DEPARTMENT SMALL ANIMALS
Judge: Megan Dugan
Co-Superintendents: Suellen Koepke & Sheree Slagle
Assistant Superintendents: Marisalynn Koepke & Brenna Vang
SMALL ANIMAL PET SHOW RULES
- Projects that are eligible for the Small Animal Pet exhibits include: gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, tropical fish, parakeets, cockatiel and other birds, turtles, amphibians, cats, etc. Dogs, rabbits, pigeons, and poultry will not be eligible for these classes. 4-H entries must be made according to the printed 2026 Custer County Fair Premium Book and entered online by 5:00 p.m. on June 26. Instructions for online entries will be emailed to 4-H families on approximately May 15. The Nebraska Certificate of Vaccination must be turned in to the Extension Office by 5:00 p.m. on June 26 for all cats, dogs, and ferrets that will be shown. Please turn in the original vaccination form with original signatures - no photocopies or email copies. One form is available for dogs and another form is available for cats and ferrets. This form is available at the Extension Office. (See more information below.) Please indicate what type of small animal you will be exhibiting when making the entry online.
- One entry per class. Exhibitors who are entered with 4-H and FFA exhibits must not show the same pet in both 4-H and FFA.
- The 4-H Small Animal Pet Show will be held on Sunday, July 26, 5:00 p.m. at Shooting Sports Building (Building 18), directly west of the Grandstand. Exhibitors must register 4:30-4:45 p.m. An exhibit is composed of the animal(s) and cage or tank. Each exhibitor is required to furnish their own cage or tank, and a carpet square or mat for the animal to be shown on. All cats must have a collar and be on a leash. The exhibit can contain from one to five animals. Exhibitors are discouraged from entering pets that are aggressive or have a bad disposition.
- Showmanship Classes: The exhibit will be judged as a whole; both animal(s) and the facility in which they are displayed will be considered during the judging of the exhibit. The following criteria will be considered in the judging of the exhibits: health and cleanliness of the animal, condition of cage, safety of display, appropriate environment, general knowledge about their pet, and how the exhibitor presents the pet to the public. Exhibitors will come before the judge individually and be asked to speak on the microphone and tell the audience about their pet; what is the pet's name, what does the pet eat, what are the pet's habits, etc. Each exhibitor will also be asked an impromptu question to test their knowledge of their pet.
- Pet Classes: The following criteria will be considered in the judging of the exhibits: health and cleanliness of the animal, condition of cage, safety of display, and appropriate environment.
- Showmanship Classes and Pet Classes may be judged at the same time, according to the judge’s preference.
- Health: Animals shall be free of fleas, ticks, ear mites, lice, any internal and external parasites, ringworm, and/or infectious diseases. Any animal showing signs of parasites or disease will not be judged and will be asked to leave the show. If animals are not declawed, the claws must be clipped. Exhibitors are discouraged from entering expectant or nursing mothers.
H. Vaccinations:
*** The Nebraska Certificate of Vaccination must be turned in to the Extension Office by 5:00 p.m. on June 26 for all cats, dogs, and ferrets that will be shown***. Please turn in the original vaccination form with original signatures - no photocopies or email copies. This form is available at the Extension Office.
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. Proof of vaccinations must be turned in to the Extension Office by 5:00 p.m. on June 26. Participants should have their veterinarian fill out and sign the “Nebraska Cat/Ferret Vaccination Record Form”. Please turn in the original vaccination form with original signatures - no photocopies or email copies. Exhibitors will not be allowed to show without a signed Vaccination Record Form.
Ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies and have a completed health form signed by the administering veterinarian and turned in to the Extension Office by 5:00 p.m. on June 26. A rabies vaccination is federally mandated to be given by a Certified Veterinarian ONLY. This vaccination must be current and include a veterinarian signature on the Vaccination Record Form. Please turn in the original vaccination form with original signatures - no photocopies or email copies.
I. Exhibitors are expected to clean-up after their pet. This includes all areas while on the fairgrounds.
J. Exhibitors are required to wear a white shirt/blouse with a 4-H chevron or a Custer County 4-H T-shirt and blue jeans during the show.
Ribbons P. B. R. W.
$1.25 $1.00 $.75 $.50
SHOWMANSHIP
CLASS G679001 Senior Showmanship (12 years & over before January 1)
CLASS G679002 Junior Showmanship (8-11 years old before January 1)
PET CLASSES
CLASS G680001 Small Animal Pet Show Entry - Cat
CLASS G680002 Small Animal Pet Show Entry - Other Small Pet
CLASS G680003 An article made for your pet. Examples include pet beds, feed/water dishes, collars, toys, mazes, cage/bowl, etc. Be creative!
Enter these exhibits on Wednesday, July 22. Interview judging will be held at the 4-H Exhibit Hall, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.