Social media
Contact information
Email

noah@noah.co.uk

National Pet Month needs you! April 1 - May 5

People across the UK are being encouraged to celebrate the 25th birthday of National Pet Month by raising money for animals in need.

Us Brits are known for being softies when it comes to our pets with 13 million of us (that’s almost 45 per cent of) households owning a pet in 2013.

So, from April 1 – May 5 it’s our chance to prove how much our pets mean to us by getting involved in National Pet Month – a UK wide celebration of responsible pet ownership which aims to help pet charities across the country raise money for their vital work.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, National Pet Month will be encouraging thousands of pet fans around Britain to join the party by staging or attending fun events in aid of a favourite UK pet charity and spreading the word on good pet care.

So far events happening up and down the country include sponsored dog walks, a tea party complete with pet guests at a residential home, a charity ball, special pet themed school assemblies, fun days, a Pet Nose Day, Doggy Fun Day, pet microchipping days and a range of bake sales and competitions.

Over the years all types of organisations have pledged their support to the NPM cause – from schools, veterinary practices and pet shops to community groups, charities and thousands of pet loving individuals.

At the heart of National Pet Month’s cause are the Top 10 Tips for responsible pet ownership (See editors’ notes) which aim to encourage people of all ages to think carefully before they take on a pet and if they do, to remind them of what to do to keep their companion animal safe and happy.

This year National Pet Month has attracted celebrity support from West End star Jodie Prenger, actress Lu Corfield (Doctors, Candy Cabs) and TV presenter Laura Hamilton – all enthusiastic pet owners themselves.

TV vet Marc Abraham has also leant his support to the cause, visiting schools around the UK to talk to pupils about National Pet Month and promote responsible pet care.

Since launching in 1989 as National Pet Week, National Pet Month has helped countless pet organisations with thousands of pet owners, vet and pet professionals organising fun and educational events around the country.

 “We’re really looking forward to celebrating National Pet Month’s silver anniversary this year and would love the UK’s pet owners to join us in this celebration,” says NPM chairman Phil Sketchley.

“The whole focus and theme for this year’s campaign is Celebrating Our Pets and we hope as many pet fans as possible will join us in celebrating the wonderful impact pets have on our lives.

He adds: “As a nation we are known for our love of pets and so what better way to celebrate this love than by helping to raise money for pet charities who do so much amazing work, often in very challenging circumstances.”

Whether a UK resident owns a fabulous feline, a cute canine, a cuddly gerbil, a precious pony or any other kind of pet NPM would love them to take part in this anniversary year.

How about persuading a local veterinary practice or pet shop to give a pet themed talk at a local school, put on a pet friendly fete or fair or stage an open day?

Alternatively a pet owner could put on their own event; maybe a sponsored dog walk, pet show or working with their local vicar to arrange a pet friendly service at their church.

The only limit is imagination. National Pet Month is on hand to offer loads of help on planning an event. Pet fans can register for free on the NPM website www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk and then receive an events pack full of top tips to help stage a fun, safe and successful event.

Once registered as an NPM supporter, event holders can enter their event details on an interactive map on the NPM website so it can be shared with supporters and attract visitors for the big day.

Through National Pet Month’s social media accounts with more than 107,000 fans, there will be all kinds of fun and easy to enter competitions going on throughout the campaign, including a virtual 25thanniversary launch party on Twitter where followers will be able to join in the celebrations and win some great prizes!

Supporters can follow National Pet Month on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NationalPetMonth and on Twitter @NatPetMonthUK plus sister pages Scratching Post for cat lovers www.facebook.com/JoinScratchingPost and Park Bench for dog lovers www.facebook.com/JoinParkBench

National Pet Month takes place from April 1 to May 5, 2014.

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS: National Pet Month is a registered charity number 1114880.

Trustees are the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) 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: For more information, photographs and to arrange interviews please 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.

Campaign run by…