General Instructions: Companion Animal Show
Show Procedure:
- Exhibitors must be present at time of showing. Animals must be housed in a cage at all times of the show unless asked to remove them by the judge. 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. Following the presentation, exhibitors will be interviewed on knowledge of their animal and its care.
- The Judge Will Evaluate the Participant on the Following Basis:
- Animal health and wellbeing-35 points
- Cage evaluation (appropriateness of travel housing as well as description of everyday housing)-25 points
- Overall knowledge and presentation skills-40 points
- See 4-H companion Animal Judging Sheet for more complete breakdown of points available.
- Participant should bring animal, adequate cage and accessories, completed health certificate for cats and ferrets, and pictures of normal habitat if appropriate.
Housing:
- Cats: Cats must be brought in durable plastic or wire carriers (not cardboard). Cats will remain in carriers or other appropriate cage provided by the exhibitor except for when being judged. The exhibitor may provide food, water, and litter for the cat in the carrier if necessary. Exhibitors may want to provide a cover for the carrier to prevent their cat from seeing other cats. ALL CATS MUST BE SHOWN ON A LEASH and be on a leash at any time they are removed from the carrier/cage.
- Other Animals: All other animals should be brought in appropriate housing either their normal cage or a durable plastic or wire travel cage (not cardboard). Cages must be secure. Exhibitors should provide water and food for all animals as appropriate. If a cage/enclosure is deemed inappropriate by the show superintendent, the exhibitor will now be allowed to show.
Health & Vaccinations: All animals should be free of fleas, ticks, ear mites, ringworm, any internal parasite and infectious disease. If any signs of these external parasites or other contagious health conditions are presented, exhibitors will be asked to leave without being allowed into the show area. It is highly recommended that a veterinary check is performed or preventative measures are taken prior to the show to ensure the animal is free of external parasites. ALL DECISIONS OF SHOW OFFICIALS ARE FINAL. If an animal shows the possibility of being contagious, it will be considered a danger to the other animals in the show and will not be allowed to show. Animals that pose a danger to others will not be allowed in the building.
- Cats: Cats are required to be current on their vaccinations of rabies, distemper, panleucopenia, viral rhinotracheitis and calicivirus. Proof of vaccination must be submitted with the fair pre-registration. Participants should have their veterinarian fill out and sign the “Nebraska State Fair Cat/Ferret Vaccination Record Form” SF262-Cat-Ferret-Vaccination-Certification-Form Updated.pdf. Exhibitors will not be allowed to show without a signed Vaccination Form. 4-H’ers vaccinating their own cats must provide proof including a statement from their vet on the Vaccination Record form or by including the vaccination labels on the form and having it signed by a parent. 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. If a cat is not declawed, the claws must be clipped. This will be a point of judging during the competition.
- Ferrets: Ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies and have a completed health form signed by the administering veterinarian submitted with the fair pre-registration SF262-Cat-Ferret-Vaccination-Certification-Form Updated.pdf.
- Mother Animals: No expectant or nursing mother animals may be entered in the show.
Number of Entries: An exhibitor may make no more than one entry per class with a maximum of four entries total.
Age of Animals: All animals must be weaned prior to show. Minimum age of animals to be shown:
- Cats: 4 months
- Ferrets: 4 months
- Chinchillas: 7 weeks
- Guinea pigs: 4 weeks
- Gerbils, hamsters mice, rats: 4 weeks
- Hedgehogs: 5 weeks
- Pet rabbits: 9 weeks
Dress Code: Dress code for this show is stated in the general instructions. 4-H’ers will be judged on the neatness of their appearance. This includes but is not limited to; shirt tucked in, appropriate size of clothing, tied shoe laces, etc. Individuals not meeting these requirements will be lowered one (1) ribbon placing in showmanship.
Required Poster for ALL Pets: County Fair requires a poster, related to the companion animal shown for classes 900-910. Poster should be the size of one full standard poster (should not exceed 22” X 28”). Poster should be presented at time of animal judging and will be judged on quality of the poster, accuracy of information provided, and ability of the exhibitor to explain the information and answer judge’s questions.
Division 100
Class G100900 Cat
Class G100901 Pet Rabbit
Class G100902 Ferret
Class G100903 Chinchilla
Class G100904 Guinea Pig
Class G100905 Gerbil
Class G100906 Hamster
Class G100907 Mouse
Class G100908 Rat
Class G100909 Hedgehog
Class G100910 Other Small Pet not listed
Class G100911 Poster Can include entries covering any companion animal (including reptiles, companion birds, or others). Exhibitors should make a poster with information on the proper care of a companion animal that they are not showing in another class of the Companion Animal Show. Poster should be the size of one full standard poster (should not exceed 22” X 28”). Exhibitors must be present at time of judging and will be judged on quality of the poster, accuracy of information provided, and ability of the exhibitor to explain the information and answer judge’s questions.