Safe and Responsible Pet Owners at St Michael’s College Early Learning Centre

Students from St Michael’s College Early Learning Centre are learning what it takes to be a responsible pet owner and how to avoid dog bites as part of an education program run by the Australian Veterinary Association.

The Australian Veterinary Association’s Pets and People Education Program (AVA PetPEP) provides primary school students with skills for being safe around animals, and knowledge about how to care for animals responsibly.

Animal care professionals including vets from Burpengary Veterinary Hospital as well as wildlife carers will be visiting St Michael’s College Early Learning Centre to teach the kindergarten children about:

How to be a responsible pet owner in the local area

How to keep your pets healthy and the role of the veterinarian in the community

How to meet a new dog safely

Make an animal smile – animal welfare

“Providing Queensland students with an understanding of responsible pet ownership and practical knowledge about how to interact safely with animals are important life skills that everyone should have,” explained Laurie Dowling, AVA Qld Division Executive Officer.

AVA PetPEP is a partnership between the Australian Veterinary Association, RSPCA Queensland and Biosecurity Queensland.

This year AVA PetPEP will spread the word about responsible pet ownership and safety around animals to 20,000 students in more than 400 schools across Queensland.

Further information about AVA PetPEP, along with useful hints and tips about caring for animals, can be found online at: www.ava.com.au/petpep