The Pet Paradise Asia 2007 expo opened in pavilion W5 of the New International Expo Center to commercial representatives early on Thursday, and to the public on Saturday for a second two-day run.

When Shanghaiist dropped by yesterday afternoon, the place was hopping — booths retailing pet supplies and giving away samples, a dog show, and plenty of pet fans eager to pet anything furry and barking/meowing. Most of the exhibitors were targeting dog and cat owners, but we also ran across a chinchilla and rabbit booth, a ferret booth, and a Japanese importer of exotic beetles. Despite the ban on bringing pets due to fears of animal attacks, there were more than a handful of proud pet-owners parading around with their "children" in tow and enough pet-able animals on display to keep us entertained for a couple of hours.

This is a good place to take the kids for a fun morning or afternoon, but hurry because today is the last day. And unlike that other show, they won't care what language you're speaking or want to know what color underwear you've got on.

Pet Paradise Asia 2007 is being held 9am-5pm at the Shanghai New International Expo Center, located at 2345 Longyang Road about one block from the Longyang Rd subway station. Tickets cost RMB 50 per person at the door.

This week's Adoptable Pet from Second Chance Animal Aid, Shanghaiist's adopted animal charity. From the SCAA:

Bitsy is an eight-year-old Australian silk terrier cross. She was brought to China when her family moved here from Australia and unfortunately, the family had to return to Australia unexpectedly soon after arriving in Shanghai. Australia has a strict pet import regulation (six months quarantine!) so the family made the tough decision to leave their dear old lady behind.
Bitsy is a family dog, but due to her age she is a bit impatient with young kids and strangers who try to grab her. She would do great with a couple or a family with older kids.

She's very healthy, spayed, vaccinated and recently had her teeth cleaned; Bitsy just needs to find a good home to give her a second chance to be a loving member of a family.

Second Chance Animal Aid (SCAA) is a private, non-profit organization and a community passionate about animals. SCAA promotes pet adoption with twice monthly adoption days and a foster care program (but it is not a shelter). You can help! Adopt a pet, become a foster parent or participate in SCAA's many great events. Go to www.scaashanghai.org to learn more. Shanghaiist is an official media partner of SCAA.