EL PASO, Texas – The City of El Paso Animal Services and the El Paso Parks and Recreation departments are collaborating on a series of Bite Prevention and Pet Safety classes for the El Paso community through hands-on lessons for both children and adults in an effort to promote pet safety and reduce bite incidents.

It’s estimated that 4.5 million people are bitten by pets each year, according to the American Veterinarian Medical Association and the CDC. The majority of pet bites typically involve children inside a home with a family pet and in many cases can be avoided through education. The Bite Prevention and Pet Safety classes aim to bring education, awareness, and responsible pet ownership to keep both people and pets safe.

El Paso Animal Services will be hosting the educational events at various El Paso Parks and Recreation facilities:

WHO:               Ages 14+
WHERE:          Pavo Real Rec Center – 9301 Alameda Ave.
WHEN:            10 a.m. on September 25

WHO:               Ages 14+
WHERE:          Valle Bajo Community Center – 7380 Alameda Ave.
WHEN:            10 a.m. on October 6

WHO:               Ages 14+
WHERE:           Valle Bajo Community Center – 7380 Alameda Ave.
WHEN:             10 a.m. on October 20

WHO:               Ages 5-7
WHERE:          Valle Bajo Community Center – 7380 Alameda Ave.
WHEN:             7 p.m. October 23

No reservations are needed for participants and the community is invited to visit the El Paso Animal Services online calendar to view other upcoming events.

“Bringing educational awareness to the community on pet safety can help prevent injuries that could have otherwise been avoided,” said El Paso Animal Services Director, Terry Kebschull. “We are excited to partner with the El Paso Parks and Recreation department to bring more of these events into accessible locations throughout the city.”

Every Bite Prevention and Pet Safety classes will cover guidance on bite prevention in the home and community from a certified Bite Prevention educator, fun and interactive pet safety activities, valuable tips for safe interactions with animals, and free resources and materials for participants.

For more additional information about El Paso Animal Services, to include adopting, fostering, volunteering, or donations, visit www.ElPasoAnimalServices.org/.

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