It will be a ‘Summer Pet-tacular’ San Diego County Fair thanks to partnership with Humane Society

The San Diego Humane Society and San Diego County Fair held a joint press conference Tuesday to unveil this year’s “Summer Pet-tacular” theme programming.

The fair features contests, themed exhibits and educational programs like always, but this year the annual favorite is partnering with the local nonprofit to celebrate the special bond between people and their pets.

This summer, from June 11 to July 6, San Diego residents can pre-register to compete in fun activities with their pets or choose to adopt a new animal during the fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Although the general admission of pets is not allowed, designated areas will be available to attend competitions, view animal exhibits or see potential pets at adoption centers.

It’s all fun and games, as summer should be. But an impressive number of animals could benefit. SDHS President and CEO Gary Weitzman shares that as part of this year’s celebration of animals in the community, the fair also serves as a chance for people to educate themselves and hopefully, open their hearts and homes to an animal in need.

“This is a really awesome year for us because we’re going to be front and center with the fair, really celebrating how much we all love animals here in San Diego. That’s what makes San Diego such a remarkable place, that we have this incredible love for animals, for our pets, our companion animals, for wildlife, for conservation,” Weitzman said. 

“We are at the forefront of the cutting edge of what is done in the name of animal welfare here in this county. So I’m just delighted that we can do this and celebrate this with everybody at the fair this summer.”

Among other attractions at the fair, visitors can enjoy stunt dog performances, corgi and weiner dog races and a Westminster-style dog show featuring 4-H students handling their pets. 

The pet-supply chain Kahoots also will present “Pets Rock, Live on Tour,” a 20,000-square-foot themed exhibit where attendees can immerse themselves in the world of pets. From playing with a giant ball of yarn to swimming through an aquarium castle, visitors can engage with interactive displays and animals throughout the exhibit.

Shelter animals will be up for adoption at both the fair’s theme exhibit and the pet pavilion. 

On July 5, the public is invited to take part in the “Pet Fun, Run, Splash, Walk,” where pet owners and their furry companions can enjoy a one-mile or half-mile course, ending in a fun festival with pet contests. Each registration includes a fair ticket, which can be used — without a pet — either before or after the event.

Ultimately, Weitzman says this year’s theme shines a light on the love between humans and animals. He says this unique opportunity to highlight animals in need will hopefully inspire visitors to offer the support these animals so deeply deserve.

He explained that the Humane Society takes care “of 40,000 animals a year. Although 10,000 are wildlife, so we can’t adopt wildlife, but if everybody who goes to the fair adopts an animal from us and we can empty the shelter, that would be really a super ending to the fair on July 6,” Weitzman said. 

To register for pet competitions and events or to learn more about this year’s “Summer Pet-tacular” theme program, visit the official San Diego County Fair website here.