Event Advice
There’s a huge variety of events you could choose to organise! In the past events have included fun pet shows, photo competitions, parades, sponsored walks, raffles, dances, veterinary practice, pet shop, kennel/cattery and groomer open days, demonstrations and roadshows. There have been school competitions and visits by local pet experts. It can be a fundraiser for a local animal charity or not. It doesn't really matter how big or small an event is, or even what type. What makes it successful is careful planning along with a healthy dose of enthusiasm from the organiser and his or her team of volunteers!
You may decide to go it alone or why not link up with other people in your area? The 2008 winning event was a collaboration between the National Trust, a vet practice and local animal charities.
Have a look here for some inspiration from some last years winners.
Each event should have a clearly defined objective. This could be:
- To promote responsible pet ownership
- To communicate the value of pets for people and people for pets
- To raise awareness of the importance of animals health professionals and related services
- To increase public awareness of the role, value and contribution to society of working companion animals
If your event is a fundraiser and you’re looking for some inspiration as to who to support, then have a look at our links page , to see the charities who are really involved in National Pet Month. And don’t forget National Pet Month too. We’d really appreciate a donation - say, 20%, to help us keep things going. Read some advice on fundraising.
We really appreciate the help from our 2010 sponsors: Argos and Countrywide Farmers.
Events pack
If you’re thinking of putting on an event, then ‘Register as a Supporter ’. We’ll send you a free events pack.
Once you’ve decided what to do, log in and ‘Register your Event’ with us. This will help publicise your event - and will show how National Pet Month is growing.
Official Approval
Official approval may be necessary for certain types of events.
Shows
Any animal show may need the approval of the relevant governing body. e.g. dog shows and competitions (except ‘fun’ event) should be run under Kennel Club rules (see www.thekennelclub.org.uk). If in doubt, check with National Pet Month.
Sponsored Walks
Sponsored walks or other events using public highways need approval of the local police. When children are involved, great care must be taken to ensure their safety. Adult supervisors must accompany children and provision for first-aid and refreshments (for humans and animals, if they’re walking) is recommended. If you have a sponsored dog walk, make sure all your walkers clear up after their dogs!
Car Parking and Traffic
If large events are planned, car parking should be arranged and the local police notified. Seek advice from the RAC and AA about temporary direction signs for major events.
Fund-Raising
Charity Fund-Raising Events
Charity fundraising events must comply with the rules of governing charities. Registered charities are aware of the rules. If the event is in aid of an organisation which is not registered as a charity, a tax liability may be incurred and certain legal constraints will apply.
Jointly-organised Charity Events
If more than one organisation is involved, it should be agreed in advance how each organisation will approach fund-raising and how any income will be divided. Please tell National Pet Month how much you’ve raised!
Don't forget National Pet Month is a charity itself and needs funds so that it can continue its work centrally. We would really appreciate £20 or 20% of money raised from your event to go back to National Pet Month.
Collection Boxes
National Pet Month collection boxes are available from National Pet Month by calling 020 8370 3688 or click here to request Collection Boxes. All funds collected under the name "National Pet Month" must be forwarded to the central office. Collections donated from other charities can be made separately. Collections can be made at events but street collections cannot be made without a licence.
All money sent in to National Pet Month, that has either been collected at events or in National Pet Month collection boxes, is used solely to fund National Pet Month to continue promoting responsible pet ownership. No money is donated to other charities or organisations.
Planning the Event
Starting Early
Early advance planning is the key to the success of an event. Venues, funding and publicity all need to be sorted out well in advance, and if a local celebrity is to be involved, it may be necessary to give several months' advance warning. National Pet Month can help with publicity materials: click here for more details.
Booking Facilities
Booking a venue, be it a hall or playing field, for an event may incur a charge. Event organisers should ensure that they have arranged funding before they commit themselves to a booking. Why not approach a local visitor attraction to see if you can work together, as they may welcome the publicity and increase in visitors your event will bring.
Helpers
Usually only a few people are willing to put in the time and effort needed to make an event successful. First-time organisers should choose their helpers carefully and make it clear to them the kind of commitment which will be required.
Show Stalls
If the organiser is planning to have stalls, you should consider ones that give a high rate of return. For example, "Try Your Skill" stalls using darts, footballs, etc. are very popular, yet require very little investment and only a nominal prize for the highest score. All profits are then available for distribution to charities, including National Pet Month.
Other high-yielding stalls are bottle or soft toy tombolas, ‘Guess the Weight’ or Guess the Number’, bric a brac, etc.
Funds
If an event is being run by one organisation only, then that organisation will be responsible for providing floats for each stall. Each stall-holder should be in charge of his own float. The event organiser must ensure that funds are collected at the end, are double-checked and recorded. Don’t forget you may need to organise float money.
Insurance
For events that attract public attendance, liability insurance is essential. Again, insurance is recommended if equipment is hired.
Suggestions for Events
Here are some ideas for different types of events if you are looking for some inspiration! All of these events have been run very successfully during past National Pet Months. It doesn't matter how big or small your event is. Choose one that fits in with the amount of time, energy and resources you are able to dedicate to it. However, make sure that you are promoting at least one of the aims of National Pet Month.
Choose from:
- Pet-a-thon – why not hold a sponsored dog walk – or even ferret walk?!
- Pet Show - could be dog, cat, bird, horse (with or without dog agility demonstrations) or general - can be fun events (eg waggiest tail etc)
- Educational event - providing advice to pet owners or children, perhaps at a school or youth group.. Think about involving local vets, rescue centres, pet shops, local experts, police dog training specialists, or dog wardens. The NPM Teachers Pack may help, or follow the links to other charity advice.
- Pet display in local bookstore
- Charity walks, sponsored swims, sponsored keep fit or slim (get sponsored through JustGiving)
- Bazaars, Jumble Sales or car boot sales
- Dances/Discos
- Charity walks, sponsored swims, sponsored keep fit or slim
- Pet exhibitions or talks in local museums and libraries
- Stage Productions
- • Participation in established shows - if there is an established event going on in your area during National Pet Month, you could get involved, perhaps running a stall, or a mini-pet show.
- Open Days/Evenings - rehoming kennels or catteries, pet shops, groomers and veterinary practices can invite the public to visit, offering information about services or talks about pets, animal first aid, etc. Offer microchipping, nurse health checks, grooming demos etc.
- Family services for churches, Sunday schools and school assemblies - National Pet Month has a pack devised by Jennifer Hyland and Harvey the Lifestyle Dog – download from our resource section.
All events can be run by one or a group of organisations. Events can either be charity fund-raising or proceeds can be used to cover costs (don't forget National Pet Month!) Pet shows can be judged with prizes or purely educational giving the public the chance to learn about pets.
Claim your free events pack for even more information.
