Top Pet Expos and Trade Shows in Canada 2026–2027

For pet food, treat, toy, grooming and service brands, a pet expo is where you meet either the retailers who stock your products or the owners who buy them. Choosing the right type of show matters more than anything else.

This guide lists the pet expos and trade shows in Canada for 2026–2027, with dates, venues, who attends and how to set up a booth that works for buyers and pet lovers alike.

Why pet brands exhibit in Canada

Pets are everywhere in Canada. The Canadian Animal Health Institute’s 2024 survey estimated 7.2 million dogs and 8.2 million cats in Canada, making pets part of more than half of Canadian households, as reported in this summary of the CAHI release.

The trade side is active too. The 2025 Pets Canada Industry Show in Calgary welcomed more than 700 attendees and over 115 exhibiting companies, according to Pet Food Industry. For a growing brand, these shows are the most direct route to independent pet stores and distributors.

Pet expos and trade shows in Canada at a glance

Pet industry trade shows: Pets Canada

Pets Canada runs Canada’s main business-to-business pet industry shows, in Calgary, Drummondville and the Toronto area. The Calgary 2027 show runs Sunday, May 16 and Monday, May 17, according to Pets Canada. Retailers, distributors, groomers and pet professionals attend to discover new products, place orders and take part in seminars and awards.

For a pet brand seeking store listings, these are the shows to prioritise. Bring sell sheets with wholesale pricing, case packs and distributor details, because buyers here make stocking decisions.

Public pet expos

Canadian Pet Expo, Mississauga

The Canadian Pet Expo is a public show at The International Centre in Mississauga, held in spring and autumn. Recent editions ran April 3–5 and September 19–20, 2026, according to Tradefairdates. Pet owners come to shop, see demonstrations and discover new food, toys, accessories and services.

Ottawa Pet Expo

The Ottawa Pet Expo brings pet food, supply and service companies together with pet owners at the Cohere Centre. The 2026 edition runs October 24–25, so plan for a similar autumn date in 2027.

How to choose the right pet event

Retailers or owners?

If you want store listings and distributors, go to a Pets Canada Industry Show. If you sell direct or want to build your brand with owners, a public pet expo gives you volume, sampling and feedback.

Match the region

Calgary reaches the west, Drummondville reaches Quebec, and the Toronto-area shows reach Ontario. Pick the show where you can deliver and support retailers.

Budget for samples and stock

Public shows need plenty of samples and stock to sell; trade shows need sell sheets and order forms.

A reusable display keeps the rest of the budget predictable, and our guide to trade show displays in Canada, with types, sizes and CAD prices breaks down what each format costs.

Booth planning for pet brands

Be welcoming

Pet expos are happy, busy events, and visitors respond to staff who look glad to see them and their pets. Josh Frisbie, VP of Creative at Hamilton, put it simply to IAEE:

“Sometimes the best booth upgrade is simply acting like you’re glad people showed up.”

— Josh Frisbie, VP of Creative, Hamilton

Source: IAEE, Make Your Booth Unforgettable (2026)

Let people try it

Treat samples, toy demos and quick grooming tips all draw people in. A printed display counter works as a sampling station, and shelving and product displays show your full range the way a store would.

Bright, simple graphics

Use a big, happy pet photo and a short headline. Owners scan fast in a busy hall, and retailers want to see how your product will look on their shelves.

Pick the display for your footprint

A retractable banner stand and a fitted table cover are enough for many first-time exhibitors. For a full booth, a 10 ft trade show display completes the look.

Trade show booth versus public expo booth

Common mistakes pet exhibitors make

• Running out of samples. Plan for both days.
• No wholesale information at trade shows. Retailers expect pricing and case packs on the spot.
• Ignoring the pets. Water bowls and a pet-friendly space keep visitors at your booth longer.
• Cluttered displays. Show your best sellers, not everything.
• Blocking the front. Keep the booth open. Our booth design principles explain how.

Your next step: a pre-order checklist

1. Confirm dates, hall and booth number in writing with the organiser.
2. Read the exhibitor manual for height limits, power, demo rules and fabric fire-safety requirements.
3. Decide whether your goal is retail listings or direct sales, and plan samples or sell sheets.
4. Choose the display for your footprint.
5. Request a free 2D mockup and get sign-off from everyone who needs to approve it. Production starts within 24 business hours of your written approval.
6. Tell us your show date and delivery address when you order so we can confirm timing.
7. Do a test build before the show.

Plan your pet expo booth with a free mockup

Pick your show, lock in your booth number, then request a free 2D mockup to see your artwork on the exact frame size before anything goes to print. Our in-house designers can get your file print-ready at no extra cost.