
STANDARD WALK – 30 mins – $25
LONG WALK – 45 mins – $35

Pet Sitting
*Rates below apply for up to 2 pets; add $7 per additional pet
QUICK VISIT – 20 mins – $22
STANDARD VISIT – 30 mins – $25
LONG VISIT – 45 mins – $35

Cat Sitting
*Rates below apply for up to 2 cats; add $7 per additional cat
QUICK VISIT – 20 mins – $22
STANDARD VISIT – 30 mins – $25
LONG VISIT – 45 mins – $35
Overnight Stay (8-10 hrs) – $80

*Rate applies for up to 2 pets; add $10 per additional pet.

 

 

HOLIDAY PRICING

A $20 surcharge is added to each service that is scheduled on the following Federal Holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve.

 

SERVICE REQUESTS

Upon submitting service request(s), Client will be informed as to whether Hands N Paws can take on the requested work via a confirmation or declination email/notification. Client understands that there is NO guarantee that any/all service requests can be approved; it simply just depends on Team Member availability. Clients are encouraged to submit all service requests as far in advance as possible!

 

SAME-DAY SERVICE REQUEST POLICY

Client understands and accepts the Company same day service request policy as outlined below:
– A $10 convenience fee is added to each service if requested (and approved) with 24 hours or less notice before service(s) is scheduled to occur.
– A $20 convenience fee is added to each service if requested (and approved) with 12 hours or less notice before service(s) is scheduled to occur.
– A $30 convenience fee is added to each service if requested (and approved) with 6 hours or less notice before service(s) is scheduled to occur.

 

OUT-OF-SERVICE-AREA REQUEST POLICY

Client understands and accepts the Company out-of-service-area request policy as outlined below:
– A $10 (minimum) convenience fee is added to each service if requested outside of our current service area.
Please note, this amount is subject to increase depending on how far a client lives outside of our current service area.

 

 

SERVICE CHANGE REQUEST POLICY (FOR TIME CHANGES ONLY)

Client understands and accepts the Company service change request policy as it applies to time frames as outlined below:

If Client submits a service change request, there may be a same-day applicable fee should the change be approved. Technically, changing a service time frame equates to cancelling one service and requesting a brand new one. With that, Hands N Paws assesses the change as it relates to our same-day policy detailed above.

If the change is requested (and approved) with 24 hours or less notice before service is newly scheduled to occur, the original service is canceled (same-day) and there is a $10 convenience fee added onto the “new service” base rate.

If the change is requested (and approved) with 12 hours or less notice before service is newly scheduled to occur, the original service is canceled (same-day) and there is a $20 convenience fee added onto the “new service” base rate.

If the change is requested (and approved) with 6 hours or less notice before service is newly scheduled to occur, the original service is canceled (same-day) and there is a $30 convenience fee added onto the “new service” base rate.

 

 

MEET N GREETS

All meet n greets are FREE (and required as part of proper client onboarding) for first-time Clients. To the extent that Clients wish to schedule additional meet n greets, after their first free one, they will be charged $50 per meet n greet.

To schedule a first-time meet n greet (for new clients), please go to www.myhandsnpaws.com and click Get Started.

To schedule additional meet n greets (for current clients), please log in to your client account, go to My Schedule > Request Service and select Meet N Greet in the service dropdown.

 

BILLING

All services are to be paid for via credit/debit card. We accept all major cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover). Card information can be added securely to each client account.

For services scheduled as ongoing, you will be auto-charged every Friday evening for the previous 7 days worth of work on schedule, including completed, canceled, and in-progress services.

For services NOT scheduled as ongoing, the day your services are accepted and confirmed is the day you will be charged 50% of your invoice total (as downpayment). Your invoice will be sent to you immediately. You have from then until the date of the last confirmed service to pay your invoice manually. If you choose to not pay manually, your remaining total will be auto-paid (via card on file) on the evening of the last service day.

If any auto-charges are declined, you will be notified immediately. In the first declined attempt, we give you a 24-hour grace period to correct the issue. In the second declined attempt, a late fee of 10% of the invoice total ($10 minimum) will be added. Please look out for emails regarding overdue notices.

Credit cards are required to be added to and remain on file in order for Clients to request any services with Hands N Paws.

Hands N Paws will be paid the amount discussed with no exceptions other than if our Cancellation Policy (outlined below) applies and Client receives a refund in either the form of Account Credit(s), or in emergency circumstances as transferable credit(s) back to their card.

Client may be charged additional fees if Team Members are instructed to, or sees the need to, purchase items for the pet while under Company care, including but not limited to: pet food or treats, litter or cleaning supplies, transportation to the vet and/or emergency expenses for general care of pet(s). Hands N Paws will retain and share 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 you be eligible to receive an Account Credit (based on terms above), that will be auto-added to your account and applied to your very next invoice with us.

 

SERVICES 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. We assess home conditions during initial meet n greets. If we determine home conditions to be unsanitary and/or unsafe, we will make it clear to the Client that we cannot pursue a working relationship.

Should a Team Member sustain any injury, disease, or other harm in the course of providing services hereunder, the Client will indemnify Hands N Paws and hold it harmless with respect to all loss, expense, and damage caused thereby, except those arising from gross negligence or willful misconduct on part of Hands N Paws.

Client understands and acknowledges that he/she is responsible for letting Hands N Paws know of anyone who has access to their home and agrees to not contract with any other company and/or care provider during the duration of services booked with Hands N Paws. Client releases and holds Hands N Paws harmless of all loss, expense, and damage caused by anyone entering the Client’s home with their permission or access given to others during the terms of services rendered.

 

 

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. We appreciate as much advance notice as possible for the work, but will make every effort possible to accommodate all requests.

Either party may terminate this contract at any time by written notice to the other. Hands N Paws is entitled to payment for all services rendered until notice of termination is received and for any transition services reasonably required to provide for the health and welfare of Client’s pet(s). 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 a Team Member or pet. If such concerns preclude Hands N Paws from providing further care for the pet(s), 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. Every attempt will be made to notify Client and/or emergency contacts regarding such situations.

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 such scheduling and approval, Hands N Paws will be authorized to enter Client premises and perform services without additional signed contracts and/or written authorizations

 

 

AGREEMENT

I, Client, have reviewed this Client Agreement in its entirety. I will promptly complete all parts of my client account in Precise Petcare, and the information I provide will be detailed and accurate. My electronic signature here will indicate that I am agreeing to all the terms and conditions of this contract, exactly as they are outlined above.