This past weekend saw the return of the National Pet Show to Excel, London. For those who have never heard of it, this event hosts tonnes of pet-related stands with information, advice and products, as well as lots of talks, activities, shows and demonstrations. Of course, there are lots of animals too!
We went to this event once previously, when Squiggle was much younger, back when it was held at Earls Court. (Blog post here). We had a lovely time and Squiggle remembered it well so we were excited to return!
We have only been to Excel once with Squiggle before, to watch the Paralympics in 2012, and I don’t think she recognised it. I personally really like this venue because it is spacious and has good facilities. Events can be very crowded and overstimulating for a child with autism, so it is good that the venue is big enough that it is possible to find a space in a quiet corner if needed. Plus, as it is located by the docklands, there is also somewhere calm outdoors to go for some fresh air if it does get too much.
The pet show itself has a huge range of animals to see. I didn’t get a photo because s/he was attracting quite a crowd but Squiggle adored seeing the hairless cat, as well as many other rare breeds. I loved this funky dreadlock looking dog, a bergamasco, which is certainly not a breed I had come across before. So gorgeous though!
Perhaps a slightly unusual highlight but, for me personally, one of my favourite parts was getting inspiration for our new bunny housing. We have already got the actual enclosure itself, but we spotted some great ideas of what else we could include for enrichment!
Squiggle also loved the opportunity to meet some more exotic pets in the reptile section, such as Terry the tegu, a python (I think?!) and a very giant tortoise. It was lovely to experience these magnificent creatures close up and hands on!
Over at the More Than stand, there was a little display going on by this cute little poodle pair. I gather there were other appearances spotted here too! I also liked the park theme with children’s games, such as Connect 4 and Jenga. A nice little chilled out spot in the midst of the hustle and bustle!
As I already mentioned, there were lots of demonstrations and shows. For example, we saw this golden retriever display and got to meet them afterwards too.
There were lots of stalls with useful information too, such as various animal charities. We enjoyed meeting the therapy pets, including this beauty. I think a therapy dog would be amazing. But I also feel that any pets are great for autism, anxiety etc… They are so therapeutic!
There were loads of children’s activities too. Stories, colouring, meeting animals, talks, games and even an exciting future vet activity with Noel Fitzpatrick. There was also a weaving activity; Squiggle was most excited about the huge rabbit that had been created!
Tickets cost from £13.91 for a child ticket. However, Littlebird often have deals available, so it is well worth checking if there are any discounted tickets. Also, carers get free entry to assist those with disabilities so if this applies to you then do get in touch with them.
As well as the London dates, the show is also held at NEC in Birmingham each November too (next dates are 4th and 5th November 2017). It is open all day from 9.30am to 5pm, with a schedule of different shows, talks, demonstrations and appearances throughout the weekend.
It is a really fun day out. A fantastic event for those with their own furbabies, wannabe pet owners or general animal enthusiasts!
*Thank you to More Than for the complimentary pair of tickets we received. All thoughts are opinions are my own.
Aww this looks fab! I’m a huge lover of animals & so is bear, I think he’d love to go somewhere like this! Xx
As a carer of a snake I love how the show has included reptiles. They seem to be neglected a bit at large shows!
We loved the reptile section! It was nice to see such a wide range of animals included 🙂
I have always wanted a tortoise! Looks like lots of fun for the whole family. I am a cat person but we have a very elderly collie dog.
We once found a tortoise in an alleyway! We looked after him for a few days until we were able to locate it’s owners and return him – it had escaped from their garden lol! He was also a speedy one though, I remember it was surprising how fast he moved!!!!
Looks like you had a fun day. I’ve not heard of it before x
Woah this would be my ideal day out. I love animals and it looks really good. I went to the agricultural show here in Paris recently but a pets focus would be so much better for the kids. I wouldn’t be able to come away empty handed though!!!! Kate x
Ha! Yes, hard to leave with nothing lol 😉 I bet the agricultural show was fun too though 🙂
Aw this looks like a nice event for a family! It also sounds like you had a great time out there 🙂
No birds? I love bird shows!
There were! I just didn’t grab photos! But one was saying hello to everyone as they walked past lol!