What To Do Today? O.C. Pet Expo Is Teeming With Four-Legged Celebs

America's Family Pet Expo, which will feature animal entertainment acts, pet hobbyist groups, appearances by celebrity animals and exhibits of dogs, cats, birds, fish and reptiles, opens today.

Entertainment will include the "Avian Actors of Hollywood," "Jump! The Ultimate Dog Show," "Splash Dogs" and "A Salute to Hollywood Pets."

Uggie, the Jack Russell terrier who appeared in the 2011 best picture Academy Award winner "The Artist" and Charlie the Cat from Disney Channel's "A.N.T. Farm" will appear on stage in "A Salute to Hollywood Pets" at 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. The animal actors will also be available for meet-and-greet sessions with the public after their performances.

On Saturday, Olympic gold medalist, New York Times bestselling author and "Dancing with the Stars" champion Kristi Yamaguchi will be making a stage appearance and meet and greet from 1:30 to 3 p.m. to sign her new book, “It’s a Big World, Little Pig,” the sequel to her inspirational children’s tale “Dream Big, Little Pig” which spent seven weeks on the New York Times best seller list in 2011. Yamaguchi will be speaking about her illustrious career, followed by an autograph signing and photo opportunity with Expo guests.

Here's the full lineup:

A Salute to Hollywood Pets

Check out the Pet Stars of today as they take the Hollywood Pets Stage and then join them in their booths for a meet and greet as well as pawtographs!

Presented by Birds and Animals, Booth 1888

• Uggie from The Artist and Water for Elephants
  
• Suzie Q. who portrays “Jim” on Mike & Molly (Mondays at 9:30 p.m. on CBS)

Presented by The Walt Disney Studios, Booth 1886

• Meet Chloe & Papi, the lead dogs in the “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” franchise of direct-to-video films. They will be making a special announcement and appearance!

Presented by Good Dog Animal, Booth 1843

• Brigitte who plays “Stella” on Modern Family (Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on ABC)
• Yakult who plays “Lambchop” on Surburgatory (Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. on ABC)
• Charlie the Cat from A.N.T. Farm (Fridays on The Disney Channel)
• Billie who plays “Owen” on Austin & Ally (Sundays at 8 p.m. on The Disney Channel)

Hollywood Parade of Animals
Americas’ Family Pet Expo is representing Hollywood in the Hollywood Parade of Animals. Pets representing our favorite characters from the small screen and silver screen will go marching by and taking the stage. Our Pet Stars of today will join with the animals that inspired the entertainment industry and stole our hearts.

Reptile Show & Sale
Find dozens of varieties of reptiles at the Reptile Show and Sale. From lizards, snakes, to tarantulas – of all colors, shapes and sizes – adults and kids will have the opportunity to interact with hands-on demonstrations, touching and holding. A portion of proceeds will benefit The United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK), an education and advocacy group promoting awareness and responsible care of reptiles.

CFA-Iams Ambassador Cat Program
Sponsored by The IAMS Company
The CFA-Iams Ambassador Cat Program was launched in October, 2010 and has been funded by Iams for the past three years. The mission of our CFA-Iams Ambassador Cats is to offer the public an opportunity to visit with, pet and learn about different breeds of cats. From long and lanky to short and sweet, these beautiful cats will be at America’s Family Pet Expo just waiting for you to come and see them. Just look for the bright orange caging with the Iams branding! These cats are retired show cats who are ready to show off for you and may be touched and petted. The owners are anxious to answer any questions you have about the breeds. Don’t forget to stop by booth #1613 in building 16 and pick up a free sample of Iams for your cat!

Avian Actors of Hollywood on Stage
Don’t look now, but I’ve seen THAT bird in the movies! Joe’s menagerie of birds and other animals will awe you, make you smile and make you laugh as they show you the stuff that animal actors are made of. Krathwohl has a wildlife presentation company in Las Vegas called Birds N Beasts. Known as The Birdman of Las Vegas, he has been raising, training, and showing birds for over 30 years. Joe Krathwohl has dedicated himself to the care and preservation of birds. Be entertained, be educated! Don’t miss out!

JUMP! The Ultimate Dog Show
Sponsored by The IAMS Company
This is a non-stop, action packed, canine thrill show that showcases incredible dogs and their handlers performing amazing stunts to upbeat music that will thrill audiences of all ages. Most of the performing pet stars have been adopted from various animal shelters throughout the US, as we stress the importance of pet adoption with plenty of crowd participation and amazing novel pet tricks.  This show will be a must-see hit!

Dog Training With Renee
Sponsored by JeffersPet.com
Renee Jones, a renowned Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed, comes to us from Alabama to teach us how to train our four-legged best buddies. She feels that through clear and positive communication you can curb unwanted behavior and develop a closer bond with your best friend. Renee Jones has over 20 years of experience in dog training and is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. She is also an expert on the dog psyche. All dogs Renee uses in her presentations are from rescues exhibiting at America’s Family Pet Expo.

Splash Dogs
Sponsored by Canidae Pet Food
Splash Dogs is a nationally recognized dog enthusiast company that organizes and promotes dock jumping events across the United States. Splash Dogs strives to provide a family oriented competitive atmosphere. Splash Dogs is a sanctioning body for dock jumping and dock diving events. Splash Dogs tracks overall event and individual rankings as well as offering a multi level titling program for all participants.

Police and Protection Dog Demonstrations
Do you ever wonder what makes a Police Dog such an effective part of a six-legged team of rescuers or crime fighters? They love to play! These Police Pups are terrific players and it is that trait in particular that makes them prime candidates for Police and Search Teams. The best reward a Canine Officer can earn is a chance for playtime with their trainer or a favorite toy. When they’re at work with their “Uprights” they’re focused on the task at hand. At home, they are a family pet. Watch these Canine Officers at work and you’ll appreciate how fortunate we are to have canine teams to protect our communities!

Pet Adoptions
Sponsored by VCA Animal Hospitals
Whiskers twitch, tails thump and paws knead in the Pet Adoptions area.  The one constant with all of these adoptable darlings is that they are looking for a forever home with a loving companion.  Each year America’s Family Pet Expo is proud to be a part of this process.  With the help of the tireless volunteers who give their time and energy to find homes for these homeless pets we hope to be more successful each year in our quest to further the human animal bond. Looking for a loving companion?  Here’s a great place to start.

Kid’s Aquarium Contest
Sponsored by Seachem Laboratories and United Pet Group
Turn off the TV and Video Games and trade them in for imagination, creativity and self-expression – then what do you have?  The Kid’s Aquarium Contest!  Each participant receives a 10-gallon aquarium, heater, filter and water and the kids add their own fish and unique decorations.  If you have questions ask the Aquarium Experts on hand to help.  The aquariums will be on display throughout the Expo and are judged according to age group and three categories Natural, Creative and Themed. Every participant is ultimately a winner because after the Expo, each child may take the entire setup home. Bring your kids over to sign up for participation in next year’s Kid’s Aquarium Contest.  School-age children from 5 to 16 years old are encouraged to participate.

Fish Toss
Sponsored by Pet Care Trust
The purpose of The Pet Care Trust is to promote public understanding regarding the value of and the right to enjoy companion animals, to enhance society’s knowledge about companion animals through research and education, and to promote professionalism among members of the companion animal community.

The Aquatic Experience
Sponsored by Aqueon, Hikari Sales USA, United Pet Group
This year America’s Family Pet Expo is presenting The Aquatic Experience.  This new feature includes a display of large tanks filled with a variety of saltwater and freshwater fish and plants from around the world.  Find out how to become an aquatic enthusiast with a simple starter kit. Explore the underwater world of pets and find inspiration for the different ways to include this species as a wonderful addition to your home.

Adoption Dog Makeovers
Is your pup having a bad hair day?  Smelling a bit unpleasant?  Don’t worry; you’re not the first person to avoid bathing and grooming their pet frequently.  Let’s face it, bathing and grooming your pet is not as much fun as playing fetch or hanging out at the dog park.  Come check out the Adoption Dog Makeover Crew as they tackle some pups facing the same challenge.  The Adoption Dog Makeover team will show you how to properly bathe and groom your dog while enjoying quality time together.  All of the dogs in the makeovers are available for adoption.

The expo will continue through Sunday at the Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive. Buy tickets online and save.