World's largest pet expo makes debut in western U.S. state

America's Family Pet Expo, the world's largest pet and pet products expo, celebrate its 28th birthday in Orange County in the western U.S. state of California on April 28-30.

From this Friday to Sunday, over 150 vendors brought over 1,000 animals, a large variety of pet products and interesting pet entertainment shows to the expo. All creatures, big and small, from cats, dogs to miniature horses, birds and exotic lizards, can be found at the expo.

"The purpose of the American Family Pet Expo is to teach responsible pet care," Jennifer Becker, spokesperson of the expo, told Xinhua on Saturday.

"We hope that everyone who comes is the lover of pets and animals and they walk away with a better understanding of them and how pets are essential to living a great life."

Popular activities at the expo included pig and dog racing, tortoise petting zoo, bird show, police and protection dog demonstrations.

"I grew up with dogs, I grew up with cats, birds, fish," a visitor called herself Janice came to the expo with her two daughters.

She said the expo was like a zoo for her kids. "Just watching my girls come and see all the different animals are great."

Another big part and also a mission of the expo was the Pet Adoption Makeovers, where over 100 animals were looking for a home. Most of them were rescued by animal shelters from across the world. They had been taken care of and cleaned up to become healthy again and ready for adoption.

"I think it benefits the rescue and brings the awareness that there are beautiful dogs that need homes, that are in shelters," said Lisa Melina from Southern California Pomeranian Rescue.

"But for people who aren't ready to rescue a dog, they should not feel ashamed to buy a puppy if they find a responsible breeder."

For 28 years, the America's Family Pet Expo has been one of the most popular family friendly events in Southern California. Last year's expo attracted over 47,000 visitors. Endi