National Pet Month April 1 – May 6 2019 celebrates its 30th birthday this year and UK pet fans are being encouraged to get involved in this very special anniversary.

Educational charity NPM has worked tirelessly over three decades to encourage responsible pet ownership and highlight key pet welfare issues.

Its Top 10 Tips for responsible pet care have been shared by hundreds, if not thousands, across social media and appear in classrooms, veterinary practices, businesses and pet charities around Britain as pet owners follow these basic, but important, healthcare tips.

This year, as well as inviting pet lovers to join in the celebrations on social media, NPM is asking people to attend or stage a fundraising event for a UK pet charity and help raise much needed funds.

“Thirty years old and National Pet Month is still working hard to encourage us all to look after our pets responsibly. It’s a tremendous achievement,” says NPM Chairman Michael Bellingham.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our 30th then to see pet lovers having fun and raising money, whether that’s for NPM or another worthy pet charity. There are so many organisations who work to improve pet welfare and as an umbrella charity we are here to highlight and support their vital work as well as our own. So, please wish NPM a ‘Happy Birthday’ but also speak to a pet rescue or charity who may need your help. Then share your success stories with us on social media. Let’s work together to ensure our pets live happy and healthy lives.”

Previous fundraising events during #NationalPetMonth - April 1-May 6 - have included everything from bake sales, sponsored dog walks, vet open days and fancy dress cattery sleepovers to art exhibitions, dog shows, road shows and pet church services.

Michael adds: “National Pet Month is a real celebration of pet ownership and is for all those people in the UK who love pets.

“So during the campaign (April 1-May 6) and beyond, we’re encouraging people to talk to their vets, pet stores, pet charities and rescues to see how they can get involved with National Pet Month and help us raise awareness of important issues around good pet care.”

Here’s how pet fans can get involved with National Pet Month right now:

1. Register as an NPM supporter at http://www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk/_members/ It’s free and only takes a minute.

2. Check out www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk  and the supporter toolkit which you can access after registering. This includes everything you need to put on a fabulous fundraising event – from downloadable posters and press release templates to order forms for NPM stickers, pens and collection boxes.

3. Follow NPM on social media  www.fb.com/NationalPetMonth, www.fb.com/JoinScratchingPost (cat fans), www.fb.com/JoinParkBench (dog fans) and on Twitter @NatPetMonthUK using the hashtags #NationalPetMonth or #NPM.

4. Tell all your friends about NPM and ask your local vet practices, pet shops, businesses and pet charities to stage a fundraising event for a UK pet charity.

5. Speak to your local school too. Take a look at our pet themed lesson plans at http://www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk/schools with more resources at http://www.peteducationresources.co.uk/ to ensure pets are the talk of the classroom!

Beyond #NationalPet Month UK pet fans are invited to join NPM’s Pet Care Aware family – an initiative for pet friendly businesses and organisations, allowing the responsible pet care message to carry on throughout the year.

Organisations can join Pet Care Aware for just £250. For this they receive a year’s listing on NPM’s website with a live link to their website, plus an exclusive electronic supporter badge for their online channels and a window sticker for their premises declaring ‘We’re Pet Care Aware”.

For more information check out https://nationalpetmonth.org.uk/pet-care-aware/

At the heart of National Pet Month’s responsible pet ownership message is its Top 10 Tips. They are:

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.

For more information and media enquiries on National Pet Month, please contact: Asha Clearwater (Turquoise Tiger)
asha@turquoisetiger.co.uk

01406 380737/07920 461044

NOTE TO EDITORS 

National Pet Month is a registered charity number 1114880.

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