By Lookout Staff

February 17, 2012 -- Is your turtle, iguana, lizard, rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, cat or dog prepared for an emergency? Rest assured they will be by taking them, and any other exotic pet you may have, to the "3rd Annual Free Pet Emergency Preparedness Fair" in Santa Monica February 25.

The fair -- co-hosted by the City's Office of Emergency Management Division, the American Red Cross and the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals -- will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Clover Park, 2600 Ocean Park Boulevard.

The first 125 people who register at the Fair will get free identification micro-chipping for their dogs, cats and exotic pets. Low cost pet vaccinations will also be available, and a wide range of human and pet emergency supplies will be sold.

"The event will offer a variety of events and activities for every type of pet and pet lover," Red Cross officials said. "Dog training demonstrations, pet disaster preparedness tips, pet contests with prizes and animals available for adoption will all be at this pet-centric event."

Entertainment will be provided by both animals and their human counterparts. "The highlight of the Fair will be a pet contest for the pet(s) that most resembles their owner, largest, most unusual, smallest, most obedient and most talented," event organizers said.

Cats, rabbits and other exotic pets must be in pet carriers and not in cardboard boxes, milk crates or other improvised containers. Dogs must be leashed.

Actress Christina Moore will be Mistress of Ceremonies for the Fair, and a number of animal experts, including Karen "Doc" Halligan, DVM, and other celebrity pet owners will be available to offer advice for keeping pets healthy and happy.

"Fairgoers will see the first public emergency pet fair demonstration of BARK CODE®, a revolutionary new, affordable, nickel-sized, collar tag identification system that can be scanned with cell phones, tablets or other mobile devices to connect a lost or injured pet to its owner or caretaker," organizers said.

Other Pet Fair sponsors and exhibitors will be on hand with free samples, literature, news about products, services and general pet care.

Free parking is available near Clover Park -- look for directional signs. Although the Pet Emergency Preparedness Fair is a free event, food and beverages from some of the region's most popular food trucks will be available for purchase onsite.

For more information, visit www.smgov.net/oem or call the City of Santa Monica, Office of Emergency Management at 310-458-2263 during regular business hours or email: paul.weinberg@ SMGOV.NET