2014 New York Pet Expo Kicks Off Pet Appreciation Week with a Pet Adoption 500 Challenge!

NEW YORK - May 19, 2014 - PRLog -- Pet Appreciation Week takes place June 1^st through the 7^th and the New York Pet Expo is launching it in style. Organizers at the Expo recognize the important role animals play in our lives and will be holding its first ever Pet Adoption 500 Challenge.

“We’re always challenging ourselves to do more for the pet community, so we’re trying to adopt out 500 animals at our New York Pet Expo,”says Patti Welch, Vice President of Amazing Pet Expos, “With a success of over 125 pets adopted on average at each of our 39 Expos, we thought it was time to push the limit at one of our largest Expos.”

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters each year. From that number, about 2.7 million are euthanized. The numbers are startling, but Amazing Pet Expos works to help the issue with a Mega-Adoption Center at each of their Expos, sponsored by Petfinder.com. With their new challenge, they expect to make a difference in the lives of stray and abandoned animals.

“Most pets are abandoned or given up for adoption because of preventable - and easily fixable - behavior problems,”explains National Celebrity Dog Trainer, Harrison Forbes.

Harrison Forbes, who’s a frequent guest on the “Today Show”(NBC) as their featured resident dog behavior expert, will share his expertise on pet behavior at the New York Pet Expo. Forbes will also explain how Doggie DNA Testing can help people choose the right dog breed match for their lifestyle.

"Doggie DNA Testing can offer important information for those looking to adopt a pet,”says Forbes. “It’s an unbeatable tool to predict everything from a dog’s full-grown size to their temperament. DNA Testing can help match you with your Canine Soulmate, plus it can also reduce pets being returned to shelters. If a prospective pet owner looking for a mellow medium-sized dog knew from Day One that the puppy they fell in love with at the shelter would likely end up as a high-energy 100-pound dog, it would reduce the ‘surprise’factor that can contribute to the re-homing of pets.”

The New York Pet Expo will also feature opportunities for fan photos and autographs with both Shorty Rossi, star of the runaway Animal Planet hit TV show, “Pit Boss” and “America’s Cutest Pets,” and Forbes, along with more than 125 exhibitors, and live entertainment and demonstrations. Low-cost immunizations, discounted microchipping and free nail trims will also be available for all the furry friends who need them.

The event will take place on Saturday, May 31^st, 2014 from 10am to 6pm, at Nassau Coliseum. This indoor and air-conditioned event is expected to attract more than 12,000 attendees along with their furry, feathered and reptilian pals who are looking to enjoy a new and one-of-a-kind experience where any pet can join in the fun. All well-behaved pets are welcome, as long as they’re on a fixed lead (or in a carrier) and have proof of age-appropriate rabies vaccines. Tickets can be purchased through TicketMaster.

The 2014 New York Pet Expo is produced by Amazing Expos, a leading event production firm that currently produces more than 39 large pet expos across the United States. For more information, call 800.977.3609, email expo@newyorkpetexpo.com or visit http://www.newyorkpetexpo.com, http://www.facebook.com/newyorkpetexpo or https://twitter.com/AmazingPetExpo.