The Ultimate Guide to the Auckland Pet & Animal Expo 2026

If you love animals, the Auckland Pet & Animal Expo is the ultimate weekend destination. It is one of the easiest ways to explore local pet care options, discover innovative new products, and meet local pet experts face-to-face.

The expo takes place this weekend, 19–20 September 2026, from 10am to 5pm daily at the Auckland Showgrounds in Greenlane. For official ticket details, visit the Pet & Animal Expo's website or follow real-time updates on their official Facebook page.

What can visitors expect at this year's show?

Auckland pet owners can look forward to a lively indoor pet show experience in Auckland that brings entertainment, shopping, and expert advice under one roof. The event is custom-built for Auckland dog owners and Auckland cat owners who want to upgrade their everyday pet care routine.

Live entertainment and learning

This comprehensive Auckland pet expo event features a full schedule of live demonstrations, including:

• Billy Black & Jonah the performing pig: watch the iconic Billy Black and his amazing performing pig, Jonah, deliver a unique, crowd-pleasing show.
• Heritage sheep shearing show: experience a classic slice of Kiwi history with live demonstrations showcasing traditional New Zealand shearing techniques and heritage fleece preparation.
• Performance-arena entertainment: watch talented dancing dogs, detector dog demonstrations, and impressive training and obedience sessions.
• Grooming advice Q&As: get expert tips to help you maintain your pet's coat at home.
• Pedigree cat presentations: learn about unique breed characteristics from passionate feline experts.

Event highlights

• Animal encounters: meet a wide mix of companion animals, reptiles, alpacas, and speciality breeds at exhibitor stands.
• Expert advice: gather practical insights on animal welfare, nutrition, and responsible pet ownership from certified industry professionals.
• Exclusive shopping: browse show-only specials on premium toys, treats, accessories, and wellness supplies.
• Free food samples: collect premium dog and cat food samples to test what your pet prefers before buying.
• Community connections: meet rescue groups and local animal charities to learn about pet adoption and local animal support networks.

Meet the local exhibitors and rescue groups

A highlight of the NZ pet expo is the opportunity to meet passionate local clubs, veterinary professionals, and animal rescue organisations. Whether you want to support a great cause, ask questions about a specific breed, or learn more about adopting or fostering an animal in need, make sure to visit these stands:

Cat & dog rescues

• 9 Lives Orphanage Rescue: Meet the dedicated team working tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome stray and abandoned cats across Auckland. You can view their adoption criteria on the 9 Lives Orphanage website.
• Auckland Puppy Rescue: Learn about their foster-based network dedicated to saving vulnerable puppies and matching them with loving forever homes. Head over to the Auckland Puppy Rescue website to see their available pups.
• Greyhounds as Pets: Discover how these gentle, affectionate retired athletes transition into wonderful household companions after their racing careers. Learn more about adoption matching via Greyhounds as Pets NZ.
• Rottweiler Rescue & Rehoming: Learn about their breed-specific rescue work and discover how they support responsible ownership and rehoming for Rottweilers in New Zealand.
• The Dog Rescue Project: Chat with volunteers from this passionate rescue group focused on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs in need across the country. Details about their community initiatives can be found on The Dog Rescue Project NZ.

Speciality dog & cat clubs

• Auckland Dachshund Club: A must-visit for sausage dog enthusiasts. Stop by to chat with experienced owners about breed care, health, and local community walks.
• Hamilton Cat Club: Meet passionate feline advocates and breeders showcasing beautiful pedigree cats and promoting excellence in cat care.
• The Labrador Club: Connect with breeders and owners of New Zealand's favourite family dog to get expert advice on health screening, training, and breed-specific wellness.
• The Leonberger Club: Get up close with these magnificent, gentle giants and talk to dedicated club members about the unique care requirements of this large working breed.

Veterinarians & animal healthcare

• Local Veterinary Clinics: Connect with trusted local veterinarians to discuss preventative care, vaccinations, pet dental health, and tailored wellness plans for your animals.
• Expert Clinical Advice: Speak face-to-face with veterinary nurses and clinic staff about managing pet anxiety, weight control, and senior pet care routines.

Small pets & exotic animal rescues

• A Rats Tail: Break down the stereotypes surrounding rats and learn why these highly intelligent, clean animals make wonderful and affectionate companion pets.
• Auckland Cavy Care: Dedicated to the welfare of guinea pigs. Drop by for expert advice on proper housing, nutrition, and grooming for your small furry friends.
• Be Kind Exotic Animal Rescue: Speak with specialists dedicated to the rescue, care, and rehoming of unique and exotic pets that require specialised setups.

Birds & aquatic life

• Auckland Poultry & Pigeon Assn: Explore the fascinating world of fancy poultry and pigeons and get expert advice on keeping backyard chickens or show birds.
• Tropical Fish Company: Dive into the world of aquatics with expert tips on setting up, landscaping, and maintaining a thriving tropical fish aquarium at home.

Kiwi farm heritage & livestock

• Muddyvalley Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats: Meet these friendly, miniature dairy goats bred right here in Auckland's Waikoukou Valley, known for their playful personalities and incredibly rich milk.
• NZ Kunekune Association: Discover the history of New Zealand’s iconic indigenous pig breed. Speak with breeders about what it takes to keep these friendly, placid animals on a lifestyle block.

Support essential pet services and charities

The expo is also an incredible place to secure your pet's future, safety, and health. Several essential New Zealand pet care services and safety networks will be on-site to help you protect your furry family members, including:

• Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dogs: Stop by their stand to learn about the incredible training these guide dogs undergo and discover how you can support their work through volunteering, fundraising, or becoming a foster puppy walker. You can discover more about their world-class breeding and placement programmes directly through the official Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dog Services webpage.
• NZ Companion Animal Register (NZCAR): Ensure your pet is fully protected. Speak with the team about the critical importance of microchipping and keeping your contact details updated on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register.
• PD Pet Insurance & Petcover New Zealand: Compare leading pet insurance options. Chat with experts from both PD Insurance and Petcover to find a policy that safeguards your pet against unexpected vet bills.

Spotlighting local Auckland pet services

This great event highlights trusted local services alongside major global brands. Among the local exhibitors this year is Pets In The City, a prominent Auckland pet care provider with multiple boutique centres across the region.

If you are a busy pet parent, their team will be on-site to discuss their full range of services:

• Dog daycare programmes designed for safe socialisation.
• Luxury boarding and dedicated cat hotels.
• Professional grooming and canine wellness therapies.
• Puppy training and behavioural support.

Important visitor rule: leave your pets safely at home

While this is a family-friendly Auckland pet expo designed for animal lovers, you cannot bring your own pets to the venue. The organisers enforce this rule strictly to ensure a controlled, low-stress environment for the exhibited animals and large crowds.

• General pets: must stay home.
• Assistance dogs: are welcome when wearing official identification.
• The game plan: bring a shopping list, collect free samples, and bring the rewards home to your furry family members!

Tips to make the most of your visit

Admission to the Auckland Pet & Animal Expo is $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children aged 5 to 16, and $8.00 for seniors with a SuperGold card. Families can purchase a $26.00 family pass covering two adults and two children, while toddlers under 5 enter free of charge.

How to get the most value out of your entry ticket:

• Check the timetable: review the official performance arena schedule online so you don't miss the live dog demonstrations, Billy Black's show, or the sheep shearing.
• Talk to the experts: don't just walk past the booths - ask exhibitors and veterinary professionals specific questions about your pet's dietary or behavioural needs.
• Shop with intent: look out for unique enrichment toys, safer walking harnesses, or high-value training treats.

Go with an open mind, enjoy the unique entertainment, and return home with fresh ideas and treats for the animals waiting for you!