What kind of show do you want? Will it be a general pet show where a variety of pets can be judged or will only certain species such as hamsters, mice, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits be allowed to enter? Space available may dictate the pets you can invite.
Where to Hold Your Pet Show?
You could hold your pet show in a school hall, or a community hall. The floor should be wood rather than carpet as it is easier to brush up sawdust than vacuum it. You need a kitchen for teas and coffees and toilets. You will also need some tables on which to display the animals. Table cloths are not essential, but they look nice.
Book your venue, and then make some posters. Display date, venue, the time for entries, the time for judging, any admission fee and the pets that can be entered. Tell all your friends. You want everyone to know about your show. Invite the local newspaper to come and take some photos.
If you want to know how many people might be turning up, offer a phone number for people to book their pets beforehand. Number the sheet you are writing down the entries on and put the owner’s name next to his number. The number will be written on the sticker and put on the cage or carrier.
The Day of the Show
On the day, arrive early. Set out the tables and a Judge’s table, organise the refreshments and put a poster outside the hall. Set up a secretary’s table near the door, so she can greet people coming in. As people turn up, it should be easy to book them in and give out the stickers. Have helpers ready to show people where to put their animals and direct towards the refreshments.
Organise some activities for the children while they wait for their pets to be judged. Encourage the Judge to start on time and make sure he knows who is there to help him.
The Judging of the Pet Show Classes
The Judges should understand that they cannot enter any pets of their own in a class that they are judging. Judging should take place on an anonymous basis so that it is completely fair. The Judges will need a sheet on which to write their comments and a secretary to write their comments for them.
The Judge will need to decide the categories to help him judge the animals. These could include, Friendly, Well-looked After, and Happy to be Handled. Each pet is given marks out of ten for each category, then the numbers are added up and written on their sticker.
Put the entries in marks order after judging, so that the top animals can be easily found.
The End of the Pet Show
When the judging is over, the numbers are compared with the entry sheet which should give you the name of the winner(s). The Judges should present the prizes, and then it is up to you, as Show Manager to thank everyone for taking part and for helping out.
Holding a Pet Show is great fun and a good way to make new friends with the same interest as you. If it is really successful, then you might decide to do it all again!
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