National Pet Month, with its theme of ‘Your pets and you – a winning team’, runs all the way through to 7 May. It’s not too late for veterinary practices to get involved and show what they have to offer clients – and potential clients. Details of how to join in are on the National Pet Month website www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk.

This year, national Pet Month is again supported by Companion Care Veterinary Group and Royal Canin, and additionally this year, by Pets at Home.

Jane Balmain, Managing Director of Companion Care says, “Promoting responsible pet ownership is at the heart of what we do and as the leaders in small animal veterinary healthcare advice, for happy, healthy pets we are delighted to be supporting National Pet Month once again.”

Many veterinary practices put on events, and the Companion Care practices are getting fully engaged this year

“We are looking forward to seeing their entries in our ‘best event’ competition”, says National Pet Month chairman, Phil Sketchley.

In 2011 the best veterinary National Pet Month event was an open day held by Old Golfhouse Veterinary Group in Norfolk.

Tilly Morgan, head receptionist, who co-ordinated the event explained: “In each room we had veterinary surgeons or nurses who were able to explain how the profession can work to help protect our pets.

“We were also pleased to support the charities who we work with all year and raise funds to support the fantastic work they do caring for and rehoming healthy pets.

“We were delighted with the feedback we had from the public. We were particularly glad to see several new clients who signed up on the day!” she added.

Phil Sketchley added: “This event was a fantastic example of how practices can use National Pet Month to show what they offer and the value of their services to clients and their pets. Sometimes the pet owning public are unaware of how much a good relationship with a veterinary practice can support the health and wellbeing of their pet. This event, through excellent organisation and publicity, managed to engage with the pet-owning public and help animal charities too.” So all in all the Old Golfhouse event  ‘ticked all the boxes’ for what the Trustees of National Pet Month were looking for when judging the veterinary events put on around the country.

“National Pet Month runs right to 7 May,” Phil Sketchley added. “There’s still plenty of time to get involved.”