Pet owners across the Isle of Wight are being invited to attend free RSPCA welfare clinics for cats, rabbits and guinea pigs, aimed at helping keep animals happy and healthy.
The drop-in sessions are run by the RSPCA Isle of Wight throughout the year at the Island Animal Centre near Rookley. No booking is required, and clinics run from 11:00 to 15:00.
The clinics provide support with grooming, teeth and ear checks, nail clipping and scent gland cleaning. All services are offered free of charge, although a suggested donation of £3 per animal is welcomed to help cover running costs.
Carrie-Anne Turrell, Head of the Small Animal Team, has said:
“Pet owners on the Island really value our welfare clinics. Tasks such as clipping nails can seem daunting at first; we’re there to assist anyone who’d appreciate a helping hand and to answer any questions that members of the public may have about caring for their pet.
“We love meeting lots of rabbits and guinea pigs and offering this service to our community.”
Georgina Davies, who leads cat care at the centre, has said:
“We’re excited to be offering our first welfare clinic for cats this January. We’re happy to offer practical help and a simple health check as well as someone knowledgeable to talk to about their cat’s health, diet and behaviour.”
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In addition to welfare checks, the RSPCA is offering low-cost microchipping for £10 per animal. Staff can also help ensure contact details on the national microchip database are up to date. Microchipping is a legal requirement for all dogs and cats and greatly increases the chance of a pet being reunited with its owner if lost or stolen.
The next cat clinic will take place on Sunday 25th January, with further dates scheduled for April, July and October. The next rabbit and guinea pig clinic is on Sunday (15th February), and will be repeated in May, August and November.
Full information is available at www.rspca-isleofwight.org.uk.
