True Pet Expo 2026 expands October event to include cats and dogs

True Pet Expo 2026 is scheduled to return in October with an expanded programme featuring cats alongside dogs. Organiser Tina Hamilton said the event will offer veterinary services, educational activities, adoption opportunities and space for between 30 and 35 vendors serving Jamaica's pet community.

Cats will have a designated area away from the dogs. Organisers plan to assess participating cats beforehand because temperament and the risks associated with taking them outside must be considered. Hamilton appeared with Daisy and Crystal Hamden, creator and curator of Island Whiskers, who brought her 16-year-old cat, Arthur.

Hamden said cats differ in how they respond to people and other animals, but many can become comfortable through careful handling and early socialisation. She explained that kittens have a shorter socialisation period than puppies. Jamaica's stray-cat population often receives limited human interaction, making responsible care especially important.

The expo began in 2022 after pet events had been disrupted during COVID-19. An early staging attracted more than 350 dogs, far exceeding expectations of 50 to 100 attendees. Dogs remained the focus at the second event, while birds and other animals were later introduced. The expo was not held last year following Melissa.

This year's programme will include free veterinary checks, forums, access to veterinarians and displays by businesses producing or supplying items such as cat and dog collars. Children will be able to interact with selected animals and learn about feeding, household care and safety. Some cats and dogs will also be available for adoption.

Businesses connected to pets are being invited to participate in the expo and its promotional activities. Hamilton said previous events introduced owners to locally available services, including pet insurance and cremation. She recalled arranging a funeral for her dog Rio, who was 14, through a provider offering memorial services and paw keepsakes.

Hamden said Island Whiskers concentrates mainly on cat rescue but cannot accept every animal because capacity varies. She urged owners to spay and neuter their pets to help reduce overpopulation, noting that reduced-cost services may be available through Island Mobile and that the JSPCA is another option. Hamilton said the True Cares programme can also assist with the cost of spaying or neutering cats and dogs.