Maryville Lions Club Supported "Ready, Set, Pet" Community Outreach Event
- Jun 29
- 2 min read
Pet owners often face challenges when it comes to preparing for emergencies. Whether it’s severe weather, unexpected evacuations, or holiday fireworks, having a plan for pets can make a critical difference.
The Maryville Lions Club recently took a proactive step to address this need by participating in the "Ready, Set, Pet" community outreach event. This statewide collaboration with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and Tractor Supply aimed to raise awareness about pet preparedness and provide practical resources to pet owners.
The Purpose Behind "Ready, Set, Pet" Event
The event focused on encouraging pet owners to think ahead about their pets’ safety during emergencies. Many people do not realize how important it is to have a plan for their animals, especially when disasters strike suddenly. The "Ready, Set, Pet" event aimed to:
Educate pet owners about emergency preparedness specific to animals
Provide useful tools like collapsible water bowls for hydration on the go
Offer discounts on pet merchandise to encourage readiness purchases
Share information about Lions Club initiatives supporting community welfare
By combining education with practical giveaways, the event created a welcoming environment for families to learn and engage.
Why Pet Preparedness Matters
Pets are family members, and their safety should be a priority. Emergencies can happen without warning, and being unprepared puts pets at risk of injury, loss, or worse. Taking a few simple steps ahead of time can:
Reduce stress for both pets and owners during crises
Increase chances of quick reunification if pets get lost
Ensure pets have access to food, water, and medical care when normal routines are disrupted
The "Ready, Set, Pet" event reminded attendees that responsible pet ownership includes planning for emergencies. A little preparation can make a big difference in an emergency.
What Happened at the Maryville Lions Club Table
During the event, 24 families stopped by the Lions Club table, and 7 pets actively participated. Volunteers handed out 13 preparedness checklists designed to guide pet owners through essential steps such as:
Updating microchip information with current address and phone number
Preparing emergency kits with food, water, and medications
Planning safe shelter options during severe weather or evacuations
One attendee remarked after reading the materials, “Well, I never thought about updating the address and phone number for the microchip.” This comment highlights how even small details can be overlooked but are vital for pet safety.
The Role of Community Partnerships
The collaboration between the Maryville Lions Club, TEMA, and Tractor Supply was essential to the event’s success. Tractor Supply contributed by providing collapsible water bowls and 10% off coupons for pet merchandise, making it easier for families to access necessary supplies. TEMA brought expertise in emergency management, ensuring the materials shared were accurate and actionable.
This partnership model shows how local organizations can work together to strengthen community resilience. By pooling resources and knowledge, they reached a wider audience and made pet preparedness more accessible.