Ever wonder why your dog reacts in a certain way? Looking for tips on how to co-exist with your feline companion? Wake County Public Libraries and the Wake County Animal Center are partnering on a new series of free pet care programs designed to bring you closer to your furry friends.
“Whether you’re a brand-new pet parent or you’re interested in enhancing your relationship with an existing family member, we’ve got the perfect program for you,” said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. “We want everyone to realize our libraries are more than just a place to check out books and our Animal Center is more than just a place to adopt pets. They are community resources, places where knowledgeable staff offer help and guidance – in this case, with tips to improve your life with a cat or dog!”
Sessions are a mix of in-person and virtual events, and they will be led by certified dog trainer and Animal Services Outreach Coordinator Meagan Thomas. In-person programs will be held at library locations throughout the county.
Register for one or more of the following:
Living with Your Dog
Thursday, Jan. 12, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Virtual
Get an overview of dog ownership that will help both new and experienced dog owners coexist more happily with their pet.
Reactivity Rehab: Your Dog’s Feelings
Sunday, Jan. 22, 2–3:30 p.m.
Northeast Regional Library
Gain a better understanding of your dog’s feelings and reactions such as barking and lunging.
Pet Survival Guide: Crisis Prep
Sunday, Feb. 26, 3–4 p.m.
Cary Regional Library
Learn what to do if your pet is missing or you found a stray, how to handle a pet emergency and more!
Learn to Speak Dog, Part 1: Understanding Body Language
Thursday, March 23, 6:30–8 p.m.
East Regional Library
Discover how to understand your dog’s body language to dissect their likes, dislikes, quirks and more.
Learn to Speak Dog, Part 2: Play Styles and Preferences
Thursday, March 30, 6:30–8 p.m.
East Regional Library
Find out how to prevent misunderstandings by learning your dog’s playstyle and friend preferences.
Living with Your Dog
Thursday, April 20, 6:30–8 p.m.
West Regional Library
Get an overview of dog ownership that will help both new and experienced dog owners coexist more happily with their pet.
Living With Your Cat
Wednesday, May 17, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Eva Perry Regional Library
Learn how to enrich your life with your cat with this overview of cat ownership.
Learn to Speak Dog, Part 1: Understanding Body Language
Sunday, June 18, 2–3:30 p.m.
Oberlin Regional Library
Discover how to understand your dog’s body language to dissect their likes, dislikes, quirks and more.
Living with Your Cat
Thursday, June 22, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Virtual
Learn how to enrich your life with your cat with this overview of cat ownership.
Learn to Speak Dog, Part 2: Play Styles and Preferences
Sunday, June 25, 2–3:30 p.m.
Oberlin Regional Library
Find out how to prevent misunderstandings by learning your dog’s playstyle and friend preferences.
Dog Training 101
Wednesday, July 5, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
North Regional Library
Get dog training tips and tricks and learn some skills to take home with you.
Dog Training 101
Wednesday, July 12, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
North Regional Library
Get dog training tips and tricks and learn some skills to take home with you.
Your Pet and Your Community
Thursday, Aug. 24, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Southeast Regional Library
Find out about initiatives that Wake County Animal Services is taking to improve the community and assist the pets and stray animals in the area.
In addition to these special programs, Wake County Public Libraries and the Animal Center have compiled online resources on everything from choosing the right pet to locating a lost one. Find it all at guides.wakegov.com/petcare.
