The Guam Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health, in partnership with Guam Animals in Need, will host a free, hands-on animal handling workshop Thursday at the Mongmong-Toto-Maite Mayor’s Office.
The workshop is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will focus on humane animal handling and capture techniques, understanding animal behavior, human safety and bite prevention. Organizers said the training is geared toward individuals who may encounter dogs in the field or in their communities through professional or volunteer work.
The session will be led by John Peaveler, described by organizers as a nationally recognized animal handling expert.
“This workshop is about providing our community with the skills and confidence to handle animals safely and humanely,” said Dr. Mariana Turner, Guam’s territorial veterinarian. “By investing in education and best practices, we reduce injuries, protect public safety, increase capture success, and improve outcomes for animals. Collaboration across agencies and with the public is essential if we want to see meaningful progress in addressing Guam’s free roaming dog population.”
The training is intended for animal control officers, shelter staff, rescue organizations, mayor’s office personnel, law enforcement officers and interested community members.
Agriculture Director Chelsa Muña said the workshop is also aimed at improving coordination among agencies and organizations.
“This workshop is about strengthening coordination, professionalism, and shared responsibility,” Muña said. “By bringing together enforcement officers, partner organizations, and local leaders together in the same training space, we are building a more consistent, humane, and effective approach to animal handling that ultimately protects both our communities and the animals in our care.”
Officials said the workshop supports broader efforts to manage Guam’s dog population through prevention, humane intervention and shared responsibility.