A new service for pet owners is opening in Enfield, writes Nicola Walker

Rabbits are complex animals that have a lot of daily needs (credit Becky Murray/RSPCA)

Over the years the RSPCA Enfield Cattery has helped to find new homes for countless cats and kittens, as well as supporting the local community through animal welfare schemes such as microchipping and neutering.

Now, we are expanding our support to the community and have opened a free Enfield Pet Wellness Centre. Sometimes there are misconceptions about how to care for a pet, and some people may not realise that they are not looking after their pets in the right way. As a result the pets could become sick. Sadly, we have found that if an animal does fall ill, a small minority of people are then too scared to seek veterinary help.

This is where we hope the wellness centre can help; people can bring their pets to us for advice in a friendly and safe environment where no-one is judged. All we will do is offer help and guidance to find the right diet, accommodation, and care for your animals.

So whether you are feeding a stray cat or worrying about your cat, rabbit, hamster, guinea pig or other small furry creature, you are eligible for a free wellness appointment!

We are particularly keen to see rabbit owners. Many people are unaware that rabbits are highly intelligent, inquisitive animals, and this means they have complex needs and have to be really well looked after in order to have a good quality of life.

Rabbits come in a variety of breeds, shapes and sizes. Each bunny has their own unique personality, and can live for eight to twelve years, or even longer. They prefer to live in pairs and need a good sized place to live as they are so active and need to be able to hop, run, jump, dig and stand fully upright on their back legs, or stretch out fully when lying down, as well as needing somewhere quiet to rest and sleep.

Final year vet students from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) will offer 30-minute slots every Wednesday. They will be joined by one of the experienced RVC vets. This is not a veterinary clinic, but pet owners who have not signed up with a vet yet will be given details of local veterinary facilities, including subsidised clinics for those on low incomes. All attendees will be given a warm welcome and a free pet goody bag! We cannot see dogs at the cattery (they might scare the cats) but we can give advice on how to care for dogs.

The Enfield Pet Wellness Centre is based at the RSPCA branch in Primrose Avenue. Appointments at the centre are available 10am-4pm on Wednesdays. To book an appointment:
Call 07557 118 484

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