The summer holidays are quickly approaching but sadly for some pets it is the worst time of the year.

Every holiday season Four Paws receives reports about animals that have simply been abandoned by owners who have not made arrangements for their animals to be cared for while they are away.

Many pet owners do not realise that under the Animal Welfare Act they have a legal responsibility to ensure the welfare of their animals and to provide for their pet's needs, as does any person whom they choose to leave them with when they are away.

There are a number of options to ensure a pet is cared for when you are away.

You can leave them with friends or family, have a pet-sitter or take them to a reputable boarding establishment in or around Oxford.

So please make sure that while you are having a great time, your pet is not having a holiday from hell.

WILL WRIGHT, Four Paws, Loman Street, London