New Beginnings

I haven't posted in this blog for a while, what with being busy with GCSEs etc., but it is now back up & running.

Work Experience

I start my at my work experience placement at a boarding and rehoming kennels on Monday.

Remember if you are coming up to the time when you have to do work experience, try and ask places as soon as possible as vets are very popular and not all surgeries take students on work experience.

Other possible places to try could be:

• kennels
• cattery
• animal shelter
  
• stables
  

Thinking about working with animals?

In the current financial climate jobs can be hard to find.
Make sure you get as much work experience and as many achievements as you can get.

Things that look good when applying for a job or even a place of education are:

• Duke of Edinburgh Awards
• Volunteering at places like animal shelters
• Lots of work experience to show dedication
• Any school achievements, such as being part of a school council
• Fundraising
  

Sorry & Stay Tuned

Hi,

Sorry I haven't posted anything lately, but I've been very busy with school work lately. :-(
But stay tuned, because in February next year, I'll be doing my work experience in a kennels, and I'll tell you all about what it's like. I'll be caring for the dogs, bathing them, walking them, etc.

PDSA & Pet Protectors

PDSA

Here are a few facts about PDSA:

• PDSA was founded in 1917 by Maria Dickin CBE, a pioneer in animal welfare.
• PDSA provide around 1.8 million free veterinary treatments to sick and injured pets and more than 200, 000 preventative treatments a year through their PetAid hospitals. They do say prevention's better than cure.
• The average cost to PDSA of one course of treatment for a sick or injured pet is £143, although the actual cost of many treatments is far in excess of this figure.

Who does PDSA help?

PDSA provide free veterinary treatment for owners who can't afford to pay private vets fees.

Owners that qualify for free veterinary treatment must live in the catchment are of a PetAid hospital or practice and recieve financial help with their housing costs through Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit. This means 1 in 5 housholds are eligible for help from the PDSA.

How do I register for help from the PDSA?

To register for PDSA help, a person must provide proof of receipt of benefit by showing an award letter from their Council or similar documentation. In addition at PetAid hospitals confirmation of personal identification is required. Once registered, the pet owner is provided with a Client Agreement that they are asked to present each time they bring their pet for treatment.

PDSA provide free veterinary treatment for all popular pets. These include dogs and cats, as well 'small furries' such as hamsters, guineapigs and gerbils.

PDSA Pet Protectors

Pet Protectors is the PDSA's club for young people. It is a great way to help sick and injured animals. You can learn about pets and have fun at the same time!

Pet Protectors costs £10 a year, and has group and family options. Perfect for school classes, Brownies, Guides, Clubs and Scouts.

When you join you recieve:

• Animal year planner
• Pet Protectors Club badge
• Personalized membership card
• Personalized fridge magnet
• Two copies of Animal Antics magazine
• Free club gift

You can also:

• Win great prizes - DVD players, days out, DVDs, books, games and even a holiday!
• Get Animal Antics magazine delivered to your door
• Learn about working with animals
• Get a cute birthday card!
• Become famous by appearing in Animal Antics magazine
• Start our award scheme and earn points towards our five awards
• Compete to become Young PDSA Fundraiser of the Year
• Help PDSA treat more sick and injured pets!

Also visit: http://www.youngpdsa.org.uk/petaidchallenge.html for info on the PDSA's PetAid challenge and earn certificates and prizes.

Treat stealer!

Hello,

Today we were giving Black Jack (a hamster who we are petsitting) a slice of cucumber, but as it didn't fit threw the bars, we left it wedged between them.
Then Cookie, our very cheeky free-roaming guineapig decided he would pinch it for himself! He was very happy with himself, but Black Jack was not impressed. But we gave her another slice, and she's cheered up now!

Top Tip: Make sure you pay your animals equal attention as they get very jealous.

Pet Sitting

Hello,

Since yesterday I have been petsitting two Syrian hamsters, Black Jack & Nibbles, while their owner is on holiday.

If you go on holiday you can ask family or close friends to look after any pets you have. Make sure you leave them instructions for caring for your furry friend, such as:

• When they're fed and cleaned out.
• About any medication they may need.
• How often they need exercise.

If you don't have anybody to look after your pets you can look for a boarding shelter. For the best boarding shelter seek advice from your local veterinary surgery and friends and family who have previously used, and liked a shelter.