Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Notable exhibitors
Companies exhibiting at Columbus Pet Expo include A Lotl Love Exotics, AB Dragon, Buckeye K-9, Cat Lures and Central Ohio Muttessori School.
- A Lotl Love Exotics
- AB Dragon
- Buckeye K-9
- Cat Lures
- Central Ohio Muttessori School
Event overview
Overview
The Columbus Pet Expo is the oldest and largest pet expo in the world, celebrating 31 years of pet companionship. This year's event will feature three days of shopping, rescues, reptiles, trainers, and live demonstrations.
With over 154,000 square feet of space, attendees can explore a variety of pet-related activities and products. The expo welcomes all pets, making it a family-friendly event for everyone.
Columbus Pet Expo takes place in Columbus, USA. Venue: Ohio Expo Center Bricker.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The 31st Annual Columbus Pet Expo runs March 12-14, 2027 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, OH.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is the largest pet expo in the USA, featuring over 280 vendors and a variety of pet-related activities.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by The Columbus Pet Expo, with more details available at columbuspetexpo.com.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include pet owners, families, and pet enthusiasts looking for products and services.
- 5Entry / Access: Admission is $16 for adults, $12 for children ages 4-12, and free for children under 3.
Why visit
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities including pet adoptions, live demonstrations, and shopping for the latest pet products. It's a great opportunity to connect with local rescues and learn about responsible pet ownership. The event also features unique attractions like dock diving and the Wiener Dog Olympics, ensuring fun for the whole family.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors gain access to over 20,000 pet lovers, providing a platform for direct sales and brand recognition. The Columbus Pet Expo offers a trusted environment for businesses to connect with potential customers and showcase their latest products and services. Participating in this event allows exhibitors to build relationships within the community and enhance their visibility in the pet industry.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Pet owners looking for products and services
Families with children interested in pet activities
Animal rescue organizations seeking exposure
Pet trainers and behaviorists showcasing their skills
Vendors selling pet-related merchandise
Pet enthusiasts wanting to learn about new trends
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Pet product manufacturers and retailers
Animal rescue organizations and shelters
Pet service providers (grooming, training, etc.)
Veterinary services and pet health companies
Pet food brands and suppliers
Pet accessory designers and sellers
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Pet food and nutrition products
Pet grooming supplies and equipment
Pet training tools and resources
Pet toys and entertainment products
Pet health and wellness products
Pet apparel and accessories
Location & Facilities
Venue
Ohio Expo Center Bricker Building
717 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211
Facilities
Parking
Ohio Expo Center Bricker Building in Columbus typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Ohio Expo Center Bricker Building in Columbus typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Ohio Expo Center Bricker Building for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
: Friday12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
General admission
Adults
16General admission
Children (ages 4-12)
12General admission
3-day pass
24
Who runs the show
Organisers
The Columbus Pet Expo
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Columbus, USA
Why it matters
Attending Columbus Pet Expo on 2027-03-12 to 2027-03-14 in Columbus lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
John Glenn Columbus International Airport
Primary commercial gateway for Columbus. Confirm current rideshare, taxi, and COTA connections before travel
Short drive east of downtown Columbus and the Ohio Expo Center
to venue
Approx. 10-20 minutes by car depending on traffic
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Days Inn by Wyndham Columbus Fairgrounds
3-star
Ohio State Fairgrounds, adjacent to Expo Center460 m from venue to venueClosest mid-tier option in the capture, walking distance to the Bricker Building; confirm current rate and condition before booking.
Holiday Inn Express Columbus - Ohio Expo Center by IHG
3-star
Expo Center corridor1.7 km from venue to venueBranded IHG option named for the Expo Center; business center useful for exhibitor teams.
The Wayfaring Buckeye Hostel
2-star
Near the fairgrounds1.8 km from venue to venueBudget/hostel alternative with airport shuttle, well reviewed in the capture.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbus OSU-Medical Center by IHG
3-star
OSU / Medical Center district4.1 km from venue to venueCapture flagged it as 27% below its usual rate; a short drive north of the fairgrounds.
Holiday Inn Columbus Dwtn-Capitol Square by IHG
3-star
Downtown Columbus, Capitol SquareDowntown option for visitors who prefer restaurants and evening options over fairground proximity; capture showed 18% below usual rate.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Rideshare or taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 22-32 one way
Best forJohn Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to Ohio Expo Center Bricker Building
Approx. 10-20 minutes by car depending on traffic; Primary commercial gateway for Columbus. Confirm current rideshare, taxi, and COTA connections before travel.
Local bus (COTA)
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.00 single ride; USD 4.50 day pass
Best forDowntown Columbus to Ohio Expo Center
Central Ohio Transit Authority bus service links downtown and the fairgrounds area. Check current COTA routes, timetables, and exact fare before travel.
On-site parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 5-10 per vehicle per day
Best forOhio Expo Center fairgrounds lots
Fairground parking is typically available; the event or venue sets the daily rate. Confirm the current fee and closest lot to the Bricker Building on arrival.
Rideshare or taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 12-20 one way
Best forDowntown Columbus hotel district to Ohio Expo Center
Short city trip; surcharges may apply during show hours or bad weather. Confirm the fare estimate in the app before requesting.
Weather
March in Columbus is early spring and highly variable: daytime highs often near 50 F (10 C), overnight lows near freezing, and rain or wet snow can occur. The Ohio Expo Center fairgrounds involve outdoor walking between parking and the Bricker Building, so check the forecast 48 hours before travel and dress in layers.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Pet etiquette at the show
If you plan to bring an animal, confirm the organiser's leash, vaccination, species, and cleanup rules before travel. Crowds and noise can stress pets, so plan quiet breaks and do not assume every hall is animal-friendly.
Business dress
Columbus is generally casual. For a consumer pet expo, comfortable shoes and layers are more useful than formal business wear; exhibitors may prefer branded casual clothing.
Tipping
Restaurant tipping of 15-20% is customary. Rideshare and taxi tips are usually added in the app or paid in cash.
Accessibility and fairground walking
The Bricker Building is a large fairground hall with outdoor walking between parking and entrances. Ask the venue about accessible parking and mobility support if you need step-free routes.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: CMH
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Columbus; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH): Approx. 10-20 minutes by car depending on traffic. Allow road or rail time to Ohio Expo Center Bricker Building; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Ohio Expo Center Bricker Building: Ohio State Fairgrounds, adjacent to Expo Center: Days Inn by Wyndham Columbus Fairgrounds; Expo Center corridor: Holiday Inn Express Columbus - Ohio Expo Center by IHG; Near the fairgrounds: The Wayfaring Buckeye Hostel.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Columbus; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) operates the bus network serving downtown Columbus and the fairgrounds area around Ohio Expo Center. No specific route number or timetable appeared in the captures, so confirm the current route and single-ride fare on the COTA site before travel; allow extra time on show mornings for transfers and walking from the stop to the Bricker Building.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Ohio Expo Center Bricker Building; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March 2027
Temperature: Approx. 32-52 F (0-11 C) typical range; daytime highs near 50 F (10 C) and overnight lows near 32 F (0 C). Verify the forecast before travel.
Seasonality: March is a transitional month in central Ohio: rain, wet snow, and gusty winds are all possible. Average precipitation is roughly 3 inches for the month; carry a waterproof layer and allow extra time for wet-weather traffic.
Packing: Pack layers, a warm jacket, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella; the Bricker Building and fairgrounds involve walking outdoors between parking and the hall. If you are bringing a pet, pack a leash, water bowl, and cleanup supplies only after confirming the show's animal policy.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Columbus Pet Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
14 days out
Confirm the 2027 show dates and hall hours — Use the official schedule page; the capture does not provide verified daily open hours.
14 days out
Buy tickets or confirm gate sales — Captured prices are USD 16 adult, USD 12 child ages 4-12, and USD 24 for a 3-day pass; check current online and gate pricing.
12 days out
Book a hotel near the Expo Center — Compare Days Inn Fairgrounds, Holiday Inn Express Expo Center, and downtown Columbus options; confirm cancellation policy and parking fees.
10 days out
Plan the airport transfer — CMH is the primary airport; pre-book a rideshare or check COTA routes and travel time to the fairgrounds.
10 days out
Check the pet policy if bringing an animal — Confirm leash rules, vaccination requirements, species restrictions, and cleanup supplies with the organiser.
7 days out
Download parking and venue maps — Identify the Bricker Building entrance, accessible parking, and the closest fairground lot.
7 days out
Check the weather forecast — March can bring rain or wet snow; pack layers, a warm jacket, and waterproof shoes.
5 days out
Build a show floor plan — List exhibitors and demonstrations you want to see; check times on the official schedule.
3 days out
Pack comfortable shoes and a waterproof layer — Allow for walking between parking areas and the Bricker Building.
1 day out
Charge devices and screenshot tickets — Keep a backup confirmation in case of poor mobile signal at the fairgrounds.
Day of
Arrive early for badge pickup — Allow extra time for parking, entry lines, and finding the hall.
Day of
Attend scheduled demonstrations — Check the official schedule for times and any sign-up requirements.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Ohio Expo Center Bricker Building
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Columbus Pet Expo registration concourse
Ohio Expo Center Bricker Building
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Ohio Expo Center Bricker Building
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 16 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 16 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Columbus Pet Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is the Columbus Pet Expo 2027?
The 2027 edition is listed for March 2027 at the Ohio Expo Center Bricker Building in Columbus, Ohio. Confirm exact dates and hall hours on the official schedule page before booking travel.
How much are Columbus Pet Expo tickets?
Captured ticket prices are USD 16 for adults, USD 12 for children ages 4-12, and USD 24 for a 3-day pass. Check the official ticketing page for current online and gate prices.
Is parking available at the Ohio Expo Center?
Yes, on-site fairground parking is available; rates are set by the venue and event. Confirm the current daily parking fee and the closest lot to the Bricker Building before you arrive.
Can I bring my pet to the Columbus Pet Expo?
Pet policies vary by edition and by hall. Check the organiser's current rules on leashes, vaccinations, species restrictions, and cleanup before bringing an animal; do not assume pets are allowed in every area.
How do I get to the Ohio Expo Center from CMH airport?
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is the primary gateway. A rideshare or taxi is the most direct option, typically a short drive east depending on traffic; COTA buses also serve the fairgrounds area, but routes and times should be checked in the COTA trip planner.
What is there to see at the Columbus Pet Expo?
The show is a consumer pet expo with pet food and nutrition products, grooming supplies, training tools, toys, and family-oriented pet activities. Use the official schedule to plan around demonstrations and exhibitor hours.
Is the Columbus Pet Expo family friendly?
Yes, the ticket structure includes children's pricing for ages 4-12, and the show is positioned as a consumer pet event. Check the schedule for family activities and any age restrictions on specific demonstrations.
What should I wear to the Ohio Expo Center in March?
March in Columbus is variable. Expect highs near 50 F (10 C) and lows near freezing, with rain or wet snow possible. Wear layers, a warm jacket, and waterproof shoes; the fairgrounds involve walking between parking and the Bricker Building.
Are there hotels near the Ohio Expo Center?
Yes. Options range from the Days Inn by Wyndham Columbus Fairgrounds, adjacent to the Expo Center, to Holiday Inn Express properties near the Expo Center and OSU, plus downtown Columbus hotels. Book early and confirm shuttle or parking details.
Who should attend the Columbus Pet Expo?
Pet owners, families, groomers, trainers, rescue groups, and buyers sourcing pet food, grooming equipment, toys, and training products. Trade-only hours, if any, should be confirmed on the official schedule.
Glossary
- Pet Expo
- A consumer-facing show where pet product brands, groomers, trainers, rescue groups, and nutrition suppliers present goods and demonstrations to pet owners and trade buyers.
- Conformation
- Structured judging of dogs against a breed standard, often held alongside pet events; it is not the same as a casual fun dog show.
- Agility
- A timed obstacle-course sport for dogs and handlers; pet expos often host demo rings or drop-in trials.
- Grooming
- Coat, nail, ear, and hygiene care for pets; at a pet expo this covers clippers, shampoos, grooming tables, dryers, and salon tools.
- Raw diet
- A feeding approach based on uncooked meat, bone, and organ; pet expos often include raw-food brands and freezer-storage accessories.
- Rescue
- A non-profit or foster-based group rehoming animals; rescue row is a common expo area for adoptable pets and volunteer recruitment.
- Breeder
- A person or kennel that breeds animals, often with health testing and pedigree records; breed clubs may exhibit at pet shows.
- Leash reactive
- A dog that barks, lunges, or panics when it sees other dogs or people on leash; relevant to crowd management at pet events.
- Crate training
- Teaching a pet to settle in a crate; expo exhibitors sell crates, mats, and enrichment tools built around this training method.
- Pet nutrition
- The formulation and feeding of balanced diets, including kibble, wet food, fresh, and raw options; a core product category at pet expos.
- Microchipping
- Implanting a small ID chip for pet recovery; often offered at low cost in rescue or veterinary booths at pet events.
- Enrichment
- Toys, puzzles, and activities that keep pets mentally engaged; a growing product category at consumer pet shows.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Columbus Pet Expo 2027
- Ohio Expo Center pet show
- Columbus pet expo tickets
- Columbus pet expo March 2027
- pet expo Columbus Ohio
- Columbus Pet Expo schedule
- Columbus Pet Expo vendors
- Columbus Pet Expo parking
- pet food expo Columbus
- pet grooming expo Columbus
1 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.