Super Pet Expo in Edison to draw thousands Jan. 3-5

EDISON - Thousands of pet owners, many with their four-legged companions, will attend the 24th annual Super Pet Expo Jan.
3-5 at the New Jersey Convention Center.

This year’s expo promises a pack of new features, more opportunities than ever for pet participation, and photo ops galore.

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.

For dogs that can’t get enough of playing with balls, a romp among some 5,000 in the Ultimate Dog Ball Pit will be a treat.
In its third year, the Doggie Derby − races for dachshunds, corgis and small dog breeds − invites a family member, toy or treat to entice participants to dash to the finish line with prizes for all winners.

Preregistration online is recommended and there is an additional fee.
Luring 101, which also 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.

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There will be photo opportunities, meet-and-greets and panels with social media celebrities all weekend with celebrity pets, tricks dogs and the world's tiniest dog.

Named Tiny, the micro teacup Chihuahua Applehead weighs just over a pound and is only four inches tall.

Other new features on the Pet Expo's agenda include sessions with animal communicator Raven Noel, who will explain what a pet is really thinking and show attendees how to speak with their pets, and 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.

More:These adorable pets are available for adoption at the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter

The Garden State Animal Rescue Center will also offer $25 microchipping, which is a quick and easy procedure that provides permanent pet tracking information that can’t be lost, worn out or damaged.

Dawn Wolfe with Pawsitively FAMOUS Animal Talent Agency is also back.
In addition to auditioning pets, Wolfe will emcee a panel of top pet influencers who will share how their pets went from ordinary pets to having worldwide audiences.
Together, the panelists − Amber Aquart and Whiskey Toller, Bryan Reisberg and Maxine the Fluffy Corgi and Brian Benson and Magnus the Therapy Dog − have more than 28 million social media followers.

Repticon, in its 12th year at Super Pet Expo, is a popular 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.

Champion stunt dog trainer Chrissy Joy’s Bone-A-Fied Talent Group is also returning.
The stunt dogs will show off their Frisbee skills, tricks and fast-paced agility.
Visitors will recognize some pups from national commercials and feature films.
Joy hosts "The Dog Moms" and "Farm Girl" on DOGTV.

TICA Breeds: The United Cat Club invites both pedigree and household pets to compete for prestigious titles and points judged by internationally trained and licensed professionals.

Visitors will see a bengal cat, Maine coon, Persian, American shorthair − more than 100 pedigree and household pets in all.
There also will be rescue opportunities and attendees are encouraged to bring canned or dry cat food that TICA will distribute to local rescue organizations. There will also be vendors providing a variety of cat toys, treats and accessories not found in stores. 

Further, the well-dressed pooch won’t want to miss Celebrity Catwalk, where couture-loving canines strut their stuff dressed in doggie designer fashions.

Tickets are $15 for adults 12 and up online, $20 at the door; and $10 for kids ages 4 to 11 online and at the door.
Online tickets are valid for re-entry all three days, and at-the-door tickets are valid for one day admission.

Some events require additional fees.
Children under 4 are free.

Pets are welcome.
Leashed pets are admitted free.
No retractable leashes.

Go: New Jersey Convention Center, 97 Sunfield Ave.; 3 to 8 p.m.
Jan.
3; 10 a.m.
to 7 p.m.
Jan.
4; and 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m.
Jan.
5; superpetexpo.com.

email: cmakin@gannettnj.com

Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter forMyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network.
Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or@CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.