Headlines

The PETS+ Team Heads to Global Pet Expo 2026

We’ll be reporting live from the floor, per usual, and would love to meet up with you during the show.

Published

4 weeks ago

March 20, 2026

PETS+ Staff

The PETS+ team — Editor-in-Chief Pamela Mitchell, Products Editor Melissa L. Kauffman, Publisher Desiree Lynch and National Sales Executive Trish Rodriguez — are headed to Orlando, FL, for Global Pet Expo 2026. Here’s what they have planned for the show:

More than 100 video interviews with brands at their booths! — To watch interviews as we post them on social media, follow PETS+ on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. We also have a private Facebook group for independent pet retailers and service providers — conversations about product finds will be happening there, as well.

Information sharing about PETS+ May-June partnership opportunities — Desiree and Trish will be talking about the new Retailer’s Choice Awards; National Animal Supplement Council Fact Sheets, for all NASC Members; and the Coolest Holiday Products & Gifts Section. Plus the Pet Sustainability Coalition Earth Day Sample Box, for PSC Accredited Members! Connect with them via [email protected] and [email protected].

A flurry of product press releases — We’ll continue to share brand news via our ebulletin. Not already a subscriber? Sign up at petsplusmag.com/bulletins. Encourage your team members to sign up, too, so that you’re all up to date.

Meetups at the PETS+ booth, #1615 — Pamela will be ending her days at the PETS+ booth Wednesday and Thursday. On Wednesday, she’ll be there starting at 5 p.m. Anyone who wants to walk over to the Unleashed Party networking event together should plan to be there by 5:30 p.m. On Thursday, she’ll be at the booth from 5 to 6 p.m., catching up with indies and sharing product finds.

The PETS+ team will also be attending the IndiePet Retailer Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Thursday. Retail members should sign up via indiepet.org if they haven’t already. And we’ll pop in to celebrate with Candace D’Agnolo, PETS+ columnist, fearless leader of Pet Boss Nation and owner of Dante & Dory’s Pet Emporium. She’ll host her Candace’s Global Birthday Bash at Artvark Pet Products booth, #1462, on Thursday. Meet and greet starts at 3 p.m., with cake cutting, mimosas and surprise gifts for guests also on the party fun!

See you in Orlando!

P.L.A.Y. Media Spotlight

At P.L.A.Y. — Pet Lifestyle & You — toy design is definitely a team effort! Watch PETS+ interviewer Chloe DiVita and P.L.A.Y.’s Director of Sales Lisa Hisamune as they talk about the toy design process, the fine-tuning that makes each toy so special and why every P.L.A.Y. collection is made with independent retailers top of mind.