Why Your Dog Wants to Go to the Encinitas Pet Health Expo

You’ve got at least one photo of him on your Facebook page and you keep a well-stocked stash of goodies just for him in the pantry. Yup, you love your dog.

Though he can’t voice it, trust us, your dog enjoys getting out of the house—and if he could, we’re confident we know where he’d ask you to take him this weekend: The City of Encinitas’ Pet Health Expo.

Everything about this day is tailored to your pup. All sorts of professionals in the pet industry will be there handing out freebies and info. So, while you get educated about the latest products and care tips, your dog can get his fill of munchies and make some new four-legged friends.

“Pets rule at the Pet Health Expo,” says event organizer Nick Buck, Parks and Recreation Supervisor. “It’s great to see all the dogs out socializing. If they could only talk, they might be saying ’Hey yellow lab, how’s it going’ or ‘Why yes, I do love peanut butter treats!’”

Be sure to also swing by the outdoor photo studio and get your portrait with your pooch, which helps raise money for the Spay Neuter Action Project (SNAP). After that go checkout of some of Encinitas’ most talented dogs at the trick contest, which will be going on all day. If you think you and your dog have a winning act, enter for a shot at those bragging rights and goodie bag—but heads up: there’s some pretty stiff competition, as evidenced by the videos from past years attached to this story.

But the expo isn’t all about fun. It’s also a good chance for you to get licenses, low cost shots and microchips from the County of San Diego Animal Services. That discounted services are open to all residents of Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Carlsbad, Santee, San Diego and unincorporated San Diego. 

“Enjoy the event and take care of some of your pet’s basic necessities at the same time. Get the rabies shot, buy a license and a microchip all in one spot,” said Dawn Danielson, Director of County Animal Services, in a written statement. “The recent fires in our county remind us how important it is to have your pet microchipped and identified. It could save your pet’s life!” 

Animal Services will microchip pets for a one-time fee of $20, which includes all the registration. Rabies vaccinations for dogs four months or older and cats three months or older are $6. During the event there will also be amnesty from late fees for anybody who has failed to license their dog or has allowed their dog’s annual license to lapse. For the protection of owners and their pets, dogs must be on a leash and cats and rabbits must be in a carrier while at the clinic.

If you’re in the market for a new dog to add to your family, Rancho Coastal Humane Society will be there with an entire trailer full of irresistibly adorable hopefuls. And though the day is about dogs, there’s even a little something for bird-lovers: Project Wildlife will be onsite with an Anna’s Hummingbird and a Western Kingbird.

The Pet Health Expo will be Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Encinitas City Hall, 505 S. Vulcan. More information about the event can be found online. Or, you can contact the County Department of Animal Services at (619) 767-2675 or visit www.sddac.com.   

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