By SDCN Staff
On Tuesday, Del Mar, CA–The San Diego County Fair announced its slate of pet-related activities, exhibits, entertainment, and programming at its pet-centric 2025 Fair.
At the official Fair theme kickoff news conference on Tuesday at San Diego Humane Society’s campus, leaders from both organizations discussed what is in store for fairgoers when the region’s largest annual community event begins on June 11. While guests are generally not permitted to bring their pets to the Fair (aside from some special opportunities), Fair officials said this year’s “Summer Pet-tacular” would make the Fair the place for animal lovers to celebrate and occasionally interact with pets.
San Diego Humane Society is the Fair’s theme partner this year and will offer several hours of programming that includes valuable information about responsible pet ownership. The humane society 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 the humane society. All adoptions will be finalized at their facilities.
“This is a unique opportunity to connect with the community in a fun and meaningful way, while also raising awareness about animal welfare and the lifesaving work we do every day,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, President and CEO, San Diego Humane Society. “We can’t wait to share our mission with fairgoers and inspire even more compassion for animals across San Diego.”
“This really is a perfect match,” said Frederick Schenk, Board President of the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which produces the annual Fair. “Both of our organizations are all about serving our community, bringing joy to others, and building connections.”
Here is a look at the pet-centric activities planned for this year’s Fair:
Theme Exhibit: This year’s theme exhibit, called “Pets Rock: Live on Tour,” takes guests through the world from a pet’s perspective. Seven Rock Band members — Charlie, Kitty Wampuss, Bee and 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.
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 spiritandbarre.com.
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). Pet owners 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 Contests in several different categories, including several theme classes in the arts and crafts, fine arts, youth, photography, and agricultural competitions.
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 a $500 gift card. Submissions will be featured throughout Pets Rock: Live on Tour, and 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 the pet.
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 dogs on June 27 in the Del Mar Arena.
Wiener dog and Corgi races: On June 14 in the Del Mar Arena, Dachshunds 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. The Dock Dog competitions are 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. on Saturday and Sunday.
Stunt Dog Shows: The Stunt Dog Show will have three shows daily: 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5:30 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. 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.
For more information on entertainment, schedules, and programming, visit SDFair.com.
