Livestock Guarantee Thank you for buying your pet from our store. Please remember that all pets must be properly cared for throughout their lives. We pride ourselves in supplying healthy pets and never knowingly sell one that is sick, injured or suffering any visible deformity. Please contact us immediately if your new pet appears unwell within two weeks of purchase. We will be happy to replace, refund or consult our own vet depending on each individual case. City & Guilds Qualification At PamPurredPets we actively encourage our staff to be knowledgeable in all aspects of pet keeping. We have our own in - house training programme which all staff follow during their first six months with us. After completing this programme many progress on to the City & Guilds in Pet Management, which is a nationally recognised qualification.

Suitability Rabbits make very popular pets as they are naturally clean, intelligent and friendly. Although rabbits are more demanding than some of the other smaller mammals, such as hamsters and gerbils, they can be excellent company when well cared for. Rabbits can become very tame with gentle, regular handling, however, when nervous they may bite or scratch. For this reason rabbits may not be particularly suitable for very young children. It is not advisable to house two adult rabbits of the same sex together as they will usually fight. Two rabbits of different sexes may be neutered if you wish to house them together without breeding. The average life expectancy of a rabbit is approximately six to eight years. Housing Rabbits are very active so the larger the hutch or cage the better. There should also be enough height in your rabbit’s home for him to be able to stand up on his back feet and be sited at a height of at least 2ft above the ground. Situate the hutch or cage where it is not in a draught, near a source of heat, in direct sunlight or where the temperature fluctuates. If you are keeping your rabbit indoors, a bedroom, dining room or lounge is ideal. PamPurredPets stock a variety of suitable cages. If your pet is allowed to roam be aware of telephone and electric cables. Never use aerosols near the cage and keep it away from stereos and televisions as the high-pitched noises can irritate your pet. Woodflakes should be used liberally as a floor covering throughout the hutch as it is extremely absorbent and also acts as an insulator. Straw and hay should also be provided. Rabbits can only be acclimatised for living outdoors between the 1st of May and the 31st of October as at any other time it is too cold. You will need to purchase a suitable run as rabbits need to run free every day for good health. Make sure the run is secure from foxes and other predators. If you have a secure garden you could let your rabbit roam free, be aware however that some garden plants are dangerous to rabbits when eaten. Feeding PamPurredPets stock a wide range of specially prepared rabbit mixes and pellets, which provide a good balance of vitamins, minerals, protein, fibre and carbohydrates. Fresh hay should be given daily in addition to these. Once your rabbit is over 3 months old you can feed small quantities of fresh fruit and vegetables as a treat, but no more than twice a week. Do not feed lettuce, as rabbits cannot digest it properly. Fresh drinking water should be provided using a drip feed bottle that should be cleaned and filled on a daily basis. A mineral block or salt lick will be much appreciated. A piece of wood from a fruit tree can also be provided for gnawing. PamPurredPets also stock a wide variety of treats and toys for your pet. Handling Allow your rabbit 24 hours to settle into their new environment. Rabbits should be gently lifted with one hand under their chest and forelegs and the other hand under their rear end. Hold your pet close to your body to ensure he feels totally secure. Never pick up a rabbit up by its ears.

Health & Hygiene You will need to provide fresh, safe bedding that is highly absorbent, to keep your rabbit safe and warm. Hutches should be cleaned out on a regular basis. This is not only important in warmer weather in order to prevent flies being attracted to the hutch, as this may result in an infestation of maggots, but also in the winter when bedding can become damp and mouldy. If your rabbit is longhaired you will need a brush and comb for regular grooming in order to avoid matting and fur balls. Rabbit’s teeth grow continuously and will become overgrown if they are not worn down naturally, therefore a wooden gnaw block or mineral block is essential. Eyes and ears should be clean and nails not too long. Your pet’s coat should also be clean and shiny. If your pet develops sniffles, sore or runny eyes, diarrhoea, experiences difficulty eating or generally appears off colour always consult your vet. We also strongly recommend that your pet is vaccinated against myxomatosis and VHD as both conditions are potentially fatal. Shopping List Hutch/Cage Food Woodflakese Hay Straw Food Bowl Water Bottle Mineral Block/Salt Lic Vitamin Supplement Run   Wood Gnaws Treats Small Animal Disinfectant Book Soft Brush Litter Tray Litter Nail Clippers Toys Now it’s your ... Duty to Care New Animal Welfare Laws from 6th April 2007 The new law increases the minimum age a person can buy an animal to 16, therefore we may need to ask some of our customers for proof of age. We need to ensure responsible pet ownership and make sure that your pet’s welfare needs are met, these include the needs for: Suitable environment Suitable diet To be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease To be housed with or apart from other animals (if applicable) To exhibit normal behaviour patterns Please speak to any of our trained staff for advice on the new Animal Welfare Laws.