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C o n t a c t  U s / F A Q ' s

At your service!
Helping you get the convention information you need is our goal. Most of the information you will need will be contained in the official convention catalog due out this summer. If you need information to make your travel arrangements or other basic information please feel free to view the FAQ's below or send us an email.

Please meet Shelley, our official convention correspondent. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact her. Be sure to order your Official Show Catalog which conatins all of the information you will need to attend.  

If you cannot find the answer to
your question below, please email Shelley: got.dutchmom@hotmail.com


FAQ'S
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions.

1) When will the convention catalogs be mailed?
The convention catalog will be one of the largest and finest produced. The November convention is slighty later than usual this year and therefore the catalogs will be coming out later in the summer. The catalogs will be mailed the third week of August, 2009. It is reccomended that if you order your catalog after September 20, 2009 , that you upgrade to first class mail.

2) I am excited and making my travel arrangements. When will rabbits and cavies be accepted for arrival?
To assist with your travel planning here is some preliminary information. You may begin cooping animals as early as noon on Friday, October 30th, 2009 through Sunday, November 1st (6:00 PM). The showroom will be open 24 hours on Saturday night to receive animals. All animals must be cooped and checked in by 6:00 PM Sunday evening. Remember, the new conference track will be taking place on Saturday October 31 and Sunday November 1. There will also be tours and other activities on Saturday and Sunday. Judging begins on Monday morning. Please check the convention catalog for a detailed schedule as there is much more information than can be listed here.

3) I am on a budget, do I have to rent a car?
It is not necessary. Shuttle services (Cloud Nine and others) are available to and from the San Diego airport at a reasonable cost (approx. $22 each way). If staying at the headquarters hotel, guests receive a discounted rate on the shuttle, plus, the Hilton offers their own shuttle to local restaurants, etc (up to 5 miles). And, the fairgrounds showroom is within walking distance. If you need a rental car, see the convention catalog for special car rental rates.

4) May I bring extra animals to sell?
All animals on the fairgrounds must be entered in the show and exhibitors are encouraged to enter as many animals as they wish including sale animals. Any extra animals must remain off the fairgrounds. Please see the complete convention show rules.

5) I cannot attend, may I ship animals to the show?
Yes, please see the official catalog for information on air freight entries. See question 19, below.

6) I want to bring my spouse, are there any (non animal) activities planned?
Yes, please see the catalog for many special tours and attractions including our special "South of the Border Tour" which ventures 30 kilometers south of the border to the lobster village of Puerto Nuevo. Lobster lunch, shopping and the Fox Studios Titanic site are on this once-in-a-lifetime day trip. And don't forget the tour of the world famous San Diego Zoo. Also, there will be "ARBA Night at the Casino" with a gambling trip to a Las Vegas style Indian casino with slots, black jack and more.

And don't forget all of the other San Diego attractions which include the Zoo, Disneyland, Lego Land, Knotts Berry Farm, Sea World, Antique Tractor Museum, Railroad Museums, Auto Museum, Aerospace Museum, sports fishing, scuba, and much, much more.

7) When is the Entry Deadline?
The entry deadline has passed.

8) What type of bedding material will be provided?
The primary bedding will be white pine shavings.
All exhibitors are asked to remove wet or soiled bedding daily.

9) What type of feed will be provided?
The official feeds of the 86th ARBA convention will be listed here. It will include most major national brands and most local brands.

10) Will feed and water cups be provided?
Basic metal feed and water cups are provided, however many exhibitors prefer to bring their own dishes or bottles.

11) If I purchase rabbits or cavies, will a veterinarian be available for airline health certificates?
An official convention veterinarian will be available to provide health exams and certificates.

12) Are health certificates required if I am driving to California?
The California Department of Food and Agriculture does not require a health certificate for rabbits and cavies coming across the state line. The agriculture inspection station may perform a visual check to see that animals are healthy but does not require a health certificate.

13) Are health certificates required if I am flying to California?
Most airlines require health certificates for rabbits and cavies which travel by air. Check the individual requirements for each airline.

14) I enter shows all of the time, do I have to buy a convention catalog?
The show catalog is over one hundred pages, and is your guide to all convention activities including showroom classes, awards, youth activities, conferences, banquets, contests, banquets, hospitality events, tours, schedules, maps and much more. It includes all order and entry forms, ballots and other important information. The official rules in the catalog are special to an ARBA convention and every exhibitor is required to know them. Therefore it is highly recommended that every household purchase at least one convention catalog to use as a reference. Follow this link to order a convention catalog.

15)The hotel I wanted to stay at is sold out, now what?
Please visit the accomodations page. There are plenty of overflow hotels at affordable pre-negotiated rates. You may also consider asking the hotel if they have a "waiting list" in case they get any cancellations. Not all do, but it may be worth a try.

16) I am coming from Canada, eh— what documents do I need for my animals?
To cross the Canadian border by automobile, or the California border for that matter, absolutely no documents (permits or health certificates) are needed. When going through any inpection station, you must declare your animals to the agents, but, again no documents are required. It advisable that all animals be in proper and safe transport cages and be in good heath. If traveling by air, check with your airline for any special requirements they may have. Check out our traveling with animals from Canada reference page for the source of this information or updates.

17) When can I buy merchandise on the webiste?
We are working on these pages and will have online orderforms available. Thanks for your patience.

18) Will I need to pull my kids out of school for the youth contests?
Probably. Some youth team, judging, and breed ID contests happen on the first Sunday of the convention, however, the Royalty contests go on through Tuesday. Please see the catalog for an official detailed schedule.

19) If I ship my rabbits in to San Diego Lindberg Field as air freight, can someone pick them up for me?
Yes, you can make arrangements for us to get your animals to the showroom and cooped at no charge if you will not be attending. If you will be attending the convention, there is a small charge for this service, please see the catalog for details and the contact person.

20) What are these rumors of a private screening of a new Hollywood documentary film?
We can confirm that we have made arrangements with the producers of the new Amy Do documentary film Rabbit Fever to offer a special private-screening on Sunday, November 1 in the Hilton ballroom. The film has been in production for the past few years and features familiar faces from the rabbit hobby. We will be seing a first cut prodcution before the final film is released to the film festival circuit. It has a positive message about rabbit raising and rabbit competion for adults and youth alike. There will be a poolside reception with Southern California style food tasting for all convetion attendees at 6:30 p.m. and the private screening will begin at 8:00 p.m. See the catalog for details and ticket prices. Very exciting stuff!.


21) What is an "all-access" badge for Rabbitcon?
One badge, one price, and you get access to all conferences. Choose to attend one or two or all, the price is the same. Sorry, individual conference badges are not available. The conferences are held on the weekend prior to the show, October 31-November 1. Please review the convention catalog and plan out your week as there are many events and activities. It may not be possible to participate in every activity.
Rabbitcon attendees receive special edition Convention Badges, a Rabbitcon tote bag, and access to all conferences at the Hilton headquarters. Conference sessions include morning and afternoon breaks with beverages and refreshments. Lunch is not included. Please note that IDs will be checked at the door.Advance purchase prices for all-access badges are $68 for ARBA Members and $38 for Youth ARBA members. $88 for non members. After October 10th or at the door, the prices are higher.

22) Which will be the official conventon feeds?
The follwoing compies have generously provided showroom feed. Exhibitors are free to sue this feed to feed animals during the show. Exhibitors taking feed out of the showroom will have their entries disqualified. This show will be fed by:
Purina Mills, Inc
Manna Pro Corportaion
Templeton Grain and Milling
ADM Nutrition, Pen Pals
King Feeds, Inc.

23) Can I hang things to decorate my coops or advertise my animals?
The 86 year history of the show is primarily as an exhibition of animals. The cages should be as plain as possible so that attendees can sse the animals. Only busienss cards or small advertisements not to exceed 4" x 6" x 1/4" thick are allowed on a coop provided they are removed after the exhibition. Any other signs, banners, curtains, yarn, bells, wood, or any other items will be removed by show staff and discarded.

24) Will I get a parking pass in the mail before the event?
You will not need a pass to enter the fairgrounds for check in. You can use your confirmation sheet to show the guard upon your initial arrival. If you entered by US Mail, your confirmation was mailed to you. If you entered online, it is your resposnibility to print out your online entry form. Your parking permit will be provided at check-in. The pass must be visible in the car during the event. Otherwise the current fee is $9.00 per day without in and out privileges. You can purchase a parking pass for $15 with in and out priviliges.


25) What are the options for flying my rabbits?
The ARBA Airlines Commitee recently published an Airline Travel Guide: Flying With Your Rabbits. The informative document was edited by our own Jennifer Whaley and is a comprehensive aid to all airlines and services taht will accept rabbits and/or guinea pigs.
New: Flying Tip Sheet


26) Do I need risers and what is the coop size?
A riser is a raised wire grid platform that keeps your rabbit out of the bedding material (pine shavings). In the 86 years of ARBA Conventions, risers are a fairly new optional trend and not an ARBA requirement. Unless your animal is an Angora-wooled breed you probably do not need a riser. If you do want one, the vendors will have them available.


Official Coop Sizes

3 Hole Small
Length – 45"
Hole Size – 15"x14"
Door Size – 7-3/4"x7-3/4"
Britannia Petite, Dwarf Hotot, Netherland Dwarf, Polish

4 (6-L) Hole Small Plus
Length – 69"
Hole Size – 14"x18"
Door Size – 9-1/2"x16"
Fuzzy Lop, Dutch. Florida White, Havana, Himalayan, Holland Lop, Jersey Wolly, Lilac, Mini Lop, Mini Rex, Mini Satin, Silver, Standard Chin, Tan, Thrianta

2 Hole Medium
Length – 45"
Hole Size – 21"x21"
Door Size – 9-3/4"x16"
American, American Chinchilla, American Sable, Belgian Hare, Beveren, Californian, Champagne, Cinnamon, Crème D’Argent, Harlequin, Hotot, Mini Satin, New Zealand, Palomino, Rex, Rhinelander, Satin, Silver Fox, Silver Marten, Meatpen, Stewers, Roasters

2 Hole Large
Length – 54"
Hole Size – 22"x25"
Door Size – 11-3/4"x14-1/ 4"
English Angora, English Lop, English Spot, Flemish Giant, French Angora, French Lop, Giant Angora, Giant Chin, Satin Angora

2 Hole X-Large
Length – 45"
Hole Size – 21"x30"
Door Size – 11-3/4"x12-1/ 2"
Checkered Giant

Disclaimer: The coop sizes are based on the most reliable inofrmation but are subjetc to error or change. If you make special risers for your coops, you do so at your own risk. Vendors will have risers avaliable at the show.


27) Can I bring animals that are not entered in the show?
The ARBA Convention is a formal exhibition of animals. Animals that are not officially entered in the show are not permitted in the showroom or on the fairgrounds. Animals that are not entered must stay at your home or hotel. No animals may be left in automobiles or trailers parked on the fairgrounds. Show Rule 36 calls for a forfeiture of entry fees, expulsion, and possible fines for violators.

28) Can I use my "scratch coop" to offer an animal for sale?
Please see answer 27, above. No animals are permitted in a scratch coop unless that animal was properly substituted into the show and substitution fee paid.


29) What are the rumors that CRCS has spent $61 for each banquet ticket and is only charging $35?
Few realize that the ARBA Banquet is undrewritten by CRCS to that extent. Unlike most ARBA Banquets, the CRCS version is a sight to see. The Mardels band, the themed decortions, and the table gift items are always pleasant surprises. You definetly get your money's worth. You can still purchase tickets online or at checkin.