Rescues around the city prep for Manitoba Pet Expo

St. Norbert

Are you an animal enthusiast, a proud pet parent, or someone who just wants to give attention to fur babies who need the love? Your people, along with Coleman the alpaca, two dressed-up mini horses, reptiles and ferrets, are waiting for you.

The annual Manitoba Pet Expo, featuring 86 vendors and rescues, is set to take place on Sunday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the St. Norbert Community Centre (3450 Pembina Hwy).

“Animal lovers will love it,” said Jenn Taplin, a director with Manitoba Mutts — a non-breed specific organization that fosters and rescues dogs and cats from Manitoba, Ontario, and Nunavut — for the last 12 years.

“It’s animal-centric, a positive atmosphere, I like it,” she laughed.

Manitoba Mutts is 100 per cent foster-home based and volunteer run. This is the 10th year the organization has been at the expo.

Taplin said she’s hoping to reach new fosters and volunteers, as well as educate, answer questions, and raise awareness.

For Pembina Valley Humane Society, visibility is key.

“The expo has grown so much. For us to go and get our name out there and network with other shelters, it’s important,” said Jennifer Young, shelter manager.

She said the shelter sees an uptick in animal inquiries and more volunteer applicants when they’re more visible in the public’s eye.

“We need to get our name out there and help other rescues and the show the public how hard we work behind the scenes but how rewarding it is,” Young said.

She added the expo is a good place to connect with other rescues across the province.

“It’s nice to have a personal support group in a sense,” Young said. She added that running a shelter is a lot of work and a lot of resources. She said PVHS works with other rescues when they can to trade animals, support big litters, or help take in seized animals.

“It’s not just having that mental and emotional reach but also to help animals in-person, one on one,” she said.

“For us it’s about community and giving back,” said Jessica Klyn, co-organizer of the pet expo and president of the sole organizing rescue, Boston Terrier and Pug Rescue of Southern Manitoba.

“We offer spaces to rescues wanting to adopt out animals and be more visible,” Klyn said.

“It’s exciting. There’s lots to see and do, a variety of pet businesses, lots of options for someone wanting to celebrate animals in their life,” she said. “A family will not be disappointed.”

Admission is $4, free for kids 12 and under, and well-mannered pets are encouraged to attend on a leash.