National Pet Month is a charity raising the profile of how to look after our pets responsibly whilst showing how much fun we can have with them. This year, from 3 April – 3 May, National Pet Month will be celebrating its 21st birthday and thousands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country.

National Pet Month calls on the nation’s children to help create the country’s happiest pet. We’re running an art competition, open to children of all ages around the theme ‘A happy pet I know’ and we’re inviting children to draw or paint their own pets, or those of friends or relatives. The animal they choose could be playing or walking to make it healthy and happy, or eating its favourite food; it could be visiting a pet care specialist or just cuddled up with its favourite human friend.

From cats to dogs, guinea pigs to stick insects, we are asking children, working with their school or youth group, to make a picture – draw, paint, collage – it’s entirely their choice!

All children love animals, so inspire their artwork by arranging a visit to a local pet shop or veterinary practice, or inviting a representative to come and talk to them in school in National Pet Month. It’s a great way to get the children engaged in animals and pet care. For those with pets it enhances what they have already learned; for those without pets, it opens up a whole new world.

The National Pet Month trustees will select their favourite pictures from the entries received. There will be a special prize for those who, in the opinion of the judges, create the ‘Best Pet Picture’. There will also be certificates for the schools and youth groups whose pet pictures are chosen.

Here’s what to do:

• Get visiting: If possible, try to arrange a visit either to or from your local pet retailer or veterinary practice. It will help give the children first-hand knowledge about pets and their care, and will help hone their artistic talents!
• Pick a Pet: Working with your teacher or youth group leader, decide which pet you would like to create a picture of. Pick what makes it healthy and happy: Use any medium – paint, collage etc. Do it as an individual, or the whole class can work on the animal as a project.
• Tell us you are involved: Log on to the National Pet Month website www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk and become a supporter. That way we can send you a free events pack and you’ll get some free posters on responsible pet ownership to inspire you. You can also display these at your school or clubhouse. You can send us an email, fax or post us.
• Submit your entry! Entries should be submitted to the National Pet Month office with the enclosed entry form by Friday 28 May: 3 Crossfield Chambers, Gladbeck Way, Enfield, EN2 7HF.