Members of the Young Kennel Club have been given an insight into finding work in the pet industry at a special Careers with Dogs Day.

The Kennel Club played host to 26 14-24 year olds keen on pursuing a career with dogs. 

Experts including Wandsworth Council dog warden, Mark Callis; dog behaviourist, Robert Alleyne; Guide Dogs recruitment consultant, Helene Reinbolt, and trainers, Zoe Aird and Laura Skinner; PDSA veterinary surgeon, Sean Wensley and veterinary nurse, Amy Henson; and Blue Cross education officer, Marion Jones, shared their knowledge and experience with the YKC members in a series of talks.

Mark Callis explained: “Wandsworth Council has supported Careers with Dogs Day for the past five years because it is important that tomorrow’s leaders of the dog world are fully grounded and experienced and able to promote responsible dog ownership.

“It is vital to encourage these young people and help them as they look towards careers with dogs - and in particular, to working with dogs in the community.  Wandsworth Council offers many work experience placements each year to young people, and I am pleased that we received an application from one of the attendees within a few hours of the event ending.”

Fifteen year old Alice Ryan said: “I wanted to find out what jobs were out there where you could work with dogs and to find out what they entailed. I found the dog warden talk really interesting, which I didn’t expect.”

Sixteen year old Samantha Towe added: “I found the day really helpful - the speakers offered a great insight into what routes and courses to take towards working with dogs.”

For more information about future Young Kennel Club events visit www.youngkennelclub.org.uk