Petcare is something that appeals to people of all ages, and is an activity that can literally change your life. It has been proven scientifically, that having a pet can give you a more stress free life and also help with your physical and mental health. We have all heard how beneficial it can be for dogs being allowed into hospital wards and care homes like 'Canine Concern' also 'Pets as Therapy' these are just two of many.
By just stroking  your pet it can reduce your stress levels and lower blood pressure and make you a lot calmer .

For kids it is a way of learning how to care for animals and the responsibility that comes with them. It also helps them understand how to cope with life, death and  caring for them if they become sick.

We cover basic care for the small mammals that are so popular with families, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, gerbils and mice. When choosing any of these small mammals the age of your children should dictate which pet you pick for your family. Small mice and gerbils will not be very suitable for a very young child, but a rat which is not so quick and more tolerant might be a good starter point, but make sure all pet sessions are supervised by an adult  Children don’t mean to squeeze, but sometimes get a bit excitable around animals.

If you choose an outside pet such as a rabbit or guinea pig, be aware that unless your child is 100% committed it be will the parents doing most of the pet-care, cleaning out hutches and feeding and exercising etc. kids love their pets but sometimes a kick about outside with a ball or playing on swings might take preference over pet-care. So be prepared to always help with  the hard work. Rabbits also need a lot of handling to keep them friendly pets. They can also be quite strong when handling, so handle with confidence.

A lot of families like to have larger pets such as dogs and cats and as long as you choose the right breed and size for your family you will be endlessly rewarded.. If you choose a dog you will need an outside area for them, as long as you are able to walk your dog at least once a day a small garden can still be suitable.  Cats on the other hand can live indoors, but a lot of people still prefer to let cats roam free. But if you live in an apartment, it might be the only option for you. As long the cat  has plenty of quality time with it’s owner and has lots to amuse them and indoor cat can be a happy cat. A lot of Siamese type breeds are kept in doors also keep them in pairs so that they have company.

Horses, ponies donkeys are the largest pets that we choose.  We can have them as riding or companion pets or both! If you have a pony mad child this usually leads onto getting a horse as the child outgrows their pony. Of course if you get into horses later in life it might be that your horse is the main pet but you get a companion pony or donkey  to keep your horse from being alone.  Either way you have decided to commit yourself to a lot of time spent out in the open in all weathers. They can cost a lot of money to keep, injections, shoeing, injuries and insurance. Also depending on where you live the costs will vary, if they are in full livery, DIY livery or at home in the field next to your house.  They are not a cheap pet! Like the tee shirt says, ‘ I was Rich before I Brought my Horse’. So think very carefully before making such a major decision. After all it will affect your whole family life. But can be very rewarding and healthy!

  A lot of people like to keep birds as pets, these range from finches up to parrots, they  all need different  pet-care but can make equally entertaining pets!. The life span of a parrot means that it can out live the owner so think carefully before choosing one. Budgies and Cockatiels are very popular and make superb pets, they can be trained and can learn to talk.  But they can also squawk! But like all birds they need attention from their owners, or they can become stressed little birds, loosing feathers etc.

Which ever pet you choose make sure it is the right pet for you! Buy from reliable or a recommended source.  Please avoid Puppy Farms or Pet Shops that don’t come up to your standards. Try and see at least one of the parents before you make a decision. With horses have a vet check  first or try a loan period before you buy. Make sure the pet looks healthy and do your research before you go looking, it can save on a lot of heartbreak. The little pet looking sad in the corner. might seem appealing but might be hiding a health problem.

Or there is always the rescue option! Check out your local rescue centre, they cater for most pets now and can be an invaluable source of help and information. See our links page for some rescue centres