Book 1

Owning a pet is a big commitment, lasting years. Unwanted pets that have proved too demanding to be looked after by their owners form a significant amount of the shelter population and euthanasia cases, representing a significant welfare problem. Children and parents often don’t think about the practical and financial aspects of pet owning, such as cleaning up after it, feeding and walking it, giving it sufficient housing and protection, paying for vets fees, inoculations, pet insurance etc.


This series of books, with each book focusing on a different species of popular pet, will encourage responsible pet ownership from a young age, outlining the needs of pets and the responsibilities of owners, in a fun and authoritative way. The reader is the detective, assigned to investigate and work out whether the pet is right for them based on it’s needs, and if not identify which pet is a more appropriate choice. The animal’s needs will be defined by the 5 freedoms – to food and water, shelter, freedom from harm and distress and to exhibit normal behaviour.


The book includes a virtual pet research section where children are encouraged to live with an imaginary / toy pet with a real pet’s needs for a month before acquiring a pet. The whole emphasis of these books is to get children to think about and practice owning a pet before purchasing one and making a long-term commitment.

Small furry rodents can be wonderful pets and are loving and entertaining little creatures but we shouldn't forget that like all pets they too have their own needs. In this book you'll find out all about rats, mice, degus, gerbils and hamsters.


Did you know that all rodents have front teeth that never stop growing. The name rodent comes from the Latin for 'gnaw'. They love to chew! Some rodents like gerbils love social contact and need to kept in pairs or groups but Syrian hamsters hate other hamsters so need to kept alone. If you want to know what all these small furries love to eat, who their friends and enemies are and what makes them happy and healthy, you can find out by learning the facts in this book and taking on detective assignments to investigate their needs.


By going through your pet detective tasks and learning as you go you will find out if you and your family are the right owners for these special pets, then you're ready to take care of real ones! Just as importantly, if you discover that you and small furry rodents aren't a perfect match you can get some pointers to other fabulous animals that might suit you better.

Cats can be brilliant and entertaining pets but we shouldn’t forget that like all animals they too have their own needs.


For example, did you know that cats still have lots of wild instincts like hunting, even sometimes if they’re not hungry! They love to climb, chase and hide up high when they are worried. If you think you might like a cat for a pet you need to find out what cats love to eat, who their friends and enemies are and what keeps them happy as well as healthy. You can find out by learning the facts in this book and taking on detective assignments to investigate their needs.


By going through your pet detective tasks and learning as you go you will find out if you and your family are the right owners for these special pets, then you’re ready to take care of a real one! Just as importantly, if you discover that you and a cat aren’t a perfect match you can get some pointers to other fabulous animals that might suit you better.

Owning a pet is a big commitment, lasting years. Children and parents often don't think about the practical and financial aspects of pet owning, such as giving it sufficient housing and protection, paying for vets fees, pet insurance etc. Are Guinea Pigs the Right Pet for You encourages responsible pet ownership from a young age, outlining the needs of guinea pigs and the responsibilities of owners, in a fun and authoritative way. The reader is the detective, assigned to investigate and work out whether the pet is right for them based on its needs and, if not, identify which pet is a more appropriate choice. The book includes a virtual pet research section where children are encouraged to live with imaginary guinea pigs with real pets' needs for a month before acquiring a pet.

Dogs can be brilliant and entertaining pets but we shouldn’t forget that like all animals they too have their own needs.


For example, did you know that dogs are social animals like us which means they love to spend time with human and doggy friends? It might surprise you to learn that dogs don’t like being hugged and it’s important to know how dogs show you when they want some quiet time. If you think you might like a dog for a pet you need to find out what dogs love to eat, what they just love to do and what keeps them happy as well as healthy. You can find out by learning the facts in this book and taking on detective assignments to investigate their needs.


By going through your pet detective tasks and learning as you go you will find out if you and your family are the right owners for these special pets, then you’re ready to take care of a real one! Just as importantly, if you discover that you and a dog aren’t a perfect match you can get some pointers to other fabulous animals that might suit you better.