Companion Animal
Division 95
The Companion Animal Show will be on Monday at 8:00 a.m. in Sandford Hall.
Class 1 Cat
Class 2 Guinea Pig
Class 4 Ferret
Class 5 Reptile
Class 6 Misc. Small Animals – Animal type must be approved by show superintendents by July 1. Additional
Paperwork may be required.
Clover Kid Companion Animal Showmanship
Division 96
Clover Kid showmen are encouraged to be enrolled in the 4-H Clover Kid Program.
Class 6 Clover Kid Companion Animal Showmanship
Show Info:
- Only those animals listed above will be allowed to show in the companion animal show unless approved by Superintendents by July 1.
- NUMBER OF ENTRIES PER EXHIBITOR: An exhibitor may make no more than one entry per class with a maximum of three entries total.
- Multiple exhibitors cannot show the same animal, the only exception is for the Clover Kid Group.
- Any class with less than 3 entries will be combined into one “other companion animal” class.
- Show order: Clover Kid, Cat, Guinea Pig, Pet Rabbit, Ferret, Reptile, Other.
- Entries in the 4-H Companion Animal Show are judged on the overall health and appearance of the animal, and the exhibitor’s presentation and knowledge of the animal; not judged according to breed standards. Mixed breed animals can be entered and identification is not required.
- Rabbits shown in the pet rabbit class cannot be shown in the Fair 4-H rabbit show.
- Animals must be housed in a cage at all times of the show unless asked to remove them by the judge.
- 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.
- HEALTH & VACCINATIONS: All animals should be free of fleas, ticks, ear mites, ringworm, any internal and external 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 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 sent in with registration. 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 submitted with registration information. 4-H’ers vaccinating their own cats must provide proof by 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. No expectant or nursing mother animals may be entered in the show.
- 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: recommended to wear dark jeans, hard soled shoes, and county issued fair shirt.
- Awards: Each class will award a Junior Project Winner and a Senior Project Winner rosette. Each project winner will compete for Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show Companion Animal.