The 2025 San Diego County Fair is the place to be for pet-lovers this summer. We are partnering with San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) to offer several hours of programming each day that includes valuable information about responsible pet ownership. SDHS also will bring adoptable animals for guests to meet, including puppies, kittens, and small mammals. In addition, Fairgoers will be able to see, “live,” what adoptable pals are currently available for adoption at SDHS. All adoptions will be finalized at SDHS’s facility.
We are also partnering with others and booking the best entertainment for you to have a truly Pet-tacular Summer!
Here is a look at the pet-centric activities planned for this year’s Fair:
EXHIBITS AND INTERACTIVE OPPORTUNITIES
Theme Exhibit: This year’s theme exhibit, called “Pets Rock: Live on Tour, presented by Kahoots," takes guests through the world from a pet’s perspective. Seven Rock Band members — Charlie, Kitty Wampuss, Bee & Zeke, the parakeets, Finnley, Skittles, and Brutus — will lead fairgoers on an adventure, through their animal eyes, where they might play with a giant ball of yarn, “swim” through an aquarium castle, or sit in a bird’s nest. Along the journey, fairgoers will discover strange and fascinating true facts and stories from the animal kingdom. The exhibit will also feature educational programming, adoptable animals, and speakers from San Diego Humane Society, adoptable animals, “pet-pairing” information for guests to determine what species and breeds have characteristics to best match certain lifestyles. In addition, Kahoots pet store will feature a mini store and have staff onsite to talk about pet food, toys, and care products.
Pet Pavilion: This spacious, grassy field in Family Funville hosts pet rescue groups eager to introduce adoptable animals to potential families, alongside informational demonstrations by veterinarians, skilled trainers, and impressive K-9 units, offering valuable insights into pet care and activities.
Puppy Yoga: Yogis will be able to get a “biiig stretch” in at Puppy Yoga at The Sound at 10 a.m. on June 29 and July 6. The 45-minute yoga class includes instruction by Samara Ariel, followed by 15 minutes of cuddles with adoptable puppies! Advance registration is required, and a portion of the proceeds benefit partnering rescue organizations. Register in advance at spirityogaandbarre.com.
PARTICIPATION
Pet-tacular Pooch Fun Run: The morning after the 4th of July, Fair fans can take their dogs for their morning walk (or run) at the Fairgrounds. The Pet-Tacular Pooch Fun Run, presented by Southpaw Vet, is scheduled for Saturday, July 5, from 6:30 - 10:30 a.m. in Family Funville (the Infield area of the Fairgrounds). Humans who register in advance — registration is required and open online now — for the event can also enjoy a full-day admission to the Fair (without their dog) on any day of their choosing. The event will also feature a post-jaunt festival with contests and a dog-centric vendor village, complete with products, accessories and services for humans and canines alike.
Pet-related Contests: Applications are open for Competitive Exhibits and One-Day Contestsin several different categories, including several theme classes in the Arts & Crafts, Fine Arts, Youth, Photography and Agricultural competitions. Examples include Pet Portrait Contest and Pet People Costume Contest.
Pet-tacular Photo Challenge: In this online competition, fairgoers and San Diego pet-lovers in general can submit a photo or video — in some fun and funny categories — for the opportunity to win a Fair VIP Experience and $500 gift card. Submissions will be featured throughout Pets Rock: Live on Tour, and on the Fair's social media pages.
Pet Caricatures: Getting your caricature hand-drawn at the Fair is a long-standing tradition, but this year bring along a photo of your pet to the Pets Rock theme exhibit and Pooch E-Toons will draw a custom portrait of your fur baby. You can have your loyal sidekick’s portrait printed on stickers, mugs and other Pet-tacular souvenirs!
ENTERTAINMENT
Cesar Millan: Pop culture phenomenon, Cesar Millan, the founder of Cesar’s Way, is an expert in the field of dog behavior and rehabilitation. He is part of the Summer Nights at The Sound lineup with a show at 6 p.m., Saturday, June 21. Tickets are available for purchase online now. Through his Cesar's Way courses, Millan empowers dog owners to become confident, compassionate leaders for their dogs.
4-H Dog Show: In a Westminster-style dog show — and a special twist on the livestock shows that 4-H is known for at the Fair — 4-H members will handle their own dogs on June 27 in the Del Mar Arena.
Wiener dog and Corgi races: While these dogs have short legs, this event is big on fun. On June 14 in the Del Mar Arena, Dachsunds will race at noon, 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. Corgis will race that night at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Dock Dogs and Flyball: Five thrilling days of canine competition come to the Del Mar Arena June 25-29. Athletic dogs leap — and splash! — for distance in Dock Dog competitions held at noon, 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. on Wednesday to Friday and at noon, 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Also on Saturday and Sunday, the high-speed excitement of Flyball competitions showcase dogs working as teams in a game of agility and speed. Flyball racing is featured at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Stunt Dog Shows: The Stunt Dog Show will have three shows daily: 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 6 p.m., in Family Funville. At each show, trained rescue dogs will show their athleticism through agility, tricks, and Frisbee stunts. At times, audience participation is part of the fun.
Buck Trout: This hilarious yet helpful puppet-on-wheels is a marvelous "mobile pet groomer," zipping around the Fair with suds, smiles, and plenty of puns! Buck keeps fairgoers grinning, by sharing helpful tips, directions, and a whole lotta heart along the way.
Bird Show: Join Oasis Camel Dairy's Nancy Reigler and her flock of feathered pet starbirds — Raja, Rio, Koalabi and Lola. You'll squawk in laughter while you learn about these amazing winged wonders! Shows daily at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on the O’Brien Stage and at 7 p.m. in Family Funville.
Scent Dog Demonstrations Marvel at the ability of dogs to use their keen sense of smell to detect specific odors to aid humans in special operations. Scent Dog Demonstrations showcase the incredible abilities of dogs trained to detect specific odors, such as explosives, narcotics, and even wildlife. Guests can see them on Wednesday, June 25 and Thursday, June 26 in the Del Mar Arena.