June is National Pet Preparedness Month, and Macon-Bibb County’s Emergency Management Agency and Animal Welfare Department want you to take steps now to make sure your pets are safe during an emergency or severe weather. To learn how to prepare your pets for emergencies, check out the the guides from FEMA or GEMA.

“Pets are part of our families, and it’s just as important for people to have a plan for them as it is for their husbands, wives, and children” says EMA Director Spencer Hawkins. “June is especially important for us in Middle Georgia as we face extremely hot temperatures and the threat of severe weather and even tornadoes. We want to make sure people know what to do with their pets in all conditions.”

On Saturday, June 4, Macon-Bibb County Animal Welfare and partners will hold the first Happy Tails Adoption Event from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the shelter (4214 Fulton Mill Road). People can come to the shelter to see what animals are available for adoption there and with several local rescue groups, including Peach County Animal Rescue, Pawsome Southern Rescue, Gentle Gians, All About Animals, Pixel, and Furever After.

“We wanted to open our doors to the general public and show them what great animals there are at Animal Welfare and with our local and regional rescue groups,” says Director Sonja Adams. “I want to thank our partners in the rescue community for their continued support and for being part of this event. Our entire staff is looking forward to helping host more of these throughout the year as we work together to find permanent homes for these animals.”

The Greenwood Farm PAW Festival is hosting a free veterinary clinic October 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 5996 Forsyth Road in Macon.

According to Elizabeth Barker with the clinic, there will be an instrument petting zoo, spay and neutered truck, shot clinic, microchip clinic ($10/each pet),  teddy bear surgery clinic and so much more.

Barker said the clinic is a way to bring awareness to local rescues and for more fosters, rescue groups and adoptions to happen.

For more information, please call the clinic at 478-474-9048 or visit the clinic's Facebook page.