Canine Advocacy
We’re thankful for the canine advocates participating in this year’s New York State Canine Expo! Please take a moment to read about these fantastic organizations—they make a real difference in the lives of both dogs and people through their dedicated service and compassionate programs.
Amigo Search and Rescue
Amigo Search and Rescue is an all-volunteer search and rescue team based in Broome County that provides trained and certified K9 teams to aid in searches for lost and missing persons.
We provide support to agencies such as NYS DEC, Fire Departments as well as Local & State police departments.
We are a non-profit organizations, funded solely by donations.
We serve all of NYS and respond to surrounding states also, mostly Pennsylvania.
President: Jennifer Woolever
Email: [email protected]
Visit Website
Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley
The Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley is a no-kill non profit shelter for stray and abandoned dogs and cats, funded by donations. The shelter is dedicated to providing needed health, medical and spay services and foster care prior to adoption. Adoptions are screened to assure the dog or cat will be a good fit for its next forever home and family.
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Guiding Eyes
Guiding Eyes for the Blind provides guide dogs to people with vision loss. They are passionate about connecting exceptional dogs with individuals for greater independence. Since 1954, Guiding Eyes has graduated more than 10,000 guide dog teams. They believe in the powerful, meaningful change that dogs bring to the lives of people facing the daily challenges that blindness and vision loss present.
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HOPE AACR
HOPE AACR (animal-assisted crisis response). HOPE’s mission is to provide comfort and solace to individuals impacted by natural disaster or crisis.
HOPE deploys teams when requested by an on-site agency or administration, and at no cost. Responses to events include 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Helene, Ian, Sandy Hook, Parkland, Uvalde, the Virginia Beach shooting the Pasadena Wildfires and the recent plane/helicopter crash in Washington DC.
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Operation At Ease
Operation At Ease helps veterans and first responders train their own service dog to help treat lingering effects from PTS. Obedience skills and task training are held in small group classes of two to four teams to ensure optimal learning through one on one instruction.
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RocDog
RocDog is a AKC Approved Therapy Dog Group operating all across New York. March 9, 2025, marks our 4th Anniversary. What an incredible journey it has been! We started as a humble local Therapy Dog Group in Rochester, New York but over time, we have flourished into something far greater than we ever imagined. Our deep-rooted passion for helping people through the companionship of dogs has driven us to expand our mission beyond our initial scope.
What began as a small group of handlers and their dogs in Rochester, New York, has now expanded to cover the entire state. RocDog currently has regions in:
- Rochester
- Buffalo
- Hudson Valley
- Capital
- Central NY
- Southern Tier
Susquehanna SPCA
The Susquehanna SPCA is committed to bringing about a time when there are no more homeless animals and every companion animal is guaranteed a loving home. We work to accomplish this goal through our spay/neuter, adoption, and education programs.
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New York State Animal Protection Federation
The New York State Animal Protection Federation is the advocacy voices of New York’s animal shelters. Among the Federation’s legislative accomplishments are:
- The Companion Animal Capital Fund (CACF) which has, so far, provided close to $500 million in capital project funding to shelters and non-residence based rescues across the state.
- The Companion Animal Care Standards Act for Shelters and Rescues which, when it comes into effect on December 15th of this year, will raise the standard of care for homeless companion animals waiting to be adopted.
- The Stop the Puppy Mill Pipeline bill which bans the sale of puppies, kittens and rabbits in retail stores.
- Banning discrimination in homeowners’ insurance based on the breed of dog one has. We’re waiting for the Governor to sign a similar bill that provides the same protections to renters.
Woofs for Warriors, Inc.
Woofs for Warriors is a special program aimed at placing rescue dogs with veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
To learn more, contact:
Roberta VanDerzee
Email:
Visit Website
FAQs
Directions & Parking
Please visit our location page for directions and event location information. Parking for the event is free and is available first come, first serve. Additional parking is available offsite, and trams will be available to transport guests to the fairgrounds. Follow signage the day of the event for the best available parking.
Admission Costs & Waiver Requirement
Admission cost of the event is $10 if purchased before January 1st, $20 after, up to the day of the event (cash). Fees apply for online and credit card transactions. Free Parking. $20 plus tax. Kids 12 and under are free and can enter at no cost.
A dog is entitled to free admission. Limit one dog per adult attending. (Trainers & Exhibitors excluded from this limitation)
A waiver must be signed at the Expo Entrance in order to bring your dog on to the fairgrounds. The owner of the dog assumes all responsibility and liability for the actions and/or damages of their dog while on the fairgrounds and during any event/demo/presentation/workshop/trial/mock trial/try it participation.
For the trials occurring at the Expo, competitors are given 1 free admission ticket per day regardless of number of entries, names are provided by trial secretary a week prior. You must have proof of trial entry upon entrance to the Expo.
Where to stay?
There are several hotels and B&Bs in the area, please check out our Location & Lodging page for more information on all the local accommodations.
Camping Info
Camping is available at the Fairgrounds if vendors or participants wish to stay at the grounds during the event. Camper Site fees range from $25-$55 per day depending on the site utilities requested/available. Completed the camper registration portion to inquire about camping.
- All campers must park in area specified.
- Campers are limited to event participants, first come first serve
- No one under 18 is allowed to stay in a camper without adult supervision
- All holding tanks must be closed
- No dumping of waste water (gray water) throughout the time the camper is on the grounds
- Service dogs allowed; Village lease law is in effect
- Four wheelers, etc. must have insurance and are not to be operated on pedestrian walkways or in a manner that might cause injury to anyone.
- Unlicensed operators are not allowed to operate the vehicle at any time.
- Permission to use on grounds must be obtained from Fair Office.
- Gas and charcoal grills must be in designated grilling areas. No open flames of any kind in camping areas.
- Tents allowed in designated areas
- No one is allowed to sleep in stalls
- A separation distance of at least 10 feet must be maintained between camping units, including any add-on structures attached to the camping units including awnings and any structure. If a separation distance of less than 10 feet is maintained, then:
- a. Charcoal grills, gas grills or other open flame cooking devices cannot be used within 10 feet of any camping unit
- The camper registrant is responsible for any fine or violation imposed by the County Health Department.
- Limited Electric hookups available. No generators are provided.
- No hoses or other cords allowed across roadways
AKC PAL & Canine Partner Numbers
For dogs that are not already registered with the AKC directly by a breeder (litter) or for a dog you own that meets the general criteria of a specific breed, a Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) registration will be needed to participate in AKC events. You may obtain a PAL number onsite in the ‘Meet the Breeds’ building or visit the AKC website to follow the procedures.
If you have a mixed breed and wish to participate in AKC events, you will need a Canine Partner assigned number/ registration.
Visit: https://www.akc.org/register/information/canine-partners/#
Food & Drinks
The event will include food and drink vendors on the grounds the day of the event. Those costs are in addition to the admission costs.
Tests & Titles & Trials
Enjoy the show (and/or have your dog participate!) as pups test for their Canine Good Citizen, Canine Community and various Trick Dog titles. An AKC PAL or Canine Partner number is needed to be awarded a title by AKC.
There are trials happening on the grounds during the weekend. Please see the events page and the trial event for the premium.
For the trials occurring at the Expo, competitors are given 1 free admission ticket per day regardless of number of entries, names are provided by trial secretary a week prior. You must have proof of trial entry upon entrance to the Expo.
Event Vet Information
The Cobleskill Vet Clinic
5027 Rt. 10
Cobleskill NY 12023
(518) 234-4311
Schoharie Valley Veterinary Clinic
On-Site Adoptions
Both cats and dogs will be available for adoption through shelters at the event.
Crating & Dog Equipment
Each workshop and demonstration area will have room for crating.
Safety & regulations
The NYS Canine Expo policy on shock and prong collars will follow the AKC rules.
This includes competitors and spectators. To be clear, THIS INCLUDES ANYONE ATTENDING THE EXPO WITH A DOG!!
The Expo offers an AKC Trial as well as AKC Title evaluations.
With that said NADD does allow prong collars from crate to dock. The only area that prong collars will be permitted is in the dock area.
There is plenty of room for NADD competitors to park and crate in the dock area.
There will be signage around the ground to remind everyone of the policy.
Please review this AKC regulation:
The American Kennel Club (AKC) explicitly prohibits the use or presence of prong, and electronic shock collars on the grounds of AKC-sanctioned events and trials. While the AKC acknowledges the use of electronic collars for general field training, they are forbidden from being worn during competition in sports such as agility, Rally, and Scent Work.
Can I bring my dog to the event?
Expo attendees are welcomed to bring well mannered, obedient and trained dogs to the Expo.
Limit one dog per adult attending (Trainers & Exhibitors excluded from this limitation)
A waiver must be signed at the Expo Entrance in order to bring your dog on to the fairgrounds. The owner of the dog will assume full responsibility and liability for the actions and/or damages of the dog while on the fairgrounds and during any event participation.
Aggressive or reactive dogs exhibiting dangerous behavior towards other dogs and/or humans will not be tolerated and will be asked to leave by Expo Security.
Service Dogs & Accessibility
The New York State Canine Expo is ADA compliant, meeting federal rules under the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access for people with disabilities. If you have a service dog and need any special accommodations, please feel free to reach out to our team.
