Pet workshops at Newtownabbey store

Pets at Home Newtownabbey is offering local Beaver and Cub Scout groups free workshops to help members gain their Animal Carer badge and Animal Friend badge.

Those attending the workshops at the Pets at Home store in Newtownabbey will receive free workbooks to help record the advice they will receive from trained in-store colleagues on how to care for pets responsibly.

To obtain their badges, Beaver Scouts and Cub Scouts will learn about the five welfare needs of animals and care of small animals, fish, reptiles or insects. They will also find out about the right habitats, where they sleep and how to ensure they get the appropriate level of exercise and they will learn how to keep animals healthy and recognise common illnesses as well.

Examples of suitable animals for this badge include dogs, cats, small animals, fish, birds and stick insects and it should be completed by caring for one of these animals.

Gareth Kerr, store manager, at Pets at Home Newtownabbey, said: “Our in-store pet advisers are always happy to share their extensive knowledge of animal care. The free workshops and workbooks will help local Beavers and Cub Scouts find out all the information they need to achieve some of their badge activity tasks, teaching them how to care for pets responsibly and everything that’s involved in looking after pets.”

Simon Carter, head of media at The Scout Association, said: “Pets at Home provide a unique opportunity for our young people to explorer animal care and welfare away from their normal meeting place. The partnership helps Scout volunteers to offer a diverse programme and develop their understanding of how to look after animals.”

For more information on booking a free workshop go to www.petsathome.com or contact your local Pets at Home store.