Kirklees College Taylor Hill Animal Centre

🌿🦎 🐍 Going the extra mile for our animals 🦎🌿

Anyone who works in Animal Care knows that it’s never really a 9-to-5 job. It’s a career built on passion, dedication and a genuine commitment to the animals in our care.

We wanted to give a special mention to Sarah, one of our Animal Care Technicians, who has dedicated over 20 years to caring for the animals here at Taylor Hill. 💚

In her own time, Sarah has been busy growing and potting a range of species-appropriate plants for our reptile enclosures. 🌱 These have been carefully chosen not only to make the enclosures look beautiful, but to help create more naturalistic environments, support appropriate humidity levels and provide valuable environmental enrichment for the animals.

It’s a lovely example of the thought, knowledge and care that goes into animal husbandry beyond the everyday essentials — and of someone taking their passion for animal welfare that little bit further.

The enclosures are looking fantastic, the reptiles have some wonderful new additions to their environments, and Sarah’s hard work is very much appreciated.

Thank you, Sarah, for everything you do for our animals at Taylor Hill — both during your working day and beyond it. 🌿🐍🦎💚

Today is International Homeless Animals’ Day, an annual awareness day highlighting the millions of companion animals around the world without a safe and permanent home.

The day is not only about rescue, but also about prevention and responsible pet ownership. Neutering, microchipping, responsible breeding and making a lifelong commitment to our pets can all help reduce the number of animals becoming homeless.

🐶 Adopt responsibly
🐱 Neuter to help prevent unwanted litters
🏠 Remember that pets are a lifelong commitment
❤️ Support reputable rescues, shelters and foster carers
📚 Educate others about responsible animal care and welfare

At Kirklees College Animal Care, we believe educating future animal care professionals also means understanding the wider welfare issues affecting animals in our communities.

Today we recognise the amazing work of rescues, veterinary teams, volunteers and foster carers — and remember all those animals still waiting for somewhere to call home. 🐾❤️

🐾 Happy International Cat Day! 🐾

Today we’re celebrating our wonderful feline friends and all the love, companionship, personality and occasional chaos they bring into our lives! 🐱❤️

We couldn’t let the day go by without sharing a photo of Basil, our much-loved former college cat, who was a familiar face around Taylor Hill for many years. 🖤🤍

Now we want to see yours! 📸🐾

Share a photo of your magnificent moggies in the comments below — the cute ones, the cheeky ones, the grumpy ones and the completely bonkers ones are all welcome! 😂🐈

Let’s fill the comments with cats! ❤️

Happy International Cat Day! 🐾

A Warm Welcome to Our Newest Arrivals! 🐥
We’re delighted to welcome three adorable chicks to our Animal Care Unit after they recently needed a new home.
They’re settling in well, keeping us entertained with their curious personalities and endless energy! Over the coming weeks, our students will be involved in providing them with the highest standards of care while learning about chick development, nutrition, health and welfare.
We’re looking forward to watching these little ones grow and can’t wait to share updates as they develop into beautiful adult chickens. 💛
Welcome to the family, little ones! 🐣

🌞 Volunteer Appreciation Post 🌞

A huge thank you and well done to David, who came in to volunteer at the Animal Centre today despite the temperatures reaching around 30°C.

While many people were understandably staying out of the heat, David spent the day helping to ensure all of our animals were fed, watered, checked and cared for throughout the hot weather. His dedication, enthusiasm and genuine passion for animal welfare really shone through.

It’s wonderful to see this level of commitment, and we’re very grateful for all of your hard work today.

Well done, David, and thank you for making such a positive difference to the animals in our care! 👏🐾

☀️🌡️ Heatwave Reminder – Keep Your Pets Safe! 🐾

With temperatures expected to reach 31°C, it’s important to take extra care of our furry friends. Dogs, cats and rabbits can all struggle in hot weather, and heatstroke can develop quickly.

💧 Provide plenty of fresh water
🏠 Keep pets cool indoors where possible
🌳 Ensure access to shade and good airflow
🚶 Avoid walking dogs during the hottest parts of the day
❄️ Use cooling mats, damp towels or cool resting areas

A little extra care can make a big difference during the hot weather.

Stay safe, stay cool, and don’t forget to check on your pets throughout the day. ❤️🐶🐱🐰

👇 Share your favourite ways to keep your pets cool in the comments! 🐾☀️