By request of the Overland Park Convention Center, the 2019 Great KC Pet Expo will not be able to allow attendees to bring their pets to the site. Animals up for adoption or representing breeds, and performance dogs will be in attendance. Please understand there was no other site available big enough or anywhere near OP that would change our ability to allow pets to attend. While it would be our preference to allow pets, we must operate under the rules of the site. Many other expos across the country operate under the same rules, and while we explored this option we talked to many attendees who felt it was easier to shop without their pets in attendance. Likewise, many exhibitors felt that the quality of conversations increased when attendees did not need to worry about their pets. We realize that this is not ideal for those of you who prefer to attend with your pet. We are disappointed too, and be assured we offered every option imaginable to try to change the minds of the OPCC management. Sadly, too many pets were allowed to relieve themselves on the carpet, in the parking garage and outside the facility without their owners attending to clean up.