COD Hosts Caring Paws and Whiskers Resource Fair

College of the Desert’s Basic Needs Center and Loving All Animals Host On-Campus Pet and Wellness Event

PALM DESERT— College of the Desert’s (COD) Basic Needs Center is collaborating with Loving All Animals to host the Caring Paws and Whiskers Resource Fair on Thursday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Palm Desert Campus Main Amphitheatre. The purpose of the Fair is to connect students with information about pet ownership and mental health wellness.

“Studies have shown that pets can reduce stress and enhance individuals’ lives,” said Keith Winters, a College of the Desert student, College Corps Fellow, and student organizer of the event. “We are excited to collaborate with Loving All Animals to connect our students with information about pet fostering and adoption, the benefits of pet ownership, and the importance of caring for one’s mental health.”

At the event, attendees can take advantage of free pet food, free ID cards and free beverages. A puppy petting coral will also be set up for students to unwind and play with puppies. The Caring Paws and Whiskers Resource Fair will highlight the following topics: veteran emotional support pets; student health services; mental health and wellness tips; becoming a pet foster parent; adopting a pet and care and safety of pets.

“This event will also provide a way for students to decompress, hang out with puppies and learn about how pets can help your well-being,” said Winters.

COD’s Basic Needs Center is a resource for students and provides services aimed at addressing food and housing insecurity and wellness.

Loving All Animals is a local organization that aims to provide wellness. Their mission is to ensure that all their cats and dogs are properly placed in loving and caring foster/permanent homes, while keeping the wellness of their animals as the priority.

For more information regarding The Caring Paws and Whiskers Resource Fair, please email basicneeds@collegeofthedesert.edu or call manager, Jocelyn Vargas, at 760-773-2508.  More information about Loving All Animals is available at LovingAllAnimals.org.