Cats, dogs steal the show in Halloween costumes in Ho Chi Minh City

Super Pet Fest 2026 officially opened at the Ho Chi Minh City Labor Culture Palace at noon on Saturday, drawing a large crowd of pet lovers.

Border Collie takes top prize at Pet Super Star Contest

One of the event's highlights was a pet costume contest that drew considerable attention from the audience.

After advancing through an online selection round, 13 finalists took to the stage with their owners in Halloween-inspired costumes.

The pets delivered lively performances on stage and were judged on three criteria: physical condition, costumes and stage performance.

The physical condition category was included to encourage owners to prioritize their pets' health rather than focus solely on appearance.

Under the contest rules, judges' scores accounted for 50 percent of the final results, while the remaining 50 percent came from audience votes. Spectators could vote for their favorite dogs or cats by scanning a QR code.

The top prize went to Huy Cong's Border Collie, followed by VT Kim Thao's Poodle in second place and Tuan Dat's Poodle in third. An Nguyen's Persian cat received an honorable mention, while the special award for dedicated pet ownership went to Pi Po Min, a Corgi.

Pet love comes with responsibility

The event is part of the Pet Health Vietnam 2026 series, with support from the Vietnam Small Animal Veterinary Association, the American Feed Industry Association and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Held under the theme 'Love Them Right,' Super Pet Fest 2026 aims to raise pet owners' awareness of animal nutrition, health and behavior. 

It promotes the idea that loving pets means more than simply showing affection. It starts with understanding their needs and choosing appropriate ways to care for them.

The event also seeks to promote responsible pet ownership.

A range of activities were held during the festival. Dr. Ngo Hong Phuong from the Department of Nutrition at Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry shared advice on nutrition and key considerations when raising dogs and cats. 

Veterinarian Cao Nam An discussed the journey of caring for pets, while veterinarian Pham Quoc Anh Minh helped owners understand their pets' communication signals, behavior and body language. 

The program also included practical demonstrations of pet massage techniques.

Arati Shroff, U.S. deputy consul general in Ho Chi Minh City, emphasized the importance of nutrition to pets' health and quality of life. Choosing the right food helps animals maintain energy levels, healthy digestion and good physical condition.

She praised cooperation between Vietnamese veterinary associations and experts and the U.S. animal feed industry in promoting science-based pet care practices.

Le Quang Thong, vice president of the Vietnam Association of Veterinary Science and Technology, said pets were increasingly becoming beloved members of many families, bringing joy and emotional companionship.

However, he stressed that affection must go hand in hand with responsible care. This includes providing proper nutrition, ensuring a suitable living environment, monitoring pets' health, and meeting the physical and emotional needs of each species.

Pet owners should also follow public safety rules, maintain hygiene and ensure their pets are fully vaccinated, particularly against rabies.