Pets on Wheels of Prince George's County, MD

Description

Residents of these institutions often receive no visitors, are lonely, depressed, and some are only able to respond to friendly pets during regular visits. Volunteers receive orientation, mentoring, & recognition through parties and awards. The pets, ranging from dogs and cats to birds, rabbits, and guinea pigs are certified healthy by a licensed veterinarin, fullfill State Health Department regulations, and evaluated for temperament by authorized screeners. The Pets on Wheels program is wholly dependent upon donations from private and commercial organizations. Funding is also obtained from other means such as annual fundraisers and awards from non-profit organizations such as the United Way and CFC. As of September 1998, there are 115 POW volunteers in Prince George's County servicing approximately 40 facilities.