What started simply enough as a pet industry non-profit in 1951 to promote responsible pet ownership and related products and services has 
since grown into a visionary organization. The World Pet Association (WPA), originally known as the World Wide Pet Industry Association (WWPIA), has continuously educated the public on health and safety issues concerning companion animals.
After nearly six decades in the industry, the Southern California-based group offers seminars to pet supply retailers, donates to charities such as the Pet Care Trust, and hosts both trade and consumer shows, including America’s Family Pet Expo, which allows the general public ample opportunity to learn about companion animals and proper care.
The show, which started out as part of the group’s trade show, got standalone treatment starting in 1990, says WPA President Doug Poindexter. The AFPE’s goals were, he says, “to create interactive, educational platforms that develops connections between consumers and the companion pet.”
The Expo offers attendees a wide array of opportunities for both fun and educational purposes. Nearly every type of companion animal — more than 1,000 of them — will be there for interaction, entertainment, demonstrations and seminars. “Where else in Southern California can you interact with birds, horses, critters, reptiles, cats and dogs in one day?” Poindexter asks.
Every year exhibitors include manufacturers, retailers, groomers, veterinarians, hobbyist groups, humane rescue organizations, humane societies, breeders and more attend, the AFPE website reports.
Some of the show’s highlights include the Parade of Dog Breeds, which features more than 100 breeds and allows people the opportunity 
to learn about their unique characteristics. Furthermore, dozens of dog rescue groups will be in attendance to answer questions about their respective breeds and to find great pets forever homes.
Consumers have responded. Last year, more than 70,000 people visited America’s Family Pet Expo, Poindexter says.
Sharing in the Expo’s love for dogs and companion animals, this year i Love Dogs is excited to attend America’s Family Pet Expo. In addition to having our trademark premium supplements on hand, we’re pleased to announce that for the first time we’ll also be offering our baseball caps, reusable bags and totes.
“We’ve never brought our totes to a show before,” says i Love Dogs General Manager Martha Smith. “We decided to bring them along to the AFPE show because people have been asking for them.”
The AFPE show is a perfect venue for i Love Dogs, which has supported canine education and rescue since the company’s inception. We invite everyone to stop by our booth to say hello, learn about keeping dogs healthier and pick up a free sample of TJ’s Health Bites.
Who: i Love Dogs
What: America’s Family Pet Expo
Where: Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
When: April 16-18 (10 am – 6 pm Friday and Sunday, 10 am – 7 pm Saturday)