Children learn to care for their pets

About 50 children joined joeys, possums, lizards and animal care advocates for the Eaton Recreation Centre’s Vacation Care Program Animal Care Day at the centre last week as part of the holiday program.

Program deputy manager Karen Mentiplay said the initiative had grown after an inaugural event, which educated children about responsible pet ownership.

“We’ve had a vet on each occasion as well as animals and a joey and the kids were just in awe,” Ms Mentiplay said.

“The children asked for this again.

“Our services are very child-focused – we focus on what children want and ask for.”

She said along with teaching children responsible pet care, the initiative also showed them what to do if they found injured wildlife.

Among the activities were talks from Saving Animals From Euthanasia and a wildlife carer and the children got hands-on at a dog washing station.

Ms Mentiplay said the initiative was growing and it was “fantastic” people were supporting it.

“It’s so great people are giving up their day to get involved,” she said.