Kids can learn how to keep pets happy and healthy after KidZania opened a new activity.

The Pet Wellbeing Centre launched during the summer holidays at the virtual city, which offers youngsters the chance to take part in 60 real-life role play adventures.

It includes role-play situations where children learn about the five welfare needs, including good pet nutrition.

Participants will examine real-life animal X-rays and even "perform surgery" on poorly (stuffed) pets and bandage them back together.

The Pet Wellbeing Centre aims to educate the next generation of pet owners about animal welfare in a fun and engaging way, and is part of a partnership with pet food brand Lily’s Kitchen and the UK veterinary charity PDSA.

Children at KidZania tend to a poorly Dalmatian at the new Pet Wellbeing Centre

The UK is well known as a country of animal lovers, research has revealed that 85% of children have never heard about the five animal welfare needs (environment, diet, behaviour, companionship and health) and just 26% have been taught how to care for pets at school.

Lily’s Kitchen will focus on providing information on pet nutrition and how a balanced diet is key to a happy, healthy pet, while PDSA will educate visitors about the five animal welfare needs and give children a “real-life pet surgery” experience.

Eddie Kemlsey, chief executive at KidZania, said: “We are thrilled to be launching this new veterinary activity for kids. So many of our young visitors have pets they love and we want to educate them on how best to care for them, but in a fun and engaging way.”

The virtual city is based in Westfield shopping centre provides an educational entertainment experience where kids aged four to 14 can learn real-life skills and act out a range of professions from firefighter, beautician, pilot, radio presenter, pit-lane engineer and estate agent.

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