Tickets are available now for the Chautauqua County Humane Society’s Pet Expo 2025, presented by Subaru Loves Pets and Jamestown Container Companies from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Northwest Arena in Jamestown.

The event is pet friendly and, according to Brian Papalia, Chautauqua County Humane Society director of fundraising and communication, the goal of the expo is to celebrate and create a sense of unity and awareness of the work that so many people and organizations are doing to help animals in the community.

CCHS Pet Expo ’25 started out to be about the dogs and cats but has grown.

“When we started putting together the expo, it was an exciting notion to get eight shelters and rescues together to celebrate and promote the work being done,” Papalia said. “We have Empire Animal Rescue, Finn’s Furever Feline Friends Rescue, Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue, Phoenix Humane Society of Greater Cattaraugus Inc, Paws Along the River, Small Town Shelter, and Westfield Stray Cat Rescue. We ended up connecting with groups like TSE Wildlife, Wild Creatures, Nola’s Angels, and the National Equine Institute of Growth Through Healing Inc. At that point CCHS Pet Expo ’25 turned into a celebration of all animals.”

Papalia said the expo will include dog sports demonstrations and try-its, Canine Good Citizen testing, a variety of pet, art, community organizations and food vendors. There are more than 50 organizations signed up. There will also be Layla’s Pet Costume Parade, a centerpiece of the event.

“Layla was the cutest little dog, and her Mom Kathy Vanhorn created the best costumes for each of the Walk 4 Paws events that were held by CCHS,” Papalia said. “Since the Pet Costume Parade is an homage to the Walk 4 Paws, we thought it would be a great tribute to Layla, who passed away in 2024, to name the parade in honor of her.”

The whole family is welcome to CCHS Pet Expo ’25, Papalia said, though he said those bringing pets should make sure they’re ready for a place filled with people and other animals.

“We do want to stress that this is a pet friendly event. We ask that any visiting dogs are comfortable in a busy environment, and any cats are secured in a cat backpack with leash or harness. We ask any pets visiting be up to date on vaccinations,” Papalia said.

Media sponsors include The Post-Journal and Media One Radio Group. Sponsors include Subaru Loves Pets through the Shults Auto Group and Jamestown Container Companies along with support from KC Venezie Charitable Foundation, Supportive Divorce Solutions, Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, Kinetic by Windstream, and Casella.

The Chautauqua County Humane Society is a 501c3 not for profit organization serving Chautauqua County since 1905.