During National Pet Month we are focusing on the five animal welfare needs, the physical and mental health benefits of pets and the tireless work of the veterinary profession through a pandemic. 

This will sit alongside our theme of Pets and People: Caring For Each Other, reflecting how our pets have positively impacted us through a year of lockdowns, and looking at how we can give back, ensuring our pets stay healthy and happy.

Topics covered under the 5 Welfare Needs include:

Companionship

The need for companionship has never been more in the spotlight as we have been forced to spend time away from our loved ones. The connection with our pets has been a lifeline as our wonderful series of #PetPawsitivity stories show.

We will focus on the companionship needs of our pets and look at the unique challenges when we return to work.

There’ll be discussion and tips on pet friendly office policies and advice on what makes a pet’s ideal home environment – whether they’re a solitary animal or prefer companionship.

We’ll also share the latest results of a PFMA (Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association) survey on new owners in lockdown, providing valuable insights into UK pets and their owners today.

Behaviour

To ensure our pets remain happy and healthy, it’s important to understand the behaviour of our animals so we know if, and when, to seek advice from pet and vet professionals.

We’ll provide support and advice to help avoid issues such as separation anxiety as we ease out of lockdown and routines change.

We’ll also share top training tips from the APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors) and NOAH’s (National Office of Animal Health) expert guide to Knowing Your Pets’ Behaviour.

Diet

With pet obesity on the increase, it’s never been more important to ensure our pets are eating a nutritious and well balanced diet.

We’ll lead discussion and share articles on the latest data from PFMA and include advice and support to ensure pets are eating well throughout their lifetimes.

Health

From the moment a new pet arrives, it’s important we provide them with the best health care to help them live life to the full.

To help achieve this, we’ll be sharing all the latest news, advice and tips on vaccinations, worming, and other vital care.

Environment

Everybody – people and pets alike – needs a place they can call home, somewhere safe and secure and appropriate for their needs.

Today more people rent their homes, particularly younger generations who have embraced pet ownership during the pandemic, and felt its benefits. However, it can be difficult to find suitable accommodation, with some people forced to give up their pets to find somewhere to live.

In the final week of National Pet Month, we will look at efforts to change policy and make pet friendly rental accommodation the norm, as well as offer advice to new and young pet owners who might be struggling.

How can you get involved?

National Pet Month is all about collaboration and engagement – working together to celebrate our pets and make their lives better. If you’re planning on creating social content around these five key areas, please tag us in on social so we can spread the responsible pet ownership message together.

NPM will also share #PetPawsitivity and #VetPawsitivity stories from vet and pet professionals alongside pet owners’ stories. So, if you share a tale about how a pet or a colleague has helped you through lockdown, tag us with these hashtags and #NPM21 on social.

And remember, if you’re planning a fundraising campaign for a UK pet charity or rescue, tell us so we can share your activities.

Check out our #PetPawsitivity stories at www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk/news/

National Pet Month: April 1- May 3