Grow. Innovate. Connect.
Thank You for an Incredible CONNECT 2026
Thank you to the retailers, groomers, distributors, manufacturers, service providers, and pet professionals who joined us March 4 and 5, 2026 at CONNECT in Niagara Falls.
Over two incredible days, the Canadian pet industry came together to share ideas, discover new products, attend education sessions, and build the relationships that continue to move our industry forward. From the busy show floor to the CONNECT Tool Box vendors and networking events, the energy and collaboration made this year’s event truly special.
CONNECT has always been built by pet professionals for pet professionals, and it is your participation, passion, and commitment to the industry that make the event what it is.
Thank you for being part of CONNECT. We look forward to seeing you again next year.
Paul Ford
"Connect truly delivers. It’s a standout event for high-quality conversations, intentional networking, and a genuine sense of community.
Everything runs seamlessly thanks to the Team Connect crew, who go above and beyond to support attendees. Plus, the experience is top-notch with great food, comfortable carpeted aisles, and social events that perfectly bring everyone together."
Craig MacIntyre
"An absolute success and blast at the Connect Pet Expo! Unmatched networking opportunities and such excellent energy. The professionalism and support from Grant, and his team at Connect make it a perfect venue and experience to connect with new prospects, educate for stronger retail, and catch up with current and old partners. Highly recommend for anyone in the Pet Industry sector to attend."
Codie Bonner
"Connect Pet Expo offers a truly valuable and refreshing experience. The environment allows for meaningful, one-on-one time with brands, creating space for real conversations, thoughtful questions, and stronger relationship building. The overall atmosphere is welcoming, collaborative, and genuinely supportive of the pet specialty community. It’s an event that prioritizes connection and quality interactions".
Jennifer Murray
“One of the qualities that makes Connect stand out is its accessibility. The show operates without membership fees, making it easier for new entrepreneurs and emerging brands to enter the market and present their ideas alongside more established companies. This open structure encourages innovation and provides smaller businesses with a platform to introduce new concepts to retailers.”
Connect:
A B2B pet trade event celebrating the Canadian pet industry hosted and created with a team that is 100% built with individuals and vendors from the Canadian Pet Industry.
Where Live Animals Create Real Connections
Why Live Animal Specialists Still Matter to Pet Retail
In an era of convenience, subscriptions, and endless online choice, one thing continues to pull customers into pet specialty stores in person: live animals. Whether it is vibrant tropical fish, curious reptiles, colorful birds, or small animals, live departments create energy, conversation, and loyalty that simply cannot be replicated online.
At CONNECT, specialty vendors like Aquatic Imports and Fish and Bird Emporium highlight why live animal expertise remains a powerful draw for independent pet retailers.
Live Animals Create Experience, Not Just Transactions
Live animals transform a store from a shopping stop into a destination. Customers linger longer, return more often, and build trust with retailers who can offer knowledge alongside healthy, well cared for animals.
Retailers with strong live animal programs often see:
Increased repeat visits from hobbyists and families
Higher basket value through food, habitat, and care products
Deeper customer loyalty driven by education and expertise
Stronger differentiation from mass and online retailers
Fish tanks invite calm and curiosity. Birds create sound and movement. Reptiles spark questions. Small animals encourage connection. Together, they create an experience that keeps customers coming back.
Aquatic Imports. Variety That Drives Passion
Aquatic Imports (established 2008) brings depth and diversity to the aquatic category, supplying retailers with an impressive range of tropical fish, invertebrates, corals, aquatic plants, amphibians, and reptiles. Their focus on quality livestock and unique species supports retailers who want to stand out and serve serious hobbyists while still welcoming newcomers.
For stores looking to elevate their aquatic department, access to specialty livestock helps position them as trusted destinations rather than commodity sellers.
Fish and Bird Emporium. Ethical Care and Retailer Confidence
Fish and Bird Emporium (established 1984) has built its reputation around responsible sourcing, animal health, and long term partnerships with pet retailers. Their wide selection includes tropical and pond fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, small animals, aquatic plants, and live feeders.
Their philosophy emphasizes proper care, sustainability, and consistency, values that increasingly resonate with today’s pet consumers. Retailers benefit not only from product access, but from confidence in how those animals are raised, handled, and supported.
Why This Matters at CONNECT
CONNECT brings together vendors who understand that the future of pet retail is rooted in experience, education, and trust. Specialty live animal suppliers like Aquatic Imports and Fish and Bird Emporium help retailers build departments that feel alive, engaging, and worth the visit.
For retailers attending CONNECT, these vendors offer inspiration, opportunity, and practical pathways to strengthen live animal programs and deepen customer relationships.
If you are looking to add energy to your store, create meaningful customer connections, and stand apart in a competitive market, specialty live animal vendors are a powerful place to start.
Visit them at CONNECT:
2026 Exhibitors
