Food insecurity is not just a human struggle. Companion animals facing reduced circumstances must also deal with food insecurity, as well as lack of access to adequate veterinary care. The lecture will explore the topic of pet food insecurity and examine the many reasons - from homelessness to war - that individuals may face this problem. Participants will also learn about  pet food charities operating locally and globally and be invited to get involved. Resources for this program will include contact lists for pet food charities operating within Baltimore and abroad, tips for avoiding pet food insecurity in case of emergency, and pet food samples giveaways.

When facing the threat of evacuation, many pet owners are caught unprepared to evacuate their companion animals as well. Whether they are prohibited by emergency response organizations or are simply unequipped, disaster preparedness plans are necessary for all pet owners to ensure the health and safety of their pets in case of emergency.  this workshop will share the importance of developing a strong disaster preparedness plan for both pets and pet owners. This workshop will also address the ways in which pet owners can minimize the risk of becoming separated from their pets during disaster. Participants will be invited to build their own evacuation bags for their pets, including things like animal first aid kits, emergency pet food reserves, and "animals in residence" stickers and wallet cards. Leftover supplies will be donated to a local homeless shelter. Resources for this program will include pamphlets containing helpful pet evacuation strategies, contact lists for large animal evacutaion experts, evacuation bag giveaways, and contact lists for local and global emergency animal rescue organizations. 

Many people receive certifications for CPR and other first aid actions for humans. However, most people haven't considered animal first aid as part of this education. During an emergency, knowing some basic animal first aid treatments can mean the difference between life and death for our animal companions. local veterinarians, this program will share the importance of knowing animal first aid. Participants will get to build their own animal first aid kits to take with them. Leftover supplies will be donated to a local homeless shelter. Resources for this program will include instruction sheets with animal first aid techniques, low-cost and emergency veterinary clinic contact lists, animal first aid supply sources, and contact lists for local and global emergency animal rescue organizations.