A STALYBRIDGE vet practice has been lending a paw to pet owners by hosting puppy parties to socialise pooches while raising funds for charity.
Tameside Veterinary Clinic invited people who attended its puppy socialisation sessions during 2024 to donate £5 to StreetVet, helping to raise £460 for the charity which has been matched by VetPartners, bringing the total to £920.
Established by a team of qualified professionals, StreetVet supports people experiencing homelessness and their pets across the UK.
The puppy parties are held at Tameside Vets’ branch on Melbourne Street, when small groups from similar-sized breeds get together to learn how to interact with other dogs as well as obedience skills such as walking on a lead.
Veterinary nurse Becky Gunning coordinates the sessions which puppies can attend once they are fully vaccinated – usually from 12 weeks of age which is an ideal time for them to learn good habits.
Being in a vet practice at a young age also helps pets to feel more comfortable during visits as they get used to being in a veterinary environment and being examined during health checks.
Becky has a Certificate in Animal Behaviour and is a Fear Free Certified Professional, meaning she has undergone training designed for veterinary professionals to help ease fear, anxiety and stress in pets and create an experience that is more relaxed and safer for everyone involved.
Becky said: “People usually bring their puppies to two sessions, and they are really popular. These visits and interactions are important for the pet’s development and socialisation. They also help them to feel more relaxed about coming into practice and we really notice how happy and confident our puppy party ‘graduates’ are when they return weeks later for any appointments.
“Visiting a vet practice or being around other animals can be stressful for some dogs. It’s something we saw more of during lockdown when puppies were more likely to show separation anxiety and other behaviours because they hadn’t had that early socialisation. We’d encourage new pet owners to get their pets used to being at a vet practice from a young age to help them be calm and relaxed when they visit.
“We just ask any puppy owners who come to donate £5 to the chosen charity of the year and we’re delighted to have raised £920 for StreetVet which does incredible work.”
Puppy parties are at Tameside Vets in Stalybridge on Mondays from 5.30pm until 6.15pm.
Tameside Vets, which was established in 2000, also has surgeries in Ashton-Under-Lyne and Hyde.
Owners are also given advice about preventative healthcare along with information about Tameside Vets’ Pet Health Plan which provides peace of mind by offering regular vet checks and breaks down the costs of routine care and services, such as vaccinations and parasite prevention.