Educating the pet owners of the future

The Blue Cross, Britain’s pet charity, is setting up a network of children’s volunteer speakers who will visit schools and youth groups in their area to teach young people about responsible pet ownership.

The first volunteers to have signed up to the charity’s scheme and successfully completed a training course, have already been out in the local area taking their dogs to visit children at schools and youth groups helping young people understand what owning a pet entails.

The volunteers don’t need a dog to join the scheme, but must have experience of working with children. The talks can be tailor-made and there are themes that fit with the national curriculum key stages 1 and 2.

Tracy Genever, children’s education officer at The Blue Cross, said: “We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers all around the UK to help us continue this important work educating the pet owners of the future and showing kids how much fun it is to own a pet. This year is Year of the Volunteer and December is animal month – so I would welcome anyone with time and experience to give me a call.”

Anyone who would like to train as a children’s volunteer speaker should call Tracy Genever on 01993 825596 or email education@bluecross.org.uk. Any canine companions that volunteer with their owners will be assessed.

Notes to editors
The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.

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