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    Dates

    14–15 Nov 2026

    City / country

    Riga, Latvia

    Venue

    Riga International Exhibition Centre

    Time

    10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

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    Event overview

    Overview

    ZOOEXPO 2026 is the largest pet exhibition in the Baltics, featuring international professional dog and cat shows, a wide range of pets and exotic animals, an exciting entertainment program, as well as pet products and services.

    The event will take place from November 14 to 15, 2026, at the Riga International Exhibition Centre, bringing together industry professionals and enthusiasts.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Event Name: ZOOEXPO 2026
    2. 2Dates: November 14-15, 2026
    3. 3Location: Riga International Exhibition Centre, Riga, Latvia
    4. 4Focus: Pets and zoo industry
    5. 5Expected Participants: Over 340 exhibitors from at least 12 countries

    Why visit

    Visitors will have the opportunity to see a variety of pets, attend competitions, and participate in workshops.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibitors can gain visibility among thousands of potential customers, network with industry professionals, and showcase their latest products and services to a targeted audience. ZOOEXPO 2026 is a significant event for the pet industry, providing a platform for professionals to network, showcase innovations, and engage with a large audience of pet enthusiasts. It highlights the latest trends and products in the pet care sector.

    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
    Veterinarians and pet care professionals
    Animal trainers and behaviorists
    Pet product manufacturers and suppliers
    Zoo industry professionals
    Families interested in pets and animal care

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Pet food manufacturers
    Pet grooming service providers
    Veterinary clinics and services
    Pet accessory retailers
    Animal welfare organizations
    Exotic pet suppliers
    Zoo industry equipment and supplies providers
    Aquarium, terrarium and small-animal product suppliers

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Pet food and nutrition products
    Grooming tools and supplies
    Pet toys and accessories
    Veterinary products and services
    Training equipment and resources
    Exotic animal care products

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Halls & areas

    2
    Hall AHall B

    Riga International Exhibition Centre

    Ķīpsalas iela 8, Rīga, LV-1048, Latvia

    Entrances & gates

    Main Entrance

    Hall AHall B

    Floor plans & maps

    Facilities

    Food options

    Café

    On-site dining

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    10:00 AM –6:00 PM
    • Adult

      Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance.

      €10.00
    Register

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    BT 1

    Event Organizer

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Current edition

    2026 · 340 exhibitors

    Forecast — not final

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    ZOOEXPO 2026 is the largest pet exhibition in the Baltics, featuring international professional dog and cat shows, a wide range of pets and exotic animals, an exciting entertainment program, as well as pet products and services. The event will take place from November 14 to 15, 2026, at the Riga International Exhibition Centre, bringing together industry professionals and enthusiasts. ZOOEXPO 2026 is a significant event for the pet industry, providing a platform.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Visitors typically include Pet owners looking for products and services, Veterinarians and pet care professionals, Animal trainers and behaviorists, Pet product manufacturers and suppliers. Event Name: ZOOEXPO 2026. Dates: November 14-15, 2026. Location: Riga International Exhibition Centre, Riga, Latvia. Focus: Pets and zoo industry. ZOOEXPO 2026 attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor positioning.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors can gain visibility among thousands of potential customers, network with industry professionals, and showcase their latest products and services to a targeted audience. Expected Participants: Over 340 exhibitors from at least 12 countries. ZOOEXPO 2026 is a significant event for the pet industry, providing a platform for professionals to network, showcase innovations, and engage with a large audience of pet enthusiasts. It highlights the latest trends and products. Exhibitor categories include Pet food.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Riga, Latvia — Baltic States (Northern Europe); a compact regional market covering Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia within a few hours' drive or a short flight.

    Why it matters

    ZOOEXPO is one of the main pet and zoo-industry gatherings in the Baltic States and runs at BT 1's Riga International Exhibition Centre in Ķīpsala, the country's principal exhibition venue. For suppliers, the show concentrates Latvian and neighbouring Baltic pet retailers, groomers, breeders and veterinary buyers in one weekend, making it a cost-effective first step into a small but steadily premiumising market before scaling to Interzoo or Zoomark.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Pet humanisation and premiumisation

    02

    Pet tech and digital services

    03

    Sustainability, packaging and EU regulation

    04

    Aquatics, terraristics and small-animal segment

    05

    Omnichannel retail consolidation

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · EUR

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget
    Pārdaugava / city fringe, approx. 2–3 km from Ķīpsala venue

    USD 40–60 / night

    Indicative 3–4 star rates for 14–15 November 2026; the lowest-priced options sit further from the halls, so allow taxi/tram time. Rates are indicative only — confirm live availability.

    source
    Mid-range
    Ķīpsala / near venue, 0.5–2.5 km

    USD 60–85 / night

    Riga Islande Hotel is about 490 m from the venue, Bellevue Park Hotel Riga about 1.5 km and Park Inn by Radisson Riga Valdemara about 940 m; several include breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking. Google Hotels lists around 131 properties near Ķīpsala.

    source
    Premium
    Old Town (Vecrīga) / Daugava riverside, 2–3 km from venue

    USD 110–200 / night

    Old Town and riverside hotels put delegates within a short walk or tram ride of Ķīpsala across Vanšu Bridge; expected high demand for the show weekend, so book early. Indicative rates only — confirm live prices.

    source

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    public_bus

    Estimated costApprox. €1.50–2.00 per single ride
    Best forRIX Airport → Riga city centre (city bus) then onward to Ķīpsala

    Rīgas Satiksme city buses link the airport with the centre; purchase via the Rīgas Satiksme app or ticket machine for the lowest fare. Allow extra time on show mornings.

    tram_bus

    Estimated costApprox. €1.50–2.00 per single ride
    Best forRiga centre / Old Town → Ķīpsala exhibition area

    Tram and bus lines cross the Daugava to Ķīpsala island; check current route numbers and timetables with the operator before travelling, as services change seasonally.

    walk

    Estimated costFree
    Best forOld Town (Vecrīga) → Riga International Exhibition Centre via Vanšu Bridge

    Roughly 2.5 km, about 25–30 minutes on foot; the bridge walk is exposed, so expect cold wind in November.

    car_parking

    Estimated costConfirm venue rates
    Best forOn-site and nearby parking at Riga International Exhibition Centre

    Parking is available in the Ķīpsala exhibition area, but spaces fill quickly during the show; confirm rates and hall access with the organiser (BT 1).

    taxi

    Estimated cost€15–22 (taxi estimate)
    Best forRiga International (RIX) to Riga International Exhibition Centre

    15–25 min typical drive; Riga International is the main gateway for trade visitors to the city centre.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa not required
    ATA Carnet: check with organiser
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    Schengen VisaNon-EU citizens$80.0015 days

    Weather

    November in Riga is cold, overcast and damp: daytime temperatures typically around +4 to +6 °C with nights near 0 °C or slightly below, roughly 11–13 wet days per month and a real chance of early snow or sleet. Pack a warm waterproof coat, layers and sturdy shoes for walking between halls and car parks.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Latvia.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Tipping & payments

    Restaurant bills often include service; leaving 5–10 % or rounding up is the usual courtesy. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Riga, including in taxis, but keep a little cash for small purchases.

    Business etiquette & language

    Handshakes and first names are standard in Latvian business settings, and meetings start on time. Latvians can seem reserved at first, so let the host lead the conversation; English is widely spoken in Riga business and hospitality.

    Dress & practicalities

    Smart-casual business dress works for the exhibition halls, with warm layers and an indoor/outdoor coat for winter venue queues. Riga is a compact, walkable city, but pavements can be icy in November — comfortable, grippy footwear helps.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: RIX

    Non-stop flights to Riga (RIX) operate from European hubs such as Stockholm (about 1h 05m non-stop) and Frankfurt (about 2h 10m non-stop on Air Baltic or Lufthansa). Travellers from New York JFK connect in one stop (about 12h 20m via Warsaw on LOT). Riga airport is roughly 15 minutes from the venue.

    Visa

    Visa may be required for non-EU citizens.

    Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).

    Processing: 15 days

    Hotels

    Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

    Check-in (recommended)

    November 13, 2026

    Check-out (recommended)

    November 16, 2026

    Areas to stay

    Old Town (Vecrīga) / Daugava riverside, 2–3 km from venue · Pārdaugava / city fringe, approx. 2–3 km from Ķīpsala venue · Ķīpsala / near venue, 0.5–2.5 km

    budget

    $40-$60 USD/night

    Book

    mid range

    $60-$85 USD/night

    Book

    premium

    $110-$200 USD/night

    Book

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Riga International (RIX): 15–25 min. Allow road or rail time to Riga International Exhibition Centre; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Riga International Exhibition Centre: Pārdaugava / city fringe, approx. 2–3 km from Ķīpsala venue: Rixwell Elefant Hotel, Riga Islande Hotel; Ķīpsala / near venue, 0.5–2.5 km: Riga Islande Hotel, Bellevue Park Hotel Riga, Park Inn by Radisson Riga Valdemara; Old Town (Vecrīga) / Daugava riverside, 2–3 km from venue: Radisson Blu Daugava Hotel, Riga, Grand Poet Hotel by Semarah, Neiburgs Hotel.

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing and taxis serve Riga; confirm local apps and ranks before travel.

    Public transit: Use local bus, tram, or metro routes serving Riga International Exhibition Centre; check operator timetables.

    Parking: On-site or nearby parking is available at Riga International Exhibition Centre; confirm rates and hall access on the venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: November

    Temperature: 0 °C to +6 °C (November average; frost and occasional snow possible)

    Seasonality: Possible rain

    Packing: Warm clothing recommended

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: November 14, 2026

    Opening day with the most activities planned.

    1

    Check passport validity and Schengen entry rules for Latvia — Confirm your passport is valid for the trip and whether a Schengen visa is required for ZooExpo 2026, 14-15 November 2026 in Riga.

    2

    Book flights to Riga (RIX) — Compare non-stop options from Stockholm, Frankfurt or London; long-haul routes such as New York JFK connect via one stop.

    3

    Reserve a hotel near Ķīpsala International Exhibition Centre — Options include Riga Islande Hotel (about 490 m) and Bellevue Park Hotel Riga (about 1.5 km).

    4

    Apply for visa or arrange travel insurance — Book any required Schengen visa appointment early and confirm travel and medical cover for Latvia.

    5

    Complete online visitor registration and badge order — Register through the BT 1 organiser site and keep your confirmation for on-site badge collection.

    6

    Download the ZooExpo 2026 hall plan and programme — Use the floor plan to map exhibitors to visit on 14-15 November.

    7

    Pre-schedule B2B meetings with exhibitors — Contact pet and zoo industry suppliers in advance to lock meeting slots at the show.

    8

    Shortlist programme sessions and note times — Review the schedule when published and prioritise talks relevant to your buying needs.

    9

    Arrange airport transfer or local transport — Plan the roughly 15-minute transfer from Riga International Airport (RIX) to the venue.

    10

    Pack warm clothing and business materials — Riga in November is cold with possible rain; bring layered clothing, business cards and meeting documents.

    11

    Prepare meeting documents and offline maps — Print key documents and download offline maps of the venue and city for reliable navigation.

    12

    Arrive in Riga on 13 November and collect your badge — Do a venue walk-through before the opening day so you start the show oriented.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    09:30 – 10:00

    Arrive at the Riga International Exhibition Centre (Ķīpsala), collect badges and pick up the hall plan at reception

    Riga International Exhibition Centre, entrance / registration
    10:00 – 12:30

    Work the main halls: pet food, accessories, aquatics and terraristics stands; compare brands and collect distributor contacts

    Exhibition halls, Riga International Exhibition Centre
    12:30 – 13:30

    Lunch and informal networking in the show catering / exhibitor area

    Catering zone, Riga International Exhibition Centre
    13:30 – 16:30

    Live animal presentations, grooming and handling demonstrations and any scheduled seminars or breed shows; finish with follow-up meetings before halls close

    Show and demonstration areas, Riga International Exhibition Centre

    Side trips

    2

    Riga Old Town (Vecrīga)

    UNESCO-Listed Historic City Centre

    About 3 km / 10–15 minutes by tram or 25–30 minutes on foot via Vanšu Bridge

    Mediaeval architecture, Dome Square and the Central Market, plus restaurants and cafés for evening networking after the show.

    Jūrmala (Majori)

    Seaside Resort Town

    About 30 km / 30–40 minutes by suburban train from Riga Central Station

    Wooden villa architecture and a long Baltic beach promenade — a half-day break if you extend your stay beyond the 14–15 November show days.

    Networking spots

    3

    Exhibitor and B2B meeting zone, Riga International Exhibition Centre

    Trade networking

    The practical place for supplier meetings and price negotiations during show hours; bring business cards and a printed list of target stands.

    Show catering area, exhibition halls

    Informal networking

    Coffee and lunch breaks are the easiest window to meet Baltic distributors and fellow exhibitors between hall visits.

    Old Town Riga cafés and hotel lobbies

    Evening networking

    A 10–15 minute ride from Ķīpsala; useful for relaxed follow-up meetings or dinners after halls close.

    First-timer guide

    Follow-up playbook

    1. Contact leads within a week after the event.

    Ensure timely follow-up to maximize networking opportunities.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Shell scheme

    —

    Raw space

    EUR 100–150 / m²

    Standard booth

    9 m²

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    Booth Space

    both · Standard

    EUR 1000–1500 / per booth

    unknown

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · Adult

    EUR 10 / per person

    official

    booth_space

    exhibitor · raw space

    EUR 100–150 / per sqm

    official

    exhibitor_stand

    exhibitor · Standard

    EUR 1000 / per stand

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · Schengen Visa

    USD 80 / per application

    official

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Find out if you should visit, exhibit, or skip this event.

    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

    You want to compare pet food, accessories, aquatics and grooming products and meet Baltic distributors in a single weekend in Riga.

    Best for

    Pet owners, breeders and small retailers sourcing pet, aquatics and grooming products in the Baltics

    Min. budget

    $390.00

    Timeline

    1–2 months (ticket, flights, hotel)

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    Budget assumes adult entry ticket, 2 mid-range hotel nights, per-diem and a Schengen visa where applicable.

    The 2026 hall layout and programme were not published on the official domain at enrichment time — verify dates and opening hours before booking travel.

    exhibit

    You want direct access to Baltic pet retail buyers and to test the region before committing to larger European fairs such as Interzoo or Zoomark.

    Best for

    Pet product manufacturers, distributors and service brands targeting the Latvian and wider Baltic market

    Min. budget

    $2,200.00

    Timeline

    3–6 months (stand booking, logistics, travel)

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    Stand and shell-scheme pricing for 2026 was not published on the official domain — request BT 1's exhibitor price list.

    EU/Latvian pet-product labelling, import and animal-presentation rules may apply to samples and live animals.

    skip

    Your category has no overlap with the pet and zoo industry, or your Baltic travel budget is better spent on a larger multi-sector fair.

    Best for

    Travellers whose business is unrelated to pet care, aquatics, veterinary or retail supply

    Timeline

    Not applicable

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Glossary

    1
    Exhibitor
    A company or individual that displays products or services at the event.
    2
    Visitor
    An individual who attends the event to explore and learn about the offerings.
    3
    Pet Industry
    The sector that encompasses products and services related to pet care and welfare.
    4
    Zoo Industry
    The sector focused on the care, management, and exhibition of animals in zoos.
    5
    Competition
    An event where participants showcase their skills, such as dog shows or grooming contests.
    6
    Seminar
    An educational session where experts share knowledge on specific topics.

    Trust footer

    Sources

    3

    References

    1

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    BT 1

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