Animal Care Advice
At Little Valley, we believe in ensuring every pet receives the best care possible because animals are sentient and feeling creatures. We’re dedicated to supporting the RSPCA’s Animal Welfare Act, which emphasises the importance of pet owners meeting five key welfare needs:
- Providing a suitable environment
- Offering a suitable diet
- Allowing pets to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
- Considering whether pets should be housed with or separated from other animals
- Protecting pets from pain, suffering, injury, and disease
Caring for pets involves various aspects, and the needs of each species can differ greatly. Below, you’ll find valuable information about the most commonly kept pets in the UK, along with links to detailed care guides available on the RSPCA website. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or considering bringing a new furry friend into your life, we’re here to provide friendly and informative support every step of the way.
Dogs
Dogs are amazing pets, bringing joy, loyalty, and love into our lives when their needs are met. However, every dog is unique, with a complex set of requirements. Before considering bringing one into your home, we urge you to thoroughly research the best ways to care for a dog. Understanding their needs ensures a happy, healthy relationship between you and your furry friend. Click below to find out more and embark on your journey to becoming a responsible and loving dog owner.
Cats
Having a cat at home is a delightful experience. When happy and healthy, they bring affection and playfulness, making them wonderful companions. To ensure your cat stays in top form, it's crucial to learn about their care requirements for maintaining their health. Click below to find out more and discover how you can provide the best care for your feline friend.
Rabbits
Rabbits are often considered 'easy-care' pets for kids, but this perception is not entirely accurate. In reality, rabbits have a complex set of needs that must be met to ensure their welfare is sustained. When their needs are properly addressed, rabbits can lead happy and fulfilling lives in domestic settings. Click below to find out more about how to meet the needs of your rabbit companion and provide them with the best care possible.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs, small in size but big in personality, are delightful companions. These chatty rodents make great pets, bringing joy and companionship to any home. While there isn't a one-size-fits-all setup for guinea pigs, it's essential to take all necessary steps to ensure their needs are met for a happy and healthy life. Click below to find out more about how to provide the best care for your guinea pigs and create a thriving environment for them to thrive in.
Rats
If you're considering keeping rats as pets, it's essential to carefully consider how to best care for them. These highly intelligent and sociable animals have complex needs, and they can deteriorate quickly if those needs aren't met. However, with proper research and attention, keeping rats can be incredibly rewarding. Click below to find out more about how to ensure the well-being of your pet rats and provide them with a fulfilling and happy life.
Mice
When kept as pets, these super speedy rodents provide hours of fun and excitement! They zip around their environment, bringing joy and laughter to any home. To keep them happy and thriving, it's essential to house them in single-sex pairs or groups. This not only fulfils their social needs but also adds to the fun as they interact and play together. Click below to find out more about how to care for pet mice and make sure your furry friends are living their best, most playful lives!
Gerbils
Smart and brimming with personality, gerbils are beloved by many, especially young children who adore their playful nature. However, these tiny critters come with a lengthy list of care needs. Introducing one into your family requires ample research and careful planning to ensure they thrive in their new environment. Click below to find out more about how to provide the best care for your pet gerbil and create a loving and enriching home for them to enjoy.
Hamsters
Adorable, lively, and endlessly entertaining, hamsters are wonderful companions. Though they have a short lifespan of around two years, it's crucial to prioritise their happiness and health during that time. With proper care and attention, you can ensure their lives are filled with joy and vitality. Click below to find out more about how to care for pet hamsters and make the most of your time with these delightful little creatures!
Ferrets
When properly socialised and cared for, ferrets become fantastic companions, forming strong bonds with their human counterparts. Their cheeky and inquisitive nature guarantees they'll keep you entertained and on your toes. However, for novice ferret keepers, their care can pose challenges due to their specific needs and behaviours. It's essential to conduct thorough research before deciding to bring ferrets into your home as pets. Click below to find out more about how to care for ferrets and ensure a fulfilling and enriching relationship with these playful and lovable creatures!
Chinchillas
Sparkling with cleanliness, serenely quiet, and charmingly shy, chinchillas are like little bundles of joy waiting to be discovered! They make for attractive and rewarding pets, perfect for adults and older children seeking furry companionship. But beware, these fluffy friends have specific care needs, and with a potential lifespan of up to 20 years, it's like committing to a lifelong friendship! So, before you leap into chinchilla ownership, let's hop into some fun research together. Click below to find out more about how to give your chinchilla the VIP treatment they deserve and embark on an adventure of fluffy delight!
Birds
Flying into your heart, pet birds come in a dazzling array of species, each with its own special care requirements waiting to be explored. If you're thinking about welcoming a feathered friend into your home, remember to prepare a spacious aviary where they can spread their wings and soar. With the right food, enrichment, and plenty of love, these chirpy companions could fill your days with joyous melodies and endless entertainment. Click below to find out more about caring for pet birds and embark on a delightful journey into the avian world!
Exotics
Venture into the fascinating world of exotic pets, where creatures like bearded dragons, corn snakes, African land snails, and terrapins await to capture your imagination! With hundreds of species legally allowed as pets in the UK, each comes with its own set of unique care requirements. Before embarking on the journey of owning an unusual or exotic pet, take the time for thorough research. Consider the additional costs and time needed to provide the specialised care they deserve. Click below to dive deeper into the world of exotic pet care and ensure a fulfilling and enriching experience for both you and your extraordinary companion!