This nationwide pet celebration gets underway on Friday, April 1 and runs until Monday, May 2, 2016.

Not only does National Pet Month promote responsible pet ownership, but it encourages veterinary practices, pet friendly businesses, groups and individuals to stage and attend pet themed events to raise money for UK pet charities.

Now in its 27^th year, National Pet Month offers the nation a chance to celebrate the wonderful impact pets have on our lives and this year will focus on the Top 10 Tips for Responsible Pet Ownership, reminding us of how important it is for us to provide the very best levels of care for our pets.

National Pet Month’s Top 10 Tips are:

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.

This year veterinary practices and pet stores around the country are being urged to team up with National Pet Month between April 1 and May 2, display the Top 10 Tips in their shops and surgeries and put on a pet themed event in aid of a favourite UK pet charity.

National Pet Month is also calling on pet friendly businesses across Britain to join in the campaign by either staging a ‘Take Your Pet To Work’ day or other fun pet themed fundraising event.

National Pet Month Chairman Michael Bellingham says: “With only a few weeks until the start of National Pet Month 2016 we’re calling on all UK pet fans to join us in this annual celebration of pet ownership.

“National Pet Month offers a fantastic opportunity for pet fans and pet care professionals to join together to celebrate our country’s great love of our pets, to remind us of the importance of taking good care of our pets and to encourage us to help raise funds for many of the UKs incredible pet charities who help so many of our nation’s pets in need.

He adds: “If you’re a UK pet fan we’d urge you to get involved with National Pet Month by either attending or organising a fundraising event for a UK pet charity during National Pet Month. This simple act could enable them to raise funds for their vital work.”

From April 1 to May 2 there will be all kinds of fun and informative pet themed events taking place up and down the country including competitions for schools, sponsored dog walks, pet fairs and pet shows, pet-friendly church services, special open days at veterinary practices and local pet shops, cake bakes, fancy dress events and lots more.

To find out more go to www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk and check out the National Pet Month events map, which will be updated throughout the campaign http://www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk/events/

Pet fans are encouraged to show their support for our nation’s pets by registering as a supporter at www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk It’s free and only takes a minute.

Here pet fans will find regular updates, be able to check out the NPM interactive map to see what fun events are happening near them and find out how they can organise their own event in aid of a favourite UK pet charity.

National Pet Month is also keen to work with pet friendly businesses during this year’s campaign and is actively seeking sponsors. For more information please email info@turquoisetiger.co.uk

Look out for more updates and fun competitions via the National Pet Month Facebook family www.facebook.com/nationalpetmonth, www.facebook.com/joinscratchingpost (for cat lovers) and www.facebook.com/joinparkbench (for dog lovers).

National Pet Month takes place from April 1 – May 2 2016