Caring for Rabbits and Guinea Pigs
Description
Participants aged 10 -14 will be required to be accompanied by an adult.
Rabbits and guinea pigs may be adorable, but they also have special needs that make them unique. Whether your a small animal pet owner or work with animals, it's important to know just what they need to give them a long, happy and healthy life. Our fun, interactive and practical short course will allow rabbit and guinea pig owners and enthusiasts to get some hands-on experience with these delightful pocket pets and delve into the particulars of caring for them. Delivered by experts in the field, this course will guide participants in best practice care for your rabbit and guinea pig friends with topics delving into everything you need to know, including nutrition, housing health and wellbeing.
By the end of the course, you will learn:
- The key differences and similarities between rabbits and guinea pigs and why their important.
- Appropriate housing requirements .
- How to provide a healthy diet for rabbits and guinea pigs for their unique nutritional needs and requirements.
- Common health issues and how to prevent them.
- How to provide fun enrichment activities to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
- How to calmly interact with, safely handle and transport rabbits and guinea pigs.
Jessica Collins, Bachelor of Environmental Science, Wildlife and Conservation Biology (graduated with distinction), 9 years working within animal welfare.
“I just love all animals, big or small! Rabbits and guinea pigs have a special place in my heart, alongside chickens, because of their over abundance in the shelter due to lack of knowledge and education within the community.”
Jess has 11 years of experience within the animal care industry, having worked within keeper roles at Zoo’s Victoria and Melbourne Aquarium. During this time Jess has specialised in catering for the needs of these animals via appropriate housing design, maintaining social environments and meeting their nutritional needs through enrichment practices and activities.
Bianca Nichols, Certificate II in animal studies, eight years experience in the equine industry, and 3 years vet nursing experience.
“I have always had a special interest in pocket pets and all aspects of their care, especially working to increase owner awareness to their rabbits and guinea pigs’ individual needs and how to cater to them.”
Bianca has professional experience with a whole range of animals in many difference situations. Having worked extensively within the equine industry, as well as within vet practices as a nurse, Bianca now uses her experience in animal housing and care and shares her personal expertise in indoor rabbit and guinea pig housing situations.
What you will learn
- This course will guide participants in the ways of caring for our rabbit and guinea pig friends throughout a morning filled with hands on experience, delivered and facilitated by experts in the field.
What you will get
- A certificate of attendance
What to wear
Closed in shoes for admittance into the barn. Weather appropriate clothing for outdoors
Appropriate for
Suitable for 14 years and above
Want to improve your animal skills? Looking for quality teaching by industry experts? Want real skills and training?
Whether you’re a pet owner or thinking of a career in animal care, RSPCA Victoria has a short course to extend your animal skills and understanding.
Designed to develop new skills for anyone dealing with animals; RSPCA short courses provide valuable access to industry experts and utilise quality resources and trainers in an informative and hands-on environment.
As the trusted name in animal welfare in Victoria, we understand what animals need, and what works and what doesn’t – and are keen to share our practical knowledge and skills with you through.
Gain professional skills. Learn about your pet. Or both!
Programs are tailored for those wanting to enter the animal industry or improve their skills within this field, as well as helping people to increase their skills with their own pets.
Hands-on experience is essential to understanding animals so you will have the chance to meet and work with – animals from our education team – as well as learn from industry experts and qualified trainers.
And of course, profits raised go towards supporting animal welfare projects. You’re helping animals while you learn to… help animals!
So book your course with us today.
About RSPCA Victoria
We are a non-government, community based charity that works to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection. RSPCA Victoria was established in Melbourne in 1871. Since this time, the RSPCA has become Australia's leading animal welfare charity.
Our community services include work in education, advocacy, animal care and protection. In Victoria, we operate nine animal Adoption Care Centres and one community pet care centre, providing refuge and care to more than 20,000 animals every year.
As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on community support to care for 'all creatures great and small'. More than 90% of our funding is due to the generous support of the Victorian community.
For further information, visit www.rspcavic.org
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
- A refund can be requested 7 days before class starts. Free of charge.
- A transfer can be requested 7 days before the class starts. Free of charge.
- A credit note can be requested 7 days before the class starts. Free of charge.
No changes will be allowed after these times.
Terms & Conditions
Terms and Conditions - Face to Face courses
- Program activities are conducted by RSPCA Victoria Education Officers and staff. RSPCA Victoria reserves the right to alter activities or cease programs should staff and participant safety be compromised.
- For safety reasons, participants must wear appropriate clothing and closed-in shoes.
- RSPCA Victoria reserves the right to cancel the class should minimum numbers not be met. A full refund will apply in these circumstances.
DISCLAIMER
Participants may be involved in a range of hands-on activities during training. While the RSPCA takes all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of participants, all participants engage with these activities at their own risk.
By enrolling in these programs you acknowledge that you understand this disclaimer and release RSPCA (Victoria) and its employees, agents, volunteers and contractors from any liability whatsoever, to the extent permitted by law.
Terms and Conditions - Online On Demand Courses
The above does not apply. Please contact education@rspcavic.org.au for assistance.