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 happy times 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 happier and healthier, and how they can repay the pets they love by looking after them responsibly.

It’s a great opportunity for veterinary practices to get involved and show what they have to offer clients – and potential clients. 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.

The 2010 overall best National Pet Month event was held by St Boniface Vets in Crediton, Devon. They participated by visiting local nursery and primary schools teaching children about pet health, and specifically raising awareness of exotic animals as pets.

Phil Sketchley, Chairman of NPM said:
“The 14 excellent educational visits that St Boniface made to local schools and nurseries were inspirational. They were a fantastic example of the partnerships that can be forged between practices and the community during National Pet Month.”

He added: “School visits are one great way for practices to get involved – but there are many more. Our top veterinary practice 2010 event, for example, was held by Mill House Vets in Kings Lynn, and which focussed on educating owners on caring for older pets. National Pet Month is an opportunity to help your clients learn more about responsible pet care so they can enjoy their pets for many years to come.”