Social media
Contact information
Email

noah@noah.co.uk

Share your Dog tales on Twitter and win a luxury break

The search is on to find the nation’s best doggy holiday story via social networking site Twitter.

Pet lovers across the UK are being urged to get online and share stories about going on holiday with their canines to celebrate National Pet Month – April 7 to May 7, 2012.

National Pet Month has teamed up with cross-Solent operator Wightlink to discover the best #DogHols stories.

To enter, all you need to do is share your holiday doggy tales on Twitter.com and you could win a short break on the Isle of Wight for up to four people and their canine friends.

The art of a good competition entry is to see how much of a story you can tweet in 140 characters or less.

All competition entries must be addressed to @NatPetMonthUK and include the #DogHols hashtag.

At the end of National Pet Month, the best entry will be chosen, with the author scooping a four night mid-week break at Nitons Barns on the Isle of Wight in a two-bedroom barn for up to four people and their dogs.

Four runners up will win free return car ferry tickets to the Island for a car, four passengers and their canines.

The competition celebrates the launch of Wightlink’s new dog-centric free Island guide, Pawprint, written by Isle of Wight dogs and their humans.

National Pet Month, which began as National Pet Week in 1989, is a registered charity and encourages pet owners across the UK to come together and celebrate life with their pets.

As well as promoting responsible pet ownership, National Pet Month also highlights the mutual benefits of living with pets, the role of pet care specialists and the value of working and assistance companion animals.

“Our #DogHols Twitter competition is a fun way to celebrate the important role dogs play in our lives and the joy they can bring when we holiday with them,” says Phil Sketchley, National Pet Month Chairman.

“We’re sure there are some great stories to be shared by UK dog owners so we’d love to hear about them, albeit in a very brief message of 140 characters or less! Drop us a line on Twitter and who knows? You could soon be enjoying a lovely break for you and your canine pals.”

The theme of this year’s National Pet Month is Your pets and you: a winning team.

Events are taking place across the UK for National Pet Month. To see what’s happening near you, to register your own event or to check out full details of our competition go to our website www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk

Become a supporter at nationalpetmonth.org.uk, follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/NationalPetMonth and on Twitter @NatPetMonthUK

National Pet Month’s 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.

Wightlink web address:
www.wightlink.co.uk/isle-of-wight-guide-and-events/walking/pawprint

Niton Barns web address:
www.nitonbarns.co.uk

Press Office

For media information, images or to speak to a spokesperson about National Pet Month please contact Taz Thornton or Asha Clearwater at Turquoise Tiger on +44 (0)7920 461 044 or email noah@noah.co.uk

Please note we have access to a range of spokespeople via our coordinators, sponsors and most animal welfare organisations and charities who get involved with NPM.

Campaign run by…