It turns out that the floor of the Neal Blaisdell Center's exhibition hall isn't worth battling over.

"This is neutral," said veterinarian Lissa Kam, chairwoman of the expo. "It's nobody's territory."

But the expo is the purview of the Hawai'i Veterinary Medical Association, which brought in 60 exhibitors ranging from dog, cat and rabbit clubs to business people selling various products and services.

Anna Doell staffed a booth for her Ohana Doggie Day Care and Spa that will open tomorrow on Cooke Street, offering canine "play group, walks and nap time," she said. "Our customers are the owners of four-legged children."

She then introduced the 3-year-old chihuahua/terrier mixed breed dog in her lap as "my daughter Kai Kai."

Toby wore a custom-fitted suit coat and tie.

Gardner introduced herself as "the first and only lawyer specializing in animal law" who successfully pushed a bill through the Legislature this session that validates trusts for pets.

"And I also just reached a settlement in a case where a pit bull ate a chihuahua," Gardner said. "... I represented the chihuahua."

Dog owners who showed up yesterday were particularly aware of their animals' health, hygiene and general welfare.

"This is Heather," Jan Bellinger of Makiki said, while petting her sheltie. "She'll be 7 on June 1."

Bellinger visited the expo, as usual, with her neighbor and friend, Betty Lam-Frederick, who wore her 7-year-old dog, Fatti Panz, strapped to her chest.

"They call it a pet pouch," Lam-Frederick explained.

But it was the first expo visit for federal investigator Holly Toguchi of Palolo, who brought her border collie Molly and mixed-breed collie Tomi.

Toguchi was shopping for kennels to house the dogs while she goes on an upcoming trip to the Mainland, but also picked up a bag full of goodies.

"They love meeting people," Toguchi said. "And other dogs."

Marcus Marcos waited in line with his golden retriever Buddy for a free exam from veterinarian Richard Fujie, who took his turn in the Hawai'i Veterinary Medical Association's booth.

"I'm here looking for everything," said Marcos, the owner of the Diamond Head Cove Health Bar. "Shampoo, stuff for ticks and fleas."

But Marcos said he mostly came to the expo because it's one of the few public gatherings that welcome animals. "He and I and my wife can walk around together," Marcos said. "We wanted an event that we can all enjoy."