The 13th edition of Expo Animal was presented this morning at a press conference. This event will transform Braga into a true stage for the celebration of the animal world on October 4 and 5. Organized by InvestBraga, in collaboration with the Portuguese Kennel Club (CPC) and the Portuguese Feline Club (CPF), this edition promises an immersive, educational, and accessible experience, featuring the international dog show, the feline exhibition, and a wide range of exhibitors and activities for all ages.

Held at Forum Braga across more than 7,800 m² of exhibition space, the fair brings together leading companies and organizations in the fields of cynology, feline breeding, and exotic animals. It covers areas such as food, hygiene, animal welfare, health, toys, collars, veterinary clinics, training schools, pet hotels, associations, and specialized media. Expo Animal 2025 will host the 18th National Dog Show of Braga and the 15th International Dog Show of Braga, featuring around 1,000 dogs in exhibition and competition over the two days. A total of 126 trophies will be awarded by nine judges — six international and three national — from countries including Italy, Poland, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, and Georgia. All foreign judges are all-rounders, qualified to assess any breed. The program also includes monographic and specialized shows dedicated to Companion Dogs, Belgian Shepherds, and Dobermanns, further enhancing the event’s competitive and excellence-oriented dimension.

This year, the feline component takes on a renewed format with the Cat Show, where visitors will be able to closely admire the elegance and diversity of breeds, watch grooming demonstrations, and attend sessions led by the Portuguese Feline Club on breeding, genetics, and exhibition standards. The exotic animals exhibition will feature around eight companies, including some of the top national references, and will showcase species such as macaws, cockatoos, parrots, eagle owls, owls, barn owls, snakes (python, boa, dumeril, morelia), lizards, tarantulas, scorpions, turtles, chameleons, and iguanas. The presence of specialized companies will provide visitors with a unique experience, offering the opportunity to discover rare animals and purchase specific products for their care.

Expo Animal 2025 places a strong emphasis on education through the “Tutor Space,” run by partner organizations such as APETCÃO, Vet Before Pet, Santuário Animal Vida Boa, and the Animal Policy Unit of Braga Municipality. Over the two days, theoretical and practical workshops will be held on topics including “Adolescent dogs: understanding better to educate better,” “Early and adult socialization,” “Dogs and babies: how to prepare and facilitate coexistence,” “Potentially dangerous breeds? Myths and truths!,” “Recipe for a Happy Bird / Happy Rabbit / Happy Reptile,” “How to responsibly acquire an animal,” and “A new family member: how to care for your pet.” The program will also feature iconic moments such as a pigeon release organized by the Braga Columbophile Association, security demonstrations by the Cynotechnical Operational Group (GOC) of the Directorate-General for Reintegration and Prison Services, and the traditional “Cãominhada” dog walk, departing from Forum Braga towards the Camélias Dog Park.

The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on both days. Ticket prices are affordable: free entry for children up to 3 years old, €2 for children aged 4 to 10, and €3.50 for visitors aged 11 and over. Tickets are available at the Forum Braga box office and online at meoblueticket.pt. As with all exhibitions held at Forum Braga, visitors can enjoy free parking in the adjacent car parks.

Expo Animal 2025 reaffirms itself as one of the largest national events dedicated to companion animals, offering an educational, family-friendly, and inclusive environment. Combining top-tier exhibitions, learning opportunities, and interactive activities, this edition promises to delight breeders, professionals, and families passionate about the animal world.