Great Iowa Pet Expo

03/12/2026

Experiment time with Beck. 🐾

I saw this red pepper treat idea from one of the authors of The Forever Dog and decided to give it a try. Just remove the seeds and core, add wet food, a couple treats, and bone broth, then freeze.

It's a little messy...but Beck approves. 🌶🐶

03/09/2026

The face of someone who loves you... and remembers who controls the treat jar. 😅🐶🎙

🎥: Odin the XL Bully

03/07/2026

There's no dog that's happier to see you than a muddy dog. 🐾 Sure, it might mean a bath later, but that happy muddy face usually make it worth it.

Show us your muddy pups or rain-loving pets in the comments! 🌧🐶

03/05/2026

Spring is starting to bring more ways to get out, connect, and spend time with fellow pet lovers. 🐾🌸 Here are a few upcoming events worth adding to your calendar:

1️⃣ Caturday – Meet Adoptable Cats & Kittens
📅 Saturday, March 14
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🏠 Host: Whiskers TNR of Warren County
📍 Norwalk Easter Public Library

Stop by the library to meet adoptable cats and kittens during this relaxed meet-and-greet with Whiskers TNR volunteers. It’s a great chance to learn about the adoption process, ask questions about the Trap-Neuter-Return program, and spend some time with some very charming felines. 🐱💛

2️⃣ Painters for Pets
📅 Thursday, March 26
🕔 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🏠 Host: The Pet Project
📍 Jasper Winery

Art lovers and pet lovers unite for the 10th annual Painters for Pets. Browse unique artwork from talented local artists while supporting a mission that helps keep pets in loving homes. Enjoy appetizers, live music, and both silent and live auctions, all for a great cause. 🎨🐾

And last but not least…

3️⃣ Buzz Run + Stylin’ Paws Downtown Dog Walk
📅 Registration Deadline: Friday, April 17
📅 Event Day: Saturday, May 16
🕢 7:30 AM
🏠 Host: The Buzz Run
📍 Fleet Feet Des Moines

Whether you run, walk, or just enjoy being out with your pup, this community event is all about movement and giving back. Choose from several distances, bring your dog along, and enjoy finish-line snacks while supporting Animal Lifeline of Iowa. 🏃‍♀️🐶

03/04/2026

NOW ENROLLING. A new clinical trial is underway in the College of Veterinary Medicine for dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE).

03/04/2026

Pet owner see a lot of products out there, and sometimes it's good to take a second look. 👀 Check out this video from Grant Harting, a licensed pharmacist, where he dives into something many people might not think about right away. Worth checking out. 🐾

🎥 Credit: Grant Harting

✨ Disclaimer: Great Iowa Pet Expo is not a veterinary or medical professional organization and does not provide medical advice. For questions about medications or your pet’s health, please consult your veterinarian. ✨

02/27/2026

Looking for some fun ways to get out with your pets (or meet some new furry friends)? 🐾🎉 Check out these upcoming events happening around the area:

1️⃣ Pup Up Meet & Greet
📅 Saturday, March 14
🕛 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
🏠 Host: Hope Animal Rescue of Iowa
📍 Just Paws Gourmet @ Merle Hay Mall

Stop by to meet adoptable pups, connect with local rescue volunteers, and maybe even find your next best friend. A low-pressure, fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon with dogs and dog lovers alike. 🐶💛

2️⃣ Saint Patty's Day Paw-ty
📅 Tuesday, March 17
🕓 4:00 PM
🏠 Host: Paws & Pints
📍 6218 Willowmere Dr.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style—pup-friendly style! Enjoy green-themed fun, drinks, and games while hanging out with fellow pet parents and their furry companions. 🍀🐕

And last but not least…

3️⃣ Hoops & Howl
📅 Wednesday, March 18
🕡 6:30 PM
🏠 Host: Iowa Wolves
📍 Casey’s Center

Cheer on the Iowa Wolves vs. Salt Lake City Stars while sharing the excitement with your four-legged friend. Paws, basketball, and community fun all rolled into one action-packed evening! 🏀🐾

02/23/2026

The countdown is on! ⏳ Registration for the 47th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest at Drake University is now open! Bulldogs must enter the lottery by March 9 to compete in this iconic pageant.

Could your pup be one the 24 contestants? 🐶🏆

02/21/2026

A juicy little boost for your pup. 🍉 Watermelon is loaded with hydration, vitamins, and nutrients that can help support your dog's overall health. Just remember to skip the seeds and rind.

So the equation is: Watermelon = Hydration + Vitamins = A happy pup. That's how equations work, right? 🐕🐾

02/18/2026

Spring is creeping closer, and the calendar is filling up with some very pet-friendly plans. 🐾✨ Here’s what’s coming up around the area over the next couple weeks:

1️⃣ Puppy Yoga w/ Power Life
📅 Sunday, February 22
🕥 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Paws & Pints

Stretch, breathe, and flow while puppies roam, cuddle, and generally steal the show. Whether you’re there for the yoga or the pups (or both), this is a feel good way to start your Sunday. 🧘‍♀️🐶

2️⃣ Pet CPR & First Aid Class
📅 Sunday, March 1
🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Knox Canine Training

Knowledge is power. Especially when it comes to your pet’s safety. This hands-on class covers essential first aid and emergency response skills every pet parent should know. 🐕‍🦺❤️

And last but not least…

3️⃣ Tator Tot Cook-Off!
📅 Saturday, March 7
🕛 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Champion's Hideaway

Because who doesn’t love a good tator tot? Come sample creative takes on a comfort food classic while hanging out with fellow pet lovers. Fun, food, and community all in one stop. 🥔🎉🐾

02/17/2026

Check out Joe Bear, Ozzie, & Miley, last month's Great Iowa Pet Expo Powder Faces! Think your senior pet has serious Powder Face potential like these guys? Well, we've got good news for you: Submissions are now open for February's Powder Face(s) of the Month!

We want to see your senior pets. Submit a pic of your powder-faced pal with a bio in the comments for a chance to be featured in the next month's Great Iowa Pet Expo newsletter. And like we said before, if your pet wasn't selected last month, they've been automatically rolled over to this month's selection pool.

But we wouldn't complain if you want to drop another pic of your adorable senior, just saying. 🤍🐾👀

02/16/2026

Stock up at Wholesome Pet Essentials this week!

💥FLASH SALE💥

Take 70% off of clothes and boots for only 7 days!!🤩 That means this deal starts NOW and ends next Saturday the 21st. Stop in while you still can🎉