Small animal show checklist

A small animal show needs more than cages and judging tables. You have to process the animal list, confirm judges, register participants and create a layout that keeps visitors, volunteers and animals moving safely. This checklist puts the work in a workable order, from confirming the venue and sending invitations to checking cages and caring for animals on the day. Use it to spot the details that are easy to leave until the last minute.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Confirm location and date
Send invitations
2 people
Register participants
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Process the animal list
2 people
Confirm judges
Make reservations
Set up the floor plan
2 people
Set the cage layout
2 people
Schedule volunteers
Print race rules
Prepare name badges
2 people
Make cage numbers
2 people
Confirm participants
Print price lists
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people

Event

Open venue
2 people
Set up tables
4 people
Place cages
6 people
Check the cages for safety
3 people
Register animals
4 people
Care for the animals
4 people
Set up judging tables
3 people
Set up the registration desk
2 people
Set up catering
3 people
Welcome visitors
3 people
Animal inspections
4 people
Announce the program
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Check animals and cages
3 people
Present prizes
3 people
Let visitors out
2 people
Return animals
4 people

Aftercare

Empty the cages
5 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Collect waste
3 people
Clean the venue
5 people
Sort materials
3 people
Return rented items
2 people
Send out the results

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 40
Registration desk
Judging tablesqty 4
Bollardsqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 4
Rabbit cagesqty 30
Cages for rodentsqty 20
Bird cagesqty 15

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Coffee potsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6
Scalesqty 3
Microphone
Speaker
Flashlightsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 4
Scissorsqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Pitcherqty 4

Decorations

Welcome sign
Information boardsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 12
Price listsqty 4
Name badgesqty 50
Cage number cardsqty 70
Pensqty 30
Notepadsqty 10
Prize rosettesqty 20
Certificatesqty 20

Cleaning

Vacuum cleaner
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Hand sanitizer bottlesqty 4
Poop scoopsqty 3
Rubber glovesqty 12
Hand sanitizer stationsqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Cable reelsqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the registration deadline at least 7 days before the show. You need time to process the animal list, prepare name badges and make cage numbers before setup begins.
Create the floor plan before arranging tables and cages. Leave clear routes between the registration table, judging tables and animal areas, and keep extension cords out of walking paths.
Confirm judges and volunteer shifts at least 14 days ahead. Assign separate people for registration, animal care, judging-table support and refreshments so one delay does not affect the whole show.
Check every cage for sharp edges, loose doors and stability before an animal is registered. Prepare rabbit, rodent and bird cages in their assigned positions, then label each one before arrivals begin.
Finish printed materials and refreshments the day before. Print the rules and prize lists, chill drinks, prepare snacks and charge or test the microphone, speaker and other powered equipment before opening the venue.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a small animal show?: Start planning at least 6 to 8 weeks before the show. Confirm the venue and date first, then allow time for invitations, participant registration, animal-list processing, judge confirmation and volunteer scheduling.
When should small animal show entries close?: Close entries about 7 days before the event. That gives you enough time to check the animal list, confirm participants, make cage numbers and prepare the judging paperwork.
How many volunteers do I need for a small animal show?: Plan for at least 4 distinct roles: registration, animal care, judging support and refreshments or general help. Add people for larger entry lists or whenever one volunteer would otherwise have to leave an animal area unattended.
What should I do the day before a small animal show?: Complete the shopping, chill drinks, prepare snacks, print the rules and prize lists, and check the equipment. Also label cages, pack registration materials and review the floor plan so setup is not being improvised on the morning.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.