Matt Whittaker, manager of Pets At Home Swindon, writes about free pet workshops for kids

Did you know that reflective materials can help drivers to see you and your pets up to three seconds sooner at night? This potentially lifesaving fact is just one of the tips that kids will learn this half term to keep their pets safe this winter.

Both of our Pets at Home stores in Swindon are once again hosting their My Pet Pals October activity club, a series of free pet workshops, providing children with the opportunity to learn more about how to keep their dogs, cats and small furries safe this winter and bonfire night.

The workshops will give kids hands on experience of looking after small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, with advice on how to protect them when they are exposed to low temperatures, rain, wind and snow, as well as keeping them fed and watered.

There will also be a chance to learn what makes reflective material reflective. From reflective coats to fluorescent collars, kids will find out the best ways to keep their dogs and cats visible during the dark winter evenings.

As bonfire night gets closer, members of our store team will also be on hand to provide information on what you can do for pets and wildlife on bonfire night.

As well as completing quizzes and entering colouring competitions, all attendees to the My Pet Pals Activity Club will receive a certificate and My Pet Pals promise card for their participation.

For more information and times of workshops visit us or the store locator at www.petsathome.com for contact details.