Family dogs join fun at Vancouver's largest pet show

The largest pet show in western Canada kicked off Saturday in Abbotsford, an eastern suburb of Vancouver, featuring a variety of latest pet products and services.

The two-day event has attracted more than 150 exhibitors and thousands of visitors.

The show's founder and manager Nanette Jacques said she started the show several years ago after seeing so many poorly trained dogs at a local dog-walking park.

"I wanted to offer an environment where people could learn what the right pet for them would be. So it's important to choose a pet that's right for your family. So the pet doesn't end up in a shelter," Jacques said. "If you train that pet well, then it makes a great companion for its entire life, so that was the motivation for the show."

For the first time, visitors are allowed to bring their own pets to the event this year.

Oona Tyson said it was the first time she brought her Corgi named Pumpkin to the show, as well-behaved dogs are welcome to the event.

Another dog owner Vicky Olsen said it was a good move by organizers to let visitors bring their own dogs, as it gave them a chance to figure out what kinds of products and services would suit their breeds best.

"It makes it more encouraging to make it a family event for people to come out and maybe find out what their dog is going to be like in a situation like this, because (there's) a lot of noise, a lot of other dogs," she said. "There's lots of awesome products and great booths ... (and) people to talk to who know about their breeds."

The pet show also features other pets like cats, birds, rabbits, llamas and horses. Endi