Course teaches exotic pet owners proper handling

Owners of exotic pets such as snakes, tarantulas and scorpions will be able to receive qualified training on how to handle and look after their pets correctly.

A new course being offered at Inverness College from next month aims to teach owners everything they need to know about looking after their pets, from locating a reputable pet shop to comparing pet insurance and finding the best cover for their animals against illness and injury.

The Press and Journal reports that the classes will be led by Nick Martin, who also runs Creatures Great and Small at Bogbain Adventure and Heritage Farm. In addition to a 12-week adult course, which starts on 15 September and costs £55, Mr Martin will also be leading a course for children from 16 September, costing £33.

"The classes are geared towards people who are thinking about acquiring the animals and those with a general interest in them," he explained.

"They will learn how to look after them responsibly and reputable places to get the animals from. We are aiming to develop an awareness of the animals."

The classes were launched due to the influx of people choosing exotic pets in the UK. These animals often have unique needs, different from those of more traditional pets, such as cats and dogs, and may not be covered by certain pet insurance policies.

Inverness College's curriculum manager for science, Liz Barron, said: "There a lot of families where youngsters want to get a pet that is different from their friends and the children's course gives them and their parents the opportunity to find out about looking after exotic animals easily.

"The adult course is at a slightly higher level and includes information on breeding the animals."

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 02:01:00 GMT