Rutgers Brings Expert Pet Care Instruction to Animal Lovers

Rutgers Office of Continuing Professional Education is hosting their second annual Pet Care School on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Hickman Hall in New Brunswick, NJ from 9am to 4pm to give animal lovers of all ages a fun day of learning how to become better pet parents.

Expert instructors including veterinarians, animal science professors, pet trainers, first responders, a wildlife forensic investigator, and other industry professionals will teach attendees about common nutrition misconceptions, animal CPR, parrot companionship, reiki for pets, dog training basics, reptile husbandry, Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR), and much more.

The day will begin with a general session on the science behind pet nutrition, including the pros and cons of grain-free and raw meat based diets. Attendees will then adjourn to three different workshops of their choosing. Some of the twenty plus topics include small animal ownership, caring for older pets, disaster preparedness, and common behavioral myths. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask specific questions during a lunch hour Q&A session with an informative panel of animal authorities.

“People don’t know who or what to believe. They are sold on the benefits of rawhides and diet dog foods, but are also overwhelmed by countless internet articles, videos, and news stories warning about deadly chew toys, poisonous plants, and processed foods leading to cancer,” said Rutgers Pet Care School Coordinator Rosemary Mende. “This event gives the general public the opportunity to learn the facts about pet nutrition, safety, training, and more directly from educated and experienced animal experts.”

“Whether you fancy fur, fins, feathers, or scales, you can become a better pet parent by attending this one-day educational event,” said Rosemary. “Plus you can build your own unique day of learning. Maybe you have a dog, but are interested in building a backyard koi pond. Maybe you love cats, but recently inherited a parrot and need to learn how to care for a pet bird.”

“One of our most popular workshops is Pet First Aid and CPR. People are afraid to see their precious pup or cherished kitty in pain and not know what to do. This session covers how to provide rescue breathing, control bleeding, treat burns, and much more.”

Rutgers Pet Care School costs $65 per person. The one-day educational event is meant for new pet owners, seasoned pet parents, future veterinarians, and animal lovers of all ages, but a registered adult must accompany children. Pets are not allowed. Hands-on workshops, such as making catnip toys and dog food treats, and live demonstrations are sure to make this program a memorable day for everyone.

Reflecting a commitment to giving back, the Pet Care School organizers invite attendees to bring pet food and care donations to the event. The Scarlet Paws Animal Welfare Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the humane treatment of both domestic animals and wildlife found living on the New Brunswick campuses, will be onsite to collect these donations.

For more information or to register for Rutgers Pet Care School, visit www.cpe.rutgers.edu/petcare or call the Rutgers Office of Continuing Professional Education at (848) 932-9271 option 2.