Queen Anne’s County Hosts Pet Preparedness Workshop
Queen Anne’s County Animal Services, in collaboration with the Department of Emergency Services, invite the public to attend a free seminar on pet preparedness on Saturday, January 25th, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Kent Island Library, Conference Room #128.
This workshop aims to educate pet owners on essential planning and preparedness steps to protect their pets during natural disasters.
According to the National Pet Owners Survey for 2021-2022, 70% of U.S. households own a pet, yet pet preparedness is often overlooked when planning for emergencies. With our region’s susceptibility to flooding, hurricanes, and occasional tornadoes, this seminar addresses a critical need for emergency preparedness.
Why Attend? In 2021 alone, there were 20 weather/climate disaster events in the United States, each causing over $1 billion in damage. Preparing for emergencies not only safeguards human lives but also ensures the well-being of pets. This workshop will provide simple, practical, and relevant information tailored to Queen Anne’s County residents.
What You’ll Learn:
- Essential items to have accessible in an emergency
- Information to keep readily available for pets
- Step-by-step instructions for creating a pet preparedness plan
The seminar, co-hosted by the Department of Emergency Services, will include presentations, visual aids, handouts, and a Q&A session to address participants' specific questions. Attendees will leave equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively plan for a disaster.
Additional Information: The mission and ultimate goal of hosting this disaster pet preparedness workshop is to provide Queen Anne’s County residents with:
- A comprehensive list of items and information to keep ready in case of an emergency
- A directory of important emergency contacts, including pet-friendly hotels and boarding facilities, poison control numbers, and the nearest 24-hour veterinarians
The workshop will also educate attendees on:
- Microchipping their pets and how to register them with the county
- The importance of keeping rabies vaccinations up-to-date
- The value of current pet identification, including having recent photos of both pets and their owners
During the workshop, there will be a live demonstration of a fully stocked “To-Go” emergency kit, handouts of the presentation, and emergency stickers with the QACAS logo. These stickers allow residents to document the number and types of pets in their home, assisting emergency responders during disasters if owners are not present.
How to Attend This event is free, but space is limited. Please RSVP using the following link: RSVP Here.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to keep both yourself and your pets safe during emergencies. For more information, contact Sarah Rondeau at srondeau@qac.org.