Thousands of four-legged friends and their humans will attend the 25th annual Super Pet Expo at the New Jersey Convention Center in Edison come Jan. 9-11.
This year’s expo promises a pack of more opportunities than ever for pet participation, photo ops galore and tried-and-true feature favorites.
Visitors also can have a top talent scout audition their pet for possible acting roles, get a free paw print from Betsy Middleton, watch their pup compete in a derby race or frolic in a 2,000 square foot off-the-leash puppy playground, or in the Ultimate Dog Ball Pit filled with 5,000 balls.
The lure course where pups get exercise by chasing a faux rabbit also will return. Luring 101, which has an additional fee, is a capture-the-flag activity for of all sizes dogs who love to chase. They take center stage in an enclosed 2,500 square-foot luring course set up to give pets a high-speed run that will thrill both them and the audience.
Thousands of four-legged friends and their humans will enjoy the 25th annual Super Pet Expo come Jan. 9-11, 2026. The event has become a beloved annual tradition and has big plans to celebrate its milestone anniversary.
The Doggie Derby that hosts races for dachshunds, corgis and small dog breeds is back for its third year. This event invites a family member, toy or treat to entice participants to dash to the finish line with prizes for all winners.
And the well-dressed pooch won’t want to miss the Celebrity Catwalk where couture-loving canines strut their stuff dressed in doggie designer fashions.
Exhibitors will include pet adoption, pet care and health, grooming, food and daycare, along with an array of creative pet gifts, treats, fashion, grooming accessories and toys at the largest pet shopping extravaganza on the East Coast. Vendors also will be present to provide a variety of imported cat toys, treats and accessories not found in stores.
The Super Pet Expo will feature a TICA Breeds: United Cat Club competition. Pedigree and household pets are invited to compete for titles and points judged by internationally trained and licensed professionals. Visitors will see more than 100 pedigree and household pets as well as rescues. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned or dry cat food that TICA will distribute to local rescue organizations.
Thousands of four-legged friends and their humans will enjoy the 25th annual Super Pet Expo come Jan. 9-11, 2026. The event has become a beloved annual tradition and has big plans to celebrate its milestone anniversary.
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Visitors can also get a free paw print and get them microchipped for $25 from Garden State Animal Rescue Center. Canine social media celebs will participate in a star-studded panel of pet influencers.
Panels, demonstrations and photo opportunities are scheduled all weekend long with celebrity pets, stunt dogs and their trainers.
Returning national champion stunt dog trainer Chrissy Joy, host of “Dog Moms” and “Farm Girl” on DOG-TV, will appear with her Bone-A-Fied Talent Group, whose stunt dogs will demonstrate their frisbee skills, tricks and fast-paced agility.
The lineup also includes Dawn Wolfe with Pawsitively FAMOUS Animal Talent Agency. In addition to auditioning pets, Wolfe will emcee a panel of pet influencers who will share how their pets went from ordinary to having a worldwide audience. The panelists include Sam Carrell, Tinkerbelle the Dog, Belle − who met Taylor Swift − Haley and Dunkin as well as Karen and SunglassCat.
Thousands of four-legged friends and their humans will enjoy the 25th annual Super Pet Expo come Jan. 9-11, 2026. The event has become a beloved annual tradition and has big plans to celebrate its milestone anniversary.
Animal communicator Raven Noel is back to explain what an animal is really thinking and how to speak to a pet while Gerry Burch, who says his parrots are the friendliest in the world, will share his knowledge of exotic birds at his Parties by Parrots exhibit.
Further, on Saturday, Magnolia Harter, 13, who lost her dog Crosby to cancer, will greet visitors and sell treats. The teenager raises money for The Animal Cancer Foundation by baking dog treats − Crosby’s Crunchies. Magnolia is featured in DOGTV’s documentary, “Magnolia Bakes a Difference.”
Repticon, in its 13th year at Super Pet Expo, is a showcase of hundreds of reptiles. This year, Scott Wisneski with Family Reptiles will provide presentations that include exotic reptiles, and reptile experts will offer advice and sell reptile supplies.
Super Pet Expo will offer 500 free tickets to veterans through Vet Tix. The service provides tickets to all branches of currently serving military and veterans, including immediate families of troops KIA.
In addition, all tickets purchased online will come with a free one-month subscription to DOGTV, a $9.99 value. The streaming channel includes a library of scientifically designed shows to calm dogs.
Go: New Jersey Convention Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison. 3-8 p.m., Jan. 9; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Jan. 10 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets online are $15 for adults (ages 12 and over) and $10 for children (ages 4-11). Tickets are valid for re-entry all three days. Tickets purchased at the show are $20 for adults (ages 12 and over) and $10 for children (ages 4-11). These are valid for one day admission only. Pets and children under 4 are free for online or bought at the show tickets. Some events require additional fees and preregistration online is recommended for certain events. Pets are welcome and leashed pets are admitted free. Retractable leashes are now allowed. Visit superpetexpo.com for more information.
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning feature, news and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Super Pet Expo returns to Edison Jan. 9-11. Everything to know