This month, the East Poplarville Veterinary Clinic will host its first pet wellness seminar.
Clinic receptionist and veterinary technician Megan Grimes said the event will provide outreach and information to pet owners in the community who have questions about several topics including nutrition, heartworm, and flea and tick prevention.
“We feel some pet owners have trouble accessing good information,” Grimes said. “We have good clients, who when they research things on the Internet, become confused about these topics and choosing the right option for their pets.”
There will be several specialty veterinarians and drug company representatives available at the event to discuss these topics with pet owners, Grimes said.
The most commonly asked questions involve heartworms and fleas, Grimes said.
“After Hurricane Katrina, the mosquito population doubled in the area,” Grimes said. “The mosquito is the main source for heartworms. Also, our climate doesn’t get cold enough to kill off the fleas during the winter months.”
Representatives from the Animal Advocates of Pearl River County will also have an informational table at the event.
The group, which is independent of the PRC SPCA, helps animals in neglectful situations by providing foster care and eventually, a permanent home, Animal Advocates Vice-President Lauren Fitts said.
“Since the county doesn’t have an animal control officer, deputies with the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department contact me when a situation arises with a neglected animal,” Fitts said. “Our group is willing to take on more animals, but we are in need of foster parents.”
Interested parties must first fill out an application and undergo a home evaluation, Fitts said. Animal Advocates provide food and veterinarian services and foster parents provide a stable environment for the pet until a permanent home is found.
The event is open to residents in Pearl River County and will be held on July 30 at 6 p.m. at Pearl River Community College. An exact location on campus has yet to be determined, Grimes said. A complimentary meal will be served, which will feature food from Dickey’s in Hattiesburg.
For up-to-date information about the seminar, visit the event page through Facebook at East Poplarville Veterinary Clinic’s 1st Annual Pet Wellness Seminar. Contact Grimes by phone at 601-795-4393.
Follow the Animal Advocates through Facebook at Animal Advocates of Pearl River County.
Anyone interested in becoming an animal foster parent or making a donation may contact an advocate member by email at animaladvocatesprc@gmail.com and by phone at 601-909-5299.