Exotic Pet Shows in Virginia

Though Virginia hosts fewer exotic pet shows and expos than neighbors like Pennsylvania and Maryland, the state does have several offerings each year for enthusiasts of exotics including birds, reptiles, small mammals and fish. A common feature of any pet show is the vendor booths, which offer animals for sale, supplies for their care and feeding, as well as books and other educational material. Many shows offer educational seminars as part of the day's schedule of events.

  1. Northern Virginia Reptile Expo, Manassas, Virginia

    • Hosted three to five times annually by Maryland Reptile Farm, the Northern Virginia Reptile Expo features vendors selling turtles, snakes, lizards, frogs and other amphibians and "herps," as reptiles are called by insiders. Due to restrictions by Virginia state law, vendors at the expo are prohibited from selling alligators or crocodiles, venomous animals or endangered species.

      Prince William County Fairgrounds
      10624 Dumfries Road
      Manassas, VA 20112
      (703) 368-0173

    Richmond Reptile Expo, Richmond, Virginia

    • Also hosted by Maryland Reptile Farm, the Richmond Reptile Expo occurs three times each year. Vendors sell a wide range of reptiles and amphibians, including frogs, lizards, snakes, turtles and tortoises, as well as supplies for housing, feeding and caring for the animals.

      The Holiday Inn Select
      1021 Koger Center Boulevard
      Richmond, VA 23235
      (804) 379-3800

    Exotic Bird Fair and Expo, Richmond, Virginia

    • Run by Bird Fair Florida, the Exotic Bird Fair and Expo runs concurrently and in the same facilities as the Mid-Atlantic Cockatiel Breeders and Exhibitors bird show. Visitors can make purchases from a wide variety of parrot species, cockatiels, parrotlets and other exotic birds. Vendors also sell bird cages, food, supplies and toys. This bird fair and expo also features a blue-ribbon competition for attendees' pet birds.

      Richmond Raceway Complex
      Colonial Building
      600 E. Laburnum Avenue
      Richmond, VA 23222
      (727) 862-1542

    Peninsula Caged Bird Society Bird Festival, Newport News, Virginia

    • The annual bird festival of the Peninsula Caged Bird Society features a judged bird show, a vendor room with birds and supplies for sale, prize raffles and educational material for attendees.

      The Columbian Center
      12742 Nettles Drive
      Newport News, VA 23606
      (757) 247-0168

    Super Pet Expo, Chantilly, Virginia

    • This traveling pet expo, while aimed primarily at owners of traditional pets like cats and dogs, is distinctive for including exotic enthusiasts in its lineup. Shoppers can find exotic pet animals, products and information for sale. Several participating vendors offer animals including fish, reptiles, small mammals and rodents. The expo also hosts educational booths for learning about animals of every kind, including exotics.

      Dulles Expo Center
      4368 Chantilly Shopping Center
      Chantilly, VA 20153
      (301) 564-4050