A RUISLIP pet store is celebrating after educating almost 500 future pet owners on how to care for pets responsibly over the course of 2016.

Pets at Home offers free and interactive workshops, mainly during school holidays, which help teach children how rewarding pets can be and how to care for them.

The workshops offer a fun-filled set of activities, including products and pets, for a hands on approach to pet care.

After completing the workshops, each child receives a My Pet Pals themed certificate, colouring sheets and stickers to take home.

The informative workshops are run by Pets at Home colleagues, most of whom are pet owners themselves.

They focus on teaching kids about the five welfare needs of animals - shelter, food and water, good health, appropriate company and the right living environment, which are all vital for keeping pets happy and healthy.

Store manager, Olivia Lee-McAlpine, says: “It’s been a privilege to meet so many local children this year and teach them about the importance of responsible pet ownership, whilst keeping them occupied during their school holidays.

"We’re looking forward to even more junior pet owners or enthusiasts joining us for our free sessions in 2017.”

To find out more about and the next My Pet Pals sessions in Ruislip and book your place please visit petsathome.com/workshops