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AWARDS:
Purple - $5.00 Blue -$4.00
Red - $3.00 White - $2.00
Companion Animal Resources: https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/companion-animal-program/
GENERAL RULES
- ELIGIBILITY: The exhibitor must be currently enrolled in the 4-H Cat or Household Pet/Small Animal Project. Rabbits shown in the Pet Rabbit Class cannot be shown in Meat Rabbit division.
- NUMBER OF ENTRIES: An exhibitor may make no more than one entry per class.
- HEALTH & VACCINATIONS: All animals must be weaned prior to show. All animals should be free of fleas, ticks, ear mites, ringworm, any internal and external parasite, and infectious disease. Any animal showing signs of sickness, disease, or parasite infestation will be eliminated from the show and must be removed from the fairgrounds. Animals that pose a danger to others will not be allowed in the building. Ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies and have a completed health form signed by the administering veterinarian submitted with registration information. Cats are required to be current on their vaccinations of Rabies, panleukopenia, viral rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus. Cats must either have a current feline leukemia vaccination or proof of a negative test within 180 days of the show. Participants should have their veterinarian fill out and sign the “Nebraska State Fair Cat/Ferret Vaccination Record Form”. If a cat is not declawed, the claws must be clipped. This will be a point of judging during the competition. No expectant or nursing mother animals may be entered in the show.
- SHOW PROCEDURE: Animals must be housed in a cage at all times of the show unless asked to remove them by the judge. Cats must be brought in durable plastic or wire carriers (not cardboard). Cats will remain in carriers, or another appropriate cage provided by the exhibitor except for when being judged. ALL CATS MUST BE SHOWN ON A LEASH and be on a leash at any time they are removed from the carrier/cage. If being shown in a travel cage, exhibitors should bring photographs of the animal’s normal habitat. Each exhibitor will be asked to give a short “showmanship” presentation on their animal. The characteristics, health, and care of the animal should be provided in this presentation. Participants should bring animal, adequate cage, and accessories, completed health certificates for ferrets, and pictures of normal habitat, if appropriate. The judge will evaluate the participant on the following basis: knowledge of the project - 45 points, interview - 20 points, health of the animal - 20, and cage and appropriate housing - 15 points.
- DRESS CODE - Exhibitors are required to wear a plain white shirt or blouse with a 4-H emblem (no county identification) or a local County T-Shirt. Long jeans/pants are required for cat, dog, and small pet exhibitors. Exhibitors are required to wear closed toe shoes with non-slip soles. No hats, caps or other types of headgear are to be worn in the show ring. Exhibitors shall not display local, county, commercial or other identification while showing their animals-except official 4-H and show ID tag. 4-Her’s will be judged on the neatness of their appearance. This includes, but is not limited to, shirt tucked in, appropriate size of clothing, tied shoelaces, etc. Individuals not meeting these requirements will be lowered one (1) ribbon placing in showmanship.
CLASSES
G100001 Cat (Minimum age 4 months)
G100002 Pet Rabbit (Minimum age 9 weeks)
G100003 Ferret, Chinchilla, Guinea pig, Hedgehog (Minimum age 12 weeks ferret, 7 weeks chinchilla, 4 weeks, guinea pig, and 5 weeks hedgehog)
G100006 Gerbil, Hamster, Mouse, Rat (Minimum age 4 weeks)
G100012L Reptiles, Fish, and Amphibians
G100014L Birds (Pigeons, Parakeets, Canary, etc.)
G100015L Companion Animal Showmanship - Junior (8-11)
G100016L Companion Animal Showmanship - Intermediate (12-13)
G100017L Companion Animal Showmanship - Senior (14 and up)
BEST DRESSED PET
(No premium in BLAINE County.)
G100013L Best Dressed Pet (may include dog, cat, rabbit, or poultry)