- Organized by Pet Adoption Center of Orange County and the city of Lake Forest
- Supported by Third District Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner’s office
South County Pet Expo is one of the largest animal-based events held by a city in Orange County, and it returns to Lake Forest for its eighth year. The event takes place on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lake Forest Sports Park & Recreation Center. It is free to enter and features a unique “hippie” theme this year, titled “All They Need is Love.”
This year’s event will have nearly 80 vendors participating, including animals for adoption and related vendors. The HEART 4 Pets low-cost mobile vet clinic will also be available for dogs and cats needing vaccinations or microchips. A variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, rodents, and small animals, will be available for adoption. Vaccinated and well-socialized dogs are welcome to attend the event, making it a pet-friendly gathering.
Event Highlights
| Event Highlight | Description |
|---|---|
| Animals for Adoption | Dogs, cats, birds, rodents, and small animals available for adoption |
| HEART 4 Pets Low-Cost Mobile Vet Clinic | Dogs and cats can receive vaccinations or microchips at a low cost |
| Carnival Area | Children’s activities, food trucks, and live music |
| Earth Day Section | Crafts, live music, and educational activities |
| Mini Horses and Cows | Therapy animals available for interaction and adoption |
Support and Donations
The event is supported by various organizations, including the Pet Adoption Center of Orange County, the city of Lake Forest, and Third District Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner’s office. The silent auction will raise funds for the Pet Adoption Center of Orange County, while a pet food donation drive will support the RSM Cares food pantry, a partner nonprofit of the center.
“Often just by providing pet food, pet owners are able to keep their pets, rather than giving them up,” said April Josephson, executive director of the Pet Adoption Center of Orange County. “By supporting our event and donating pet food, attendees can make a difference in the lives of pets in need.”
Special Guests
Russell G. Taylor, co-founder of Modjeska Ranch Rescue, will be at the expo. The rescue started by rescuing dogs and grew to include cats, horses, pigs, llamas, and even wild mustangs. Today, the rescue is a hospice, providing a sanctuary for animals to live out their days.
“We’ve morphed in the last few years to being more of a hospice or a sanctuary,” said Taylor. “They live out their days here. We try to make sure that people understand that dogs are not Christmas presents. They’re not things that you should take on lightly and it’s a commitment. Our ideal would be that people like us were not needed. That people get animals and look after them, and it’s a lifelong commitment.”
About the Expo
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the South County Pet Expo has continued to thrive. “Like everyone else, we took a break at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Josephson. “However, our nonprofit mission is to help local pets and families. Working with the city of Lake Forest to co-sponsor this well-attended event, we felt it was important to continue to provide these valuable community services. Many of the pet rescue groups consider this their best event of the year.”
The South County Pet Expo is a must-visit event for pet lovers and owners, offering a unique and fun experience for all.
Attendees can expect a fun-filled day with a wide range of activities, from meeting animals for adoption to enjoying the carnival area and live music. With its “hippie” theme of “All They Need is Love,” the expo is sure to be a heartwarming and entertaining experience for all.
“It’s a community event that brings people together,” said Josephson. “It’s a place where people can come and connect with other pet lovers, and with the animals themselves. It’s a chance to make a difference in the lives of pets in need.”
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to make a difference in the lives of pets in need. The South County Pet Expo is a wonderful event that offers something for everyone.
