Grant and Yvonne Crossman pet lovers are the founders of the Canadian Pet Expo along with the Reptile Expo legacy. The foundation behind the events was their vision of bringing an education component to the world of pets. For over 30 years they have both been integral parts of the Canadian pet world.

Whether supporting families in researching new pet companions for their homes or advocating for pet retailers and those pet families for the past 35 years. They strive to produce events for future, past, present and those that wish to commit and share their lives for family pet companions with a focus on responsible pet companionship.

“Some of the greatest moments of the pet focused events we produce is when we see families engaging with one another doing the research to better their knowledge and in turn offering greater enrichment for their pet family member”
Grant and Yvonne Crossman 

Elizabeth has been a constant figure at both the Canadian Pet Expos and sister show, Canadian Reptile Expos, for over a decade. She started out as a reptile fan, attending Reptile Expos way back in the day when they were held in various small meeting rooms in Port Credit, then she started her own reptile business and eventually joined the Reptile Expo Team and CPE.

Still a fan of all things creepy crawly, Elizabeth switched gears and now shares her home with her favourite canine herding breeds: Skye (red merle Border-Aussie), Willow (Red Bicolour Border-Aussie) and Beryl (Australian Shepherd). Rounding out the crew are a black rescue cat (Jinx), two English Angora bunnies (Coke and Deliliah), and two Red Eared Slider Turtles living in our backyard pond. It’s busy and that’s how she likes it!

Danielle has over five years in the pet industry, beginning her time at her local Global Pet Foods, that she later went on to manage, from there she moved to managing and working in a Veterinary Office. At home, Danielle has two Bernedoodles – Guinness and Pippa, and two Maine Coons – Aspen and Phoebe!

Coming from an educational background in Events, Danielle jumped at the opportunity to become involved with the Canadian Pet Expo – she feels that there is nothing more satisfying than being able to watch a project that you have worked so hard on come to life and be enjoyed by thousands of people! Her favourite part about the Expos is getting to work alongside an incredible team and having the opportunity to connect with the various types of pet lovers that come to our shows!

Fran has been working for the Canadian Pet Expo for about 7 years and is constantly learning about new pet trends. She has 14 years’ experience with exotic animals and is currently a foster parent with her local Humane Society. She joined the CPE and has worked in a lot of different areas of the show. Currently, she is a Show Manager and looks after a lot of logistics for the show. She enjoys working with all of the people that make up the shows – the vendors and guests that come through the gates!

Fran wishes she was as laid back as her dog, who doesn’t worry about much as long as he has dinner and a comfortable place to sleep! However, when he needs to work, he goes all out and makes sure he does his best, which is what she knows how to do at each show. He knows how to bring out the best in people, which is what she also hopes to do.

Brent has been with the Canadian Pet Expo and Reptile Expo family for more than 15 years. Brent’s participation in the pet world includes 25 years of managing and overseeing pet retailers both independent and chain locations in Ontario. Now as Wildlife Management specialist, Brent shares the word of coexisting with the native wildlife and families daily.

Kevin has been with pets and around animals his entire life. The Canadian Pet Expo’s transportation logistics and moving from venue to venue come with ease thanks to Kevin’s decades of experience in the transportation industry. Combined with his appreciation for all pets, his focus is on ensuring that all equipment is secure, safe and ready for the next family and their pets.

Fadi has had animals his entire life but became heavily involved in the hobby when he started keeping reptiles in 2016. He started his YouTube channel “Daffy’s Reptiles” in 2020 and podcast “Daffy’s Round Table” in 2021.

He started working in the pet industry at a pet store in Ottawa in 2019 and remained there in the reptile department until joining the Canadian Pet Expo team.

His favorite thing about the Expos is seeing everybody from the different pet niches come together as a community and seeing all the cool reptiles, of course!

Dr. Alec Brown joined the Canadian Pet Expo team in 2021 as the show veterinarian. He graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College and currently works as a small and exotic animal veterinarian in Guelph, ON. He has been caring for reptiles and amphibians for more than 25 years, and currently breeds a few rare species of geckos and amphibians.

His favourite aspect of the Canadian Pet Expo is the community. He greatly enjoys meeting, talking to, and learning from the like-minded vendors and guests.

Mark has worked with birds, plants, and fish for over 40 years, and in pet-related retail and wholesale for over 30 years. He has bred several species of birds, mostly working with parrots. He is an avid plant hobbyist, with a focus on Hoyas as well as a variety of Philodendrons and cacti. For around 20 years, Mark kept and bred African cichlids, Australian rainbows, and Plecostomus, Synodontis, and Coryadoras catfish.

Mark believes that shows are an effective and exciting conduit to educate the current and future generations about our hobbies. They leave a lasting, positive impact on the lives of many pets and people.

Chris the “The Mad Aquarist” has been involved in the pet world since a young’un, which turned into a career within the world of pets. His knowledge and experience in the world of aquatics has given him the opportunity to travel around the world as a guest speaker and judge in the many aquatic communities, allowing him to share his vast knowledge of aquatics. More recently, Chris can be found on his YouTube channel harnessing the internet to share his experiences with a wider audience.

Chris brings to the Canadian Pet Expo the world of Aquascaping and Aquatics, with a focus on seeding the passion he has for the world of aquatics.

Amanda joined the Canadian Pet Expo as part of the dynamic duo of Cat Show Directors along with Amanda Hazel. Both of them are committed not only to bringing the world of TICA felines to the CPE, but to sharing the world of purebred cats from around the world.

Amanda joined the Canadian Pet Expo as part of the dynamic duo of Cat Show Directors along with Amanda C. Jimmink. Both of them are committed not only to bringing the world of TICA felines to the CPE, but to sharing the world of purebred cats from around the world.