Pet lovers from Somerset are being invited to a garden centre in the county next month (December, 2013) to get some free advice on looking after their animals this Christmas.

Representatives from pet food suppliers James Wellbeloved will be at Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre in Taunton on December 21. Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre will visit on December 22. Liz Woodward, Pet & Reptile Centre Manager at the garden centre in Monkton Heathfield near Taunton, said: Were really looking forward to having representatives from James Wellbeloved visit on Saturday, December 21 to chat to visitors about their animals nutritional needs.

They will be giving people tips and advice on how to keep their cat or dog as healthy as possible this yuletide. It may be tempting to give your animal a treat this Christmas, however feeding your pet the wrong food can have costly effects. For example, feeding your dog lots of leftovers can cause pancreatitis. Dogs that get pancreatitis often need medical attention, which can be expensive.

Proper nutrition plays an important role in the overall health and well-being of animals and just like people every pet has special nutritional needs. The representatives will be available from 10am until 4pm to give visitors nutritional advice on feeding cats and dogs, as well as giving customers samples and vouchers for James Wellbeloved products. Liz added: We are also pleased to welcome back representatives from Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre to offer advice and information to people who come along on Sunday, December 22 during normal garden centre opening hours.

Visitors will be able to meet some of the animals the centre has rescued and learn how they can protect the wildlife they find in their own gardens. Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre specialises in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of Britains orphaned, injured and sick wildlife. It is the only rescue centre in the South West that is open 24/7.

Its aim is to always return animals to the wild wherever possible. The rescue centre employs trained animal carers, including a qualified veterinary nurse, and provides medication wherever necessary.

James Wellbeloved and Secret World/ME Last year (2012) the charity helped more than 5,000 sick or injured creatures in the region. Liz continued: Anyone that is interested in volunteering for the charity is welcome to attend and ask any questions they may have.The Pet & Reptile Centre, which was awarded the Best Pets/Aquatic Department at the Garden Retail Awards 2011/12, regularly hosts free, informative advice sessions and has a wide range of pet products.

It is home to a variety of animals, including guinea pigs, rabbits and snakes and staff often bring their own pets to work. The James Wellbeloved representatives will be at the Pet & Reptile Centre on Saturday, December 21 from 10am until 4pm. Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre will visit the garden centre on Sunday, December 22 during normal garden centre opening hours.

For more information, please call Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre, which is located just off the A38 at Monkton Heathfield between Bridgwater and Taunton, on 01823 412381