Parents in Swindon are being invited to take their children to a series of fun, free workshops at Pets at Home this February half term.

The workshops will focus on caring for gerbils, teaching children how rewarding these small furries can be and how to care for them.

The workshops will run as part of the My Pet Pals Activity Club at Pets at Home in Swindon during the half term school holiday, and bookings can be made at petsathome.com/workshops.

Friendly and knowledgeable Pets at Home colleagues will run the workshops between 10 - 25 February to share their knowledge on everything gerbil related, teaching children how to care for them responsibly in a fun and interactive way. There’s also the chance for the children of Swindon to meet and ‘greet’ these small, friendly animals.

Children taking part will learn about different species of gerbil, including the five welfare needs of these animals - shelter, food and water, good health, appropriate company and the right living environment, which are all vital for keeping pets happy and healthy.

Craig Timbrell, store manager at Pets at Home, said: “Gerbils are active, sociable and low maintenance, making them an ideal first pet for kids. Our free in-store workshops are a chance for Swindon’s young pet lovers to learn more about gerbils, and our colleagues will be on hand to offer tips and advice, whilst making the workshops fun, interactive and hands on.”

To find out more about My Pet Pals Activity Club and to book your place at your nearest workshop, please visit petsathome.com/workshops.