The Missouri State Fair and Your Pet
The Missouri State Fair is a wonderful place to experience some of the best things Missouri has to offer! This year is no exception. Starting today through August 23rd, there will be nonstop events, rides, exhibitions, and funnel cake. An estimated 300,000 people are expected to find their way into Sedalia over that time.
Unfortunately, when it comes to being pet friendly, the State Fair has a long way to go. The Missouri State Fair FAQ has a ton of information that is very useful if you plan on attending or being in the area. The one we always pay very close attention to is what they have to say about bringing a pet to the Fair.
“The only pets permitted on the fairgrounds are:
Service animals for persons with disabilities
On-duty police dogs
Trained animals appearing in scheduled event
Animals entered in scheduled exhibitions and/or competitions”
We agree that taking your pet to the Fair is a very serious undertaking. Importantly, not every pet is a good candidate to be taken to such an event. Most people visit for the entire day. This leaves the pet very little opportunity for rest, food, or water. Additionally, during the Fair, the fairgrounds can be a scary place for an unprepared pet. With all the noise, people, smells, and livestock, it is overwhelming to their senses, and most pets would not do well under that stress.
This means owners will either leave their pets in their RV on the campgrounds or have to spend time at the Fair without their best friend. Having options for pet owner meetups, or pet safe areas, would be a great way to expand the accessibility and ability for people to attend the Fair in a unique way.
If you are attending the Fair this year, and are concerned about what to do with your pet, here are some things to consider:
If you are traveling from out-of-state, check for pet friendly hotels in Sedalia. Additionally, plan to have your pet boarded or checked on while you are away.
If you have your pet in your RV on the campground, consider having them checked on throughout the day to make sure the air conditioner is still running, they have access to water, and they can be taken out for a quick walk around the campground.
If you are attending and are local, figure out how long you plan to be at the Fair. If it’s a typical workday or longer, as many people do, plan to have your pet visited so they can get a walk or be fed. Also consider having them boarded overnight, to give you plenty of time to enjoy all the Fair has to offer.
Still have questions about what option would be best for you and your pet? Need to book services while you attend the Fair? Book here anytime.
