YOUR GUIDE TO THE
PAWS & CLAWS PET SHOW
Welcome! We are thrilled to be returning for another massive, annual Paws & Claws Pet Show on Saturday, November 8th!
TICKETS HERE
This guide will walk you through how everything works :)
WHAT IS PAWS & CLAWS ANYWAY?
The Paws & Claws Pet Show is an all-day 18+ human pet and handler charity event, this year benefitting Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE). 100% of our profits will be donated!
What Can I Do At Paws & Claws?
You have TWO choices. You can either:
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Attend as a Participant to compete with or without a Handler in 7 different show events for a chance to win ribbons.
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Attend as a Spectator to watch the show while enjoying a day of community and fun! Think of it like a big pet play picnic at a dog show!
What if I'm a Handler?
Handlers should purchase a "Handler/Spectator" ticket. If your pet/s are Participants, you will be able to participate with them during most of the show events.
How Much Are Tickets?
Tickets are $25 for Participants and $20 for Spectators (plus fees). We have low income options upon direct request for those in financial need. You can also opt to donate more if you have the means. Additional donations will be split 50/50 between A4TE and our venue, Alfheim Society, who generously welcome us for free.
All Tickets Include:
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Immersive Vet & Grooming Stations
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An open "park" pet mosh area (pet play focus, no sexual play)
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A day of pet play fun
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Heated pool after-chill. Clothing optional hang - not a play party.
Participant tickets must be purchased if you want to compete in the show events.
HOW DO I COMPETE IN THE SHOW? CAN ANYONE COMPETE?
Human animals of all "species" are welcome to compete - not just pups! There is even a "Non-Pup" Best in Show ribbon!
If you are a human animal who wishes to compete, simply purchase a Participant ticket! These are limited to 25 spots.
If you have a Handler, they will purchase a Spectator/Handler ticket. You do NOT need to have a Handler in order to compete. If you want a Handler but don't have one, we will connect you with a volunteer.
We recommend checking out the Vet & Grooming Stations once you check in (at 9am) so you can be pampered before the show starts!
DO I HAVE TO COMPETE IN EVERY EVENT?
No! :) Although we encourage Participants to enjoy trying out all the show events, you are not required to compete in all of them if you don't want to.
There are 1st/2nd/3rd awards for each individual event, and you will still be in the running for the big ribbons (it is possible to win) if you choose to opt out of certain events.
OUR JUDGES:
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TBA
OUR MC THIS YEAR is LA Pup 2020-21, Pup Star Orion.
WHERE AND WHEN IS IT? IS THERE A SCHEDULE?
The Paws & Claws Pet Show is on Saturday, November 8th at Alfhiem, a private residence and community space.
ADDRESS:
9540 Burnet Ave
North Hills, CA 91343
PARKING is street and unmetered.
ACCESS:
Make sure you close the main gate behind you when you enter the property. You will see our check-in table to the left of the house, and you will enter via the left side gate next to the house. Please do not enter the front door.
Our arena is built on the residence's tennis court, which we outfit with puzzle mats and soft fake grass where the Participants will compete. This creates a grass-allergy-free, padded event space for play.
There are friendly bio-dogs on the property. They will be kept away from our arena, but you will encounter them when going to the bathroom.
We will ask that you arrive in vanilla-friendly clothing and change once on-site.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS:
Bathrooms are wheelchair accessible. There is one step leading from the back door to the backyard. The side yard will be opened for non-stair access.
Here is the "ruff" schedule of events:
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9am: Participant Check-Ins, Vet & Grooming Experience Stations Open
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9:30am: General Check-In Open
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10am: Show Begins with Presentation Event
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11am: Cattle Drive Event
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12pm: Tracking Event
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1pm: ON-SITE LUNCH BREAK
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"Pup-Up" Food Vendor TBA
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2pm: Agility Event
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3pm: Search & Rescue Event
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4pm: Protection Event
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5pm: Dock Diving Event in the Heated Pool
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6pm: Awards Ceremony
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6:30pm: ON-SITE DINNER BREAK FOR THOSE STAYING
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Provided Pizza, Donations Appreciated
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7pm-12am: After-chill
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Expect chill heated pool hang vibes. Clothing optional, but not a play party.
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WHAT ARE YOUR COVID & SAFETY POLICIES?
COVID-19
We require the following:
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Proof of most recent Covid shot OR recent negative test (can be home test within 12 hours).
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We do NOT have tests on site right now due to changes in supplier availability. If you have insurance, it may cover tests through Walgreens.
We will accept physical vaccination cards, digital vaccination cards, a photo of your card, or a screenshot of your vaccination record. Your test can be shown via bringing the physical test or a photo. All of our staff and volunteers will also be vaccinated or tested.
Mask Policy:
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Our event takes place primarily in a large, open-air, outdoor space.
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Masks are recommended, but not required.
Do NOT arrive sick or knowingly exposed - please get a refund. If you are sick, you will be asked to leave with no refund.
GENERAL SAFETY
We will have a first aid kit on-site. Vixen, our Co-Founder, is CPR Certified. But there is no lifeguard on site.
You will be required to sign a waiver and assume all personal risks associated with participating in the physically active play and events.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
IF YOU ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE SHOW
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Knee Pads (sleeve-style recommended) and Padded Gloves (mitts or fingerless MMA style)
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Simple Intro and <2 minutes Obedience routine
EVERYONE
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Photo ID
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Covid vax proof or negative test
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Ticket on your phone or name on your ticket
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Personal snacks if desired
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Cash or digital monies for our lunch vendor
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Your preferred seating (blankets, chairs, etc)
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Any weather-related accouterments (umbrellas for shade, jacket, etc!)
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Whatever makes you feel like your animal or Handler best!
Note: No outfits explicitly depicting military, police, or hate groups. You will be asked to change or possibly to leave.
PHOTO POLICY:
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Attendees who are okay with being photographed by the official Event Photographer will be given a special wristband.
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Official photos may be posted on our socials and website or used in future promotional materials.
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You may take your own personal pictures with your phone. Do not take or post photos without consent of everyone in the photo.
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If you are seen taking photos or video of individuals you do not know, we will revoke your photo privileges and will ask you to leave if you do not cease.
Below, you can read descriptions of each show event. Many will have a brief demo before the event begins!
PRESENTATION
Each Participant is introduced and then has up to 2 minutes to perform their routine. The Participant may do this themselves, with a Handler, or the Participant can give our MC a brief written intro to read.
INTROS SHOULD INCLUDE:
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Participant's name
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Species
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Breed (if applicable)
The Participant's routine should present who they are and what they're about. This can be a trick, obedience routine, talent, or anything else!
Look your best and show off your skills! Don't be afraid to be silly, either!
POINTS FOR:
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Overall Impression
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Creativity
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Style
HANDLER OPTION: Introduce Participant, perform routine with them.
CATTLE DRIVE
A team Herding challenge. This event is timed!
There will be a marked square "pen" in the center of our arena. Participants will be paired randomly in teams of 2.
GOAL: Participants will work together to herd 3 Human Cattle into the pen. The time stops at 5 minutes, or when all 3 Cattle are herded together. Be careful, or they may escape before you can herd all 3!
HERDING METHODS: Barking, blocking, gentle nipping, nudging, etc. Pre-negotiate with the cattle if you have unusual ideas.
POINTS FOR:
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Speed
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Teamwork
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Creativity
PENALTIES:
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If Participants are unable to herd all 3 Cattle by the 3 minute mark, the time will automatically stop and penalties will be applied for each Cattle not in the pen.
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Injuries or excessive emotional distress to the Cattle will result in disqualification from the Cattle Drive event and awards such as Best in Show.
BONUS: Because they will have little time to strategize, the first team will receive a small time bonus.
HANDLER OPTION: Signal to release your pet to herd and offer encouragement.
AGILITY
This event is timed!
The Agility Course will include obstacles such as Weave Poles, Hoop Jumps, Hurdle Jumps, Pause Box, and Tunnel.
GOAL: The Participant will run the course in the correct order on all fours.
POINTS FOR:
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Speed
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Accuracy
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Style
PENALTIES: Time penalties will be applied for missed obstacles and faults such as missing a weave pole, knocking a jump, etc.
HANDLER OPTION: Handlers may run alongside and signal/guide their pet through the obstacles.
TRACKING
Put your sniffer to work in this scent work challenge! This event is timed!
The Tracking Course will be set up with 3 rows of "articles" (pillowcases/rags). Scents will be spritzed on the articles, creating paths to follow. One is the correct scent that will lead to a bunny toy the Participant is meant to track. The others will lead them astray!
GOAL: Each Participant will be given a sample of the correct scent before time starts. They will then need to follow that scent through the rows of articles. When they get to the final row, they will indicate which pillowcase they believe contains the bunny toy.
POINTS FOR:
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Speed
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Accuracy
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Style
PENALTIES:
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A time penalty will be applied every time the Participant deviates from the correct "tracking line" (aka gets one of the rows wrong).
BONUS: Participants may opt to attempt the course blindfolded for a bonus on their score.
HANDLER OPTION: Signal to release the pet to track, hold "tracking lead" (provided), offer encouragement.
PROTECTION
Test your guard animal skills!
The Participant will guard their Handler/a provided hooman from an Aggressor.
GOAL: The hooman will walk from one side of the arena to the other, stopping briefly in the middle. The Participant must protect them from all sides, never allowing the Aggressor to "tag" the hooman.
GUARDING METHODS: Barking, growling, hissing, blocking, advancing to "push" back, etc. Must be non-violent and on all fours. Do NOT make physical contact with the Aggressor!
POINTS FOR:
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Efficiency
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Nerve (Confidence)
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Style
PENALTIES:
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A point penalty will be applied every time the Aggressor "tags" the hooman.
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A point penalty will be applied if the Participant trips the hooman.
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A major point penalty will be applied if the Participant makes physical contact with the Aggressor.
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Injuries or excessive distress to the Aggressor will result in disqualification from the Protection event and awards such as Best in Show.
HANDLER OPTION: The Handler may be the person who is being guarded/protected. Can issue commands.
SEARCH & RESCUE
A special service-type challenge! This event is timed!
The Course will be set up like a wreckage, with a hooman trapped in the debris! Worse yet, the Rescuer will be blindfolded.
GOAL: Participants must first locate the trapped hooman and then lead the Rescuer to save them. Time stops when the trapped hooman is free!
POINTS FOR:
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Speed
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Safety & Care
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Creativity
PENALTIES:
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Time penalties will be applied if the Rescuer runs into any of the debris obstacles.
HANDLER OPTION: The Handler may opt to be either the trapped hooman or the Rescuer.
DOCK DIVING
GOAL: Participants will jump into the deep end of a heated pool to catch a water toy with their paws!
POINTS FOR:
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Catch Accuracy
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Splash
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Style
HANDLER OPTION: Throw the toy for their pet to catch.
The pool is clothing optional. JUMP SAFELY!
WHAT AWARDS CAN I WIN?
Just like any real pet show, we will have ribbons and special awards that you can win! The awards are:
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1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place for All Individual Events
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Audience Choice Award
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Creature Spirit Award
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Best Handler
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Best in Show (Pup)
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Best in Show (Non-Pup)
WHAT ARE THE VET & GROOMING STATIONS?
Think of them like specialized pet play taster booths meant to recreate things that a pet could do at a real pet show. They are available to EVERYONE, including Spectators!
How Long will Each Experience Last?
Approximately 5-10 minutes.
When Can I Visit the Stations?
The stations will be open from 9AM-10AM before the show begins, as well as periodically throughout the show.
They will not be open during the after-chill.
What's the GROOMING STATION?
Get pampered like the Best in Show Animal that you are with a trip to the groomers!
You'll begin by completing a "7-Point Check" form to tell the Groomers what activities and touch you consent to, any sensitivities for them to accommodate, and more.
Then prepare for a fun, relaxing sensory experience at the groomers'. Don't worry, you won't have to get wet!
Activity Options Include:
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Sensory Waterless* Bath/Brush Massage
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Bubble Machine
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Grooming Lead Option
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Can Include Soft Brushes, Massage Rollers, & More
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Wet Wipe "Paw Cleanse"
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*Mister Bath Option
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Blow Dry or Towel Dry
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Fresh Pet Scent Spray
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Multiple scents and natural ingredients to choose from
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Fresh Breath Mint
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Bow/Bandana Finish
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Many color & pattern options!
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What's the VET STATION?
Go through a fun, non-invasive medical "check-up" to earn a certified bill of health!
To ensure a positive experience, this station has THREE LEVELS OF INTENSITY, ranging from gentle and positive to a little rough and lightly humiliating. You will be able to select your desired level and activities, as well as express what touch you consent to and any sensitivities you have, on an "Intake Sheet" before the experience.
Activity Options Include:
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Checking ears, nose, eyes, mouth, tail, paws, and heart
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Reflex test
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Non-invasive temperature check
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Simulated shot (no needles)
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"Medicine" Adminstration (tic tacs)
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Cone of Shame
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Vet Wrap for "sore spots"
EXPERIENCE STATIONS FAQ:
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Do I have to participate in all the stations' activities?
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NO! The 7-Point Check & Intake Form are meant as negotiation worksheets, where you can select what activities you are and are not okay with, as well as any alterations you want to request as accommodation. You do NOT have to do all the activity options.
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Can my Handler help groom me / assist with my vet visit?
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YES! Just let the volunteers know, and they will negotiate with your Handler to include them in the experience.
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Can I tip the station volunteers?
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YES! We will have jars for cash tips that also list their preferred electronic pay method. Tipping is appreciated, but not mandatory.
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Can I bring my own things to be groomed or "checked" with?
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You may bring things, but whether or not they may be used is up to the volunteers' discretion.