The RSPCA’s Isle of Wight Animal Centre is hosting a welfare clinic for rabbit and guinea-pig owners on February 9, between 11am and 3pm, at its animal centre at Bohemia Corner, between Godshill and Rookley.

The event will provide practical assistance to pet owners, with services including nail clipping, grooming, scent gland cleaning, and front teeth checks, alongside general advice on pet welfare. If you’d like some expert help and advice on keeping your pet happy and healthy, take your rabbit or guinea-pig along in a secure carrier. No appointment is required, and there is no limit to the number of pets that can be seen.

The clinic aims to reduce the number of pet surrenders, by offering support to owners and educating the community on the level of care small animals require. The event also provides an opportunity for the organisation’s staff to connect with local pet owners and their animals.

A suggested donation of £3 per pet is welcomed, with proceeds going towards the care of rabbits and guinea-pigs currently awaiting homes at the centre. The charity relies entirely on community donations to support its work, as it is independently funded from the national RSPCA.

The RSPCA Isle of Wight last year re-homed 60 rabbits and 55 small animals. However, the rabbitry department is always full, with animals waiting for a new forever home, and there is even a waiting list, so if you are able to give a caring and loving home to one of these endearing animals, RSPCA IW would be delighted to hear from you.

For more information or any enquiries, you can contact the team via small.animal@rspca-isleofwight.org.uk. Further details about the Isle of Wight Animal Centre’s work can be found on their website.