Department of Agriculture sponsors seminar
Animal care volunteers in emergencies

The Georgia Department of Agriculture will co-sponsor a series of free emergency animal care training sessions this month in two different areas of the state.

The program's primary focus is certifying participants for volunteer work with animals during times of emergency and disaster.

Sessions will be for those who wish to learn how to volunteer to care for animals in emergencies and will also educate attendees to the operations of animal shelters. Participants will learn about the basic functions of animal shelters during disasters, such as feeding, watering, and exercise programs and will also receive hands on training in carrying out these tasks.

The first session will be held Tuesday, May 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Tifton Campus Conference Center, Ballroom A in Tifton. The second will be held Tuesday, May 20 at the same times in the Middle Georgia Technical College Auditorium in Warner Robins. Registration will be handled on site.

In addition to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the event will also be sponsored by the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine, Fort Valley State University Department of Veterinary Science and the UGA Cooperative Extension Service with a Department of Homeland Security grant through GEMA (Georgia Emergency Management Agency).

"When disaster shelters that can accommodate animals are activated, we will need volunteers ready to help take care of the animals at those sites," said Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin.Those with questions can contact the program at 478-825- 6424.