The National Pet Show sponsored by Petsurance from the PDSA is back for its sixth year in November.
Bigger and Better than ever, the event returns to Birmingham’s NEC on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 November and will showcase so much more than just pups and pussycats. 
Tagging along will be everything from reptiles to rabbits, ponies to parrots and goldfish to guinea pigs, just to start.
The show is fun for all the family as animal lovers great and small can learn about a myriad of species and breeds – as well as getting the chance to stroke them and take selfies with them along the way.
There’ll be enthralling educational talks from experts plus ongoing animal demonstrations while the displays will have visitors clapping, cheering and even joining in.
Brand new this year is ‘Family Fur Times’. One of the highlights of the show, it will see family teams led by Autumn Watch presenter Michaela Strachan and TV vet Rory Cowlam.
Both sides will be invited to ‘pet their wits’ against each other in a hilarious quickfire challenge that tests their animal knowledge. They’ll compete, twice a day, with different families in each slot. Would-be contestants must register in advance online for a chance to win a place.
On the Saturday, The SuperVet, AKA Professor Noel Fitzpatrick will give a talk, especially for children, from the incredible Noel’s Ark set. Britain’s Got Talent’s Lucy Heath will show off her training miracles, not just with dogs, but cats this time too. Visitors should keep their eyes peeled for other famous faces – and famous furries – as further names will be announced nearer the date of the show.
The Guinness World Records Team will be measuring, testing and recording a jaw-dropping parade of pets in a live show where each will attempt to secure a new record. They’ll be bringing along the UK’s tallest dog and the most agile agility pooch, along with other extraordinary critters.
The fun continues with a number of current record holders who’ll be demonstrating the amazing feats that secured them a place in Guinness’s hall of fame. 
Focused as always on rehoming unwanted and unloved pets, The National Pet Show’s very own Animal Rescue Barn has partnered with a number of wonderful rescue charities. Together they aim to introduce as many animals as possible over the weekend to new owners – and their ‘furever’ home. Experts and ‘pet matchmakers’ will be on hand to find out more about visitor’s lifestyles, then guide them on their potential choice of pet.
The Canine Catwalk will delight visitors with stunning dogs of all shapes and sizes. They’ll be walked by their doting owners while the show’s compare grills them on their characteristics and car. More than 70 dog breeds will be present at the show and each have their own personality types and needs.
There’ll be a special focus on seldom-seen ‘vulnerable’ breeds too: those in danger of dying out. It’s all about creating awareness, showing would-be owners how to look after them, and hopefully pulling them back from the brink.
Many favourites, such as the Activity Arena, Dogs with Jobs, Cat Village and Small Furries Village will all be returning this year where visitors can enjoy fun activities or get up close and personal to different breeds.
Tickets for the National Pet Show are available from www.thenationalpetshow.seetickets.com/tour/national-pet-show or by calling 08712 200260.
Ticket prices:
Adults £19.90
Child aged 6 to 16 £15.50
Family: 2 adults & 2 children – £16.00
Senior citizen 60+ – £17.80
Student – £17.50
For more information on the National Pet Show you can visit www.nationalpetshow.com.
