Were you lucky enough to look under the Christmas tree this year and find a new pet? Santa Claus delivers quite a number of puppies, kittens and small animals to families in Britain over the festive period, and we hope if you welcomed a new animal into your home this year you're enjoying the many benefits that pet ownership can bring. But it's important to make sure that animals are correctly cared for - if this is your first experience looking after a pet, you might find advice from some of Finsbury Park's animal professionals useful.

If your puppy was weaned in time for Christmas and is now around 7-8 weeks old, now's the time to begin a course of vaccinations. Most canine vaccinations now involve a single dose that protects against five common diseases at once, so the experience needn't be too traumatic - and it's vital to protect your new best friend from potentially fatal infections.

Kittens are usually vaccinated at 9 weeks with a triple vaccine protecting against diseases including cat flu.This is usually given in two shots administered two weeks apart. For further advice and to book a vaccination, contact Zasman Vet north of the station, or Abbeyvet on Blackstock Road.

Zasman also offers grooming for both dogs and cats. Regular grooming is an important part of owning a dog, helping to promote skin health and hygiene as well as improving the outward appearance of your dog. Cats, particularly long-haired varieties such as Persians, will also benefit from regular grooming. Pampered Pets on Holloway Road also offers a Dog Grooming service, and sells accessories for a range of pets including fish, birds, hamsters and other small animals.

Going on holiday and need somebody to look after your furry friends while you're away? Try londoncatsitting.net or www.londoncatsittingcompany.com for professional help.

Do you have any other favourite local pet stores, vets or grooming parlours? Are you a dogwalker or catsitter looking for clients? Would you like to post a picture of your guinea pig here? Let us know below!

Image: mizuo_fiat