See You in Toronto

March 30 - April 1, 2027

Grow. Innovate. Connect.

Thank You for an Incredible CONNECT 2026

Thank you to the retailers, groomers, distributors, manufacturers, service providers, and pet professionals who joined us March 4 and 5, 2026 at CONNECT in Niagara Falls.

Over two incredible days, the Canadian pet industry came together to share ideas, discover new products, attend education sessions, and build the relationships that continue to move our industry forward. From the busy show floor to the CONNECT Tool Box vendors and networking events, the energy and collaboration made this year’s event truly special.

CONNECT has always been built by pet professionals for pet professionals, and it is your participation, passion, and commitment to the industry that make the event what it is.

Thank you for being part of CONNECT. We look forward to seeing you again next year.

Paul Ford

"Connect truly delivers. It’s a standout event for high-quality conversations, intentional networking, and a genuine sense of community.
Everything runs seamlessly thanks to the Team Connect crew, who go above and beyond to support attendees. Plus, the experience is top-notch with great food, comfortable carpeted aisles, and social events that perfectly bring everyone together."

Craig MacIntyre

"An absolute success and blast at the Connect Pet Expo! Unmatched networking opportunities and such excellent energy. The professionalism and support from Grant, and his team at Connect make it a perfect venue and experience to connect with new prospects, educate for stronger retail, and catch up with current and old partners. Highly recommend for anyone in the Pet Industry sector to attend."

Codie Bonner

"Connect Pet Expo offers a truly valuable and refreshing experience. The environment allows for meaningful, one-on-one time with brands, creating space for real conversations, thoughtful questions, and stronger relationship building. The overall atmosphere is welcoming, collaborative, and genuinely supportive of the pet specialty community. It’s an event that prioritizes connection and quality interactions".

Jennifer Murray

“One of the qualities that makes Connect stand out is its accessibility. The show operates without membership fees, making it easier for new entrepreneurs and emerging brands to enter the market and present their ideas alongside more established companies. This open structure encourages innovation and provides smaller businesses with a platform to introduce new concepts to retailers.”

Riley Card

"Connect Pet Expo was a great experience for us, especially being a newer business. It was really well organized, and we were able to make some strong connections with retailers that actually made sense for us. Overall, it felt like a show that delivered real value and helped us keep building momentum."

Connect:

A B2B pet trade event celebrating the Canadian pet industry hosted and created with a team that is 100% built with individuals and vendors from the Canadian Pet Industry.

Buddy Belts

Buddy Belts

September 27, 20241 min read

Buddy Belts

"It all began in the summer of 1997 when a miniature dachshund named Buddy came into our life. At just over a year old, we never could have imagined how he would quickly become the inspiration and star of the Buddy Belt brand."

– Roxanne Pettipas, Founder, CEO & Buddy’s Mom– Johnny Haslam, Co-Founder, Intl Liaison Officer & Buddy’s Dad

What started as a journey to better the life of one little dog, turned into the beginnings of a global brand. Buddy Belts was officially presented to the public at the PET Expo in Toronto, Canada in November 2001. Since then, Buddy Belt products have amassed steadfast loyal fans around the world and the BB Brand and company continues to grow.

The design features one buckle like traditional collars, but with one major difference – The Buddy Belt is a harness that hugs your pet's chest and fastens between the shoulder blades rather than around the neck. The streamlined design has no excess material, allowing for a low-cut neckline that prevents the harness from riding up near your pet’s throat. Two secure arm loops and a single strap allowed for a simple step-in design that is easy to use and doesn’t need to go over your pet's head.

For more information on Buddy Belts Click Here

Buddy Belts

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