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Free resource packs to support guinea pig welfare
"Guinea pigs are often seen as simple starter pets, but they have very specific needs" - Dr Suzanne Moyes.

The resources have been launched to mark Guinea Pig Awareness Week.

With Guinea Pig Awareness Week (GPAW) fast approaching (October 20-24), a pack of free, downloadable resources has been made available to help owners provide the best care for their pets. 

It is the fifth year that GPAW has taken place, and this time will focus on the importance of reducing stress for guinea pig wellbeing under the theme ‘Comfort, Care, Companionship’.

The packs are available for vets, rescues, and retailers, and have been updated in response to feedback from caregivers. The practical, family-friendly content includes:

    •    colourful posters to display at home
    •    step-by-step guides on stress, care, and companionship
    •    myth-busting facts to challenge common misconceptions
    •    fun activity sheets for children
    •    shareable social media posts to spread awareness. 

The pack also includes a practice newspaper, the GPAW Gazette, containing expert tips, advice, and enrichment ideas.

Dr Suzanne Moyes, deputy managing director and in-house vet at Burgess Pet Care, said: “Guinea pigs are often seen as simple starter pets, but they have very specific needs. This Guinea Pig Awareness Week, we want to challenge those misconceptions and highlight what proper care looks like.”
 
Peter Lancaster, head of marketing at Burgess Pet Care, added: “Each year, we’re impressed by the reach and impact of Guinea Pig Awareness Week, and this year introducing our most comprehensive set of resources yet.
 
“From child-friendly activity sheets to the Gazette, we’re supporting guinea pig owners across the UK in providing the highest standard of care for their pets.”

GPAW is supported by the RSPCA, Blue Cross, Woodgreen, Raystede, and Guinea Pig Welfare UK. 

Image (C) Shutterstock.com/Rita_Kochmarjova

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

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 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

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The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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