Caledon Public Library Partners with Caledon Animal Services for first Pet Info event

By Kathryn Fraser

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Have you ever wanted to get a pet and not known what it takes to look after one?

If so, the Caledon Public Library (CPL) has a program that is right for you. 

Pet Prep 101 is a new event catered towards those that have an interest in having a pet but do not know the full extent of what it means to take care of one. 

The program launched July 28 and featured the first what the CPL hopes are many future Pet Prep 101 classes aimed around the tween age that want to own pets and gave them the chance to learn about what it truly means to have one. 

This is not the first initiative that the Caledon Public Library has partnered with Caledon Animal Services and the two has hosted many other events together. 

One previous standout was bringing animals to the library for those that are studying during exam season to help destress and take a break. 

While all other past programs have been successful, the Pet Prep 101 event was a first.

Laurie Groe Programming and Outreach Manager for the Caledon Public Library says she is hopeful that this class is just the beginning. 

“It was a wonderful program. The shelter staff came and had three kittens, and they did a little presentation to the parents and the kids who were signed up,” she says. “They answered all the questions around what it means to adopt a dog or a cat, or even possibly our bird or a rabbit, and all the implications around that.”

The goal of the Pet Prep 101 Program is to help not only teach children and families what it is to own a pet but keep more animals off the street instead of having families buy an animal and not treat it properly. 

The program is free and anyone interested can find out more information by checking out the library's website. 

Groe is hopeful that the connection between Caledon Public Library and Caledon Animal Services only continues to grow for the better and they hope to continue their partnership with the organization. 

“I can tell you, there's so many of our library staff [who are] are animal lovers, and it just seemed like such a natural connection for us. The staff over there are phenomenal to work with. They make it so easy, and, to work with them, they love all our crazy ideas, and they want to work with us”, says Groe. “It's amazing because, at the same time, we're promoting library services, and we're promoting, the need for the community to realize that there are homeless animals out there, and if there is an opportunity to open up your own home, it's great that the library can bring awareness to that and support a fellow community organization. We're all in, we just love it.” 

For those interested in Pet Prep 101 or other Caledon Public Library and Caledon Animal Services event, visit the Caledon Public Library for more details.