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Full Steam Ahead For National Pet Month 2013

National Pet Month April 1 – May 6 2013 is back and all set to be bigger and better than ever as UK pet owners come together in a nationwide celebration of responsible pet ownership.

Animal fans from across the country are asked to show their support by staging and attending fundraising events for local pet charities, taking part in schools projects and competitions and helping spread the word on important pet ownership issues.

Following on from last year’s success, National Pet Month’s UK wide campaign has been extended for 2013 and features an exciting new theme - Your Pets and you: companions for life - which recognises and celebrates the benefits of life-long companionship for both pet and owner.

So, whether you own a cute kitty, beautiful bunny or a cuddly canine, National Pet Month needs YOU to help celebrate the joys of owning a pet, help highlight key messages about good pet care and raise awareness and cash for all those amazing local pet charities.

During National Pet Month 2013 there’ll be so much to see and do – a whole host of competitions for schools, pets and owners and all kinds of fun events taking place across the country which we want to hear about so we can include them on the NPM interactive map. www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk/events/.

Not only that but we want pet fans to stage their own events in aid of a favourite animal charity.  Perhaps you fancy organising a sponsored dog walk, pet show or fair on a pet theme, would like to speak to your local vet surgery about holding an open day or could encourage your local church to conduct a pet-friendly service? There really is so much you can do to help spread the responsible pet ownership message – the only limit is imagination.

Register as a supporter on the National Pet Month website www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk and you’ll receive a free events pack featuring information on NPM’s key messages plus posters and tips on how to successfully publicise your event.

Here you’ll also find lots of information about National Pet Month’s 2012 campaign which raised more than £12,000 for more than 35 animal charities around the UK – a figure we’re aiming to beat in 2013.

“National Pet Month is all about bringing the pet owning public of the UK together and raising awareness of how important it is to look after our pets properly,” says Phil Sketchley, National Pet Month Chairman.

“In 2013 our campaign emphasis is on life-long companionship that can benefit both pet and owner. Whether you are a toddler or a pensioner a pet can be a truly wonderful companion, helping to reduce anxiety and instil a sense of calm. Scientific research suggests there are numerous associated health benefits of pet ownership which we’ll be highlighting during National Pet Month.

“Pets really do make people’s lives happier and healthier and so what better way to repay them than by encouraging people to spread the responsible pet ownership message?

“We can’t wait for National Pet Month 2013 to get underway on April 1 and look forward to growing our nationwide army of supporters. We really appreciate the support from our sponsors Companion Care Vets and Pets at Home who help make the whole Month happen, and would be delighted to hear from anyone else who would like to work with us too.”

National Pet Month, which began as National Pet Week in 1989, is a registered charity and grows more popular each year, with thousands helping to spread the key messages of responsible pet ownership, the mutual benefits of living with pets, the role of pet care specialists and the value of working and assistance companion animals.

Become a supporter at nationalpetmonth.org.uk, follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/NationalPetMonth and on Twitter @NatPetMonthUK

National Pet Month takes place from April 1 to May 6 2013

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS: National Pet Month is a registered charity number 1114880 and is sponsored by Companion Care Vets and Pets At Home.

Trustees are the Petfood Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA), the Pet Care Trust and NOAH (National Office of Animal Health).

National Pet Month’s Top 10 tips for responsible pet ownership

1. Think carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements.

2. Ensure your pet is sociable and well trained.

3. Provide a nutritious and well balanced diet.

4. Provide suitable housing and bedding.

5. Clean up after your pet and worm it regularly.

6. Protect against disease. Your vet can provide you with advice.

7. Prevent unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate.

8. Groom your pet regularly.

9. Control your pet and ensure it is properly identified.

10. Take out pet insurance for dogs, cats, rabbits and horses to cover against unexpected veterinary fees and third party liability.

 

CONTACT: Alison Bowie or Taz Thornton on 01406 380737 or email info@turquoisetiger.co.uk

Press Office

For media information, images or to speak to a spokesperson about National Pet Month please contact Taz Thornton or Asha Clearwater at Turquoise Tiger on +44 (0)7920 461 044 or email noah@noah.co.uk

Please note we have access to a range of spokespeople via our coordinators, sponsors and most animal welfare organisations and charities who get involved with NPM.

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