Superintendents: Shirley Condon, Sheri Ramirez an d Kathy White
- Check-in: Thursday, July 30, 10–11 a.m. (South Hall – Room A)
- Show: Thursday, July 30, Noon (South Hall – North End)
- Public Viewing: Approximately 2–4 p.m.
- Release Time: Thursday, July 30, at end of household pets show
HOUSEHOLD PET ENTRIES DUE ONLINE Thursday, June 18 - Wednesday, July 1, 11:59 p.m. (see Animal Exhibits under “Animal Entries Must be Submitted Online”). NO DAY OF SHOW ENTRIES
Open to 4-H members. 4-H members must be present when their exhibits are judged. Please let the superintendent know of any scheduling conflicts which arise from exhibiting other animals/projects so arrangements can be made to accommodate schedules.
Each animal should be in its own cage/habitat. Multiple animals in a single cage/habitat will be judged as 1 entry. If an animal is displayed in a travel cage, please prepare a display, such as a poster or photographs showing the animal in its normal home.
4-H members must provide their own cage/habitat. 4-H members are responsible for care of entries during fair.
Household pets do not require an identification form.
🆕 OFFICIAL 4-H ATTIRE IS REQUIRED of all 4-H members. Acceptable shirts include: white 4-H T-shirt with printed emblem OR any plain, long- or short-sleeved white shirt with official 4-H armband on left arm above elbow OR any plain, long-or short-sleeved white shirt with the 4-H chevron attached to chest. Also acceptable is the 4-H & FFA livestock exhibitor T-shirt. Jeans or long pants and closed-toe shoes (no shorts or skirts). Individuals not meeting these requirements will be lowered a ribbon placing. For concerns, contact superintendent in advance.
PLEASE — NO EXHIBITS WITH VERY YOUNG ANIMALS!
No poisonous and/or potentially dangerous non-domesticated animals can be entered.
Health requirement: all ferrets must have a copy of proof of rabies vaccination.
Judging Criteria:
- EXHIBITOR'S KNOWLEDGE OF PROJECT ANIMAL(S)
- HEALTH OF ANIMAL
- CONDITION OF CAGE OR TANK
- SAFETY OF DISPLAY
- APPROPRIATE ENVIRONMENT
🔎 MORE INFORMATION: Scoresheet judging criteria is available at 4‑H & FFA Animal Exhibits, Household Pet Resources and at the Extension office.
HOUSEHOLD PETS SHOW
- Premiums: Purple $4; Blue $3; Red $2; White $0
- Special Awards: Champion and Reserve Champion will be selected in: 1) mammals, 2) fish, reptiles/amphibians, 3) birds and 4) judge’s choice (selection not based on ribbon color or championship status)
G099001 Gerbil Display
G099002 Hamster Display
G099003 Cavy (Guinea Pig) Display
G099004 Other Mammal Display (excluding rabbits)
G099005 Tropical Fish Display
G099006 Reptile/Amphibian Display
G099007 Caged Bird Display (excluding pigeons or poultry)
G099008 Miscellaneous Animal (no pet rocks, stuffed animals, etc.)
HOUSEHOLD PETS STATIC EXHIBITS
- Static Exhibit Check-in: Tuesday, July 28, 4–8 p.m. (Ag Society Hall)
- Static Exhibits Released: Monday, Aug. 3, 7–11 a.m. (Ag Society Hall)
See 4‑H Static Exhibits for more information. Animal exhibits are in the “General Areas” and may be interview judged.
- Premiums: Purple $3; Blue $2; Red $1; White $0
- No state fair entry
G099021 Educational Poster — on any topic relating to the health, care, environment and history of any household pet in this category (do not include actual animals). Must be no larger than 22 inches x 28 inches.
G099022 Handmade Item Made by 4-H member — toys, treats, care items, cage or cage accessories to enhance your animal’s environment. Must include a 3 inch x 5 inch card listing materials or ingredients used and a short explanation of how the item enhances your pet’s health, enjoyment or environment. Exhibit will be judged on safety, appropriateness for purpose, workmanship and written explanation as detailed above.
G099023 Educational Display/Collage — 3–6 mounted photos of household pet(s) (could be 1 or more pets) on a tri-fold display board or foam core board. Must include pet(s) name, summary, interesting facts or memory. Must be animals from the household pets division. Displays can be decorated. Must be no larger than 22 inches x 28 inches.
G099024 Record Book Keeping — books will be judged on completeness. Use the “Lancaster County 4-H Household Pets Record Book.” Pick one up at the Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County office or request by emailing lancaster4h@unl.edu. 🆕