Kittens, canines and pet care advice at shelter open day

The Glenfield Road Animal Shelter (GRAS) has a special day organised that is bound to get tails wagging.

This Saturday 19 November the animal shelter will host an Open Day from 11am to 3pm.

Residents are invited to come along and learn tips on pet behaviour management and responsible pet ownership, browse and purchase pet-friendly supplies and meet the devoted staff who care for the animals that find their way into the shelter.

If you are looking for a new furry friend for life, adoptions can be made on the day, with most dogs and cats in care at the shelter available for re-homing. The cost of shelter-adopted pets covers desexing, vaccination, worming, microchipping and lifetime registration.

If you are already a pet owner, dog microchipping will be available and pet lifetime registration checks can be made.

"I strongly encourage people looking for a new pet to consider adopting over shopping. Shelter or rescue animals are looking for a second chance and deserve a forever home just as much as any other dog or cat," Animal Welfare Supervisor Belinda Gibbs said.

"If you are looking for a new family member come along on Saturday and meet some of the adorable canines and felines currently in our care.

"As well as the cute and cuddly, there’ll also be plenty of information on hand for all pet owners. Expert advice will be available from GRAS staff, local rescue groups, veterinarians and an animal behaviourist will discuss matters such as separation anxiety and problem barking."

Ms Gibbs will be one staff member available to answer questions and provide insights into how the GRAS facility operates. Ms Gibbs has previously worked as a veterinary nurse, RSPCA supervisor, feline behaviourist and has strong knowledge in shelter disease management.

Her appointment to the animal shelter team was one of a number of ongoing changes being implemented at the Wagga Wagga shelter in the interest of animal welfare.

The day is also a chance to learn how volunteers will be utilised at the shelter in the near future and register interest in becoming a volunteer.

"The Open Day will be a fun day out for the whole family, with free barbecue, jumping castle and face painting available," Ms Gibbs said.

"If you’re an animal lover, interested in learning some new tips to help look after your pet, or just wanting to see how the city’s shelter cares for and rehomes animals, then come along and be part of the fun."

For more information phone 1300 292 442 or visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/grasopenday

Media Opportunity

Who: Glenfield Road Animal Shelter Animal Welfare Supervisor Belinda Gibbs

What: Promo for Glenfield Road Animal Shelter Open Day on Saturday 19 November

When: 10am, Wednesday 16 November 2016

Where: Glenfield Road Animal Shelter, Glenfield Road