From 2 April – 2 May, National Pet Month will be encouraging people to get happy and healthy spending time with their pets with its theme of ‘Happiness is….time with your pet’.

During the month, thousands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country. While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities, National Pet Month is not just about fund raising. It is also all about raising awareness of how pets make people’s lives better, and how they can repay the pets they love by looking after them responsibly.

It’s a great opportunity for pet care businesses to get involved and show what they have to offer customers – and potential customers. Details of how to join in and become a supporter are on our website www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk.

Last year saw National Pet Month become the most successful to date with a record number of 1200 events and nearly £80,000 raised for at least 30 animal charities.

Stan’s Pets Needs in Andover held the 2010 best pet shop event. They held 3 events including a birthday party for rescue pets (with a ‘doggy pass the parcel’!) The fun was coupled with free microchipping, and good advice on responsible pet ownership for pet owners and potential pet owners.

Phil Sketchley, chairman of NPM said: “National Pet Month is an opportunity to help your customers learn more about responsible pet care so they can enjoy their pets for many years to come. It’s also a great chance to get involved in the local community – for example by talking about responsible pet ownership to local schools. By explaining our 10 top tips and the support pet care specialists can give, you can help animals enjoy healthier and longer lives”.