BSAVA backs National Pet Month

30 March 2016

National Pet Month: April 1 – May 2 2016
This year’s theme: Promoting responsible pet ownership

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) says vet practices can play a vital role in marking National Pet Month, by celebrating improvements in animal welfare and raising money for UK pet charities.

The national campaign taking place from April 1 – May 2 offers a great opportunity for the veterinary profession to join pet owners, animal welfare charities, professional bodies, pet businesses, schools, youth groups and pet lovers in activities that encourage responsible pet ownership, raise funds, and celebrate the contribution our pets make to our lives.

This year’s theme is to champion responsible pet ownership, reminding us how important it is to provide the very best levels of care for our pets – and acknowledging how good our pets are for us.

Veterinary practices around the country are being urged to stage a pet-themed event in aid of a favourite UK pet charity, taking the opportunity to build relationships with their older clients, as well as talking to local schools or community groups. Among those charities is PetSavers, a division of BSAVA dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of illnesses and conditions affecting pets, so that our companion animals can enjoy longer, fuller and healthier lives.

BSAVA President Tricia Colville encouraged vet practices to join the celebrations and continue their excellent work in encouraging the many benefits to health and happiness that responsible pet ownership brings.

“The vet profession is at the heart of responsible pet ownership and National Pet Month is a great opportunity for practices to open their doors to the public to show them the professionalism and care that goes on behind the scenes, as well as educate and support pet owners, and to celebrate this in a fun and inspiring way,&” she said.

“There is a growing body of evidence documenting the many physical and emotional benefits of responsible pet ownership, helping us to lead happier, healthier lives and make fewer demands on the health service or on society as a whole.&”

National Pet Month Chairman Michael Bellingham said: “National Pet Month offers a fantastic opportunity for veterinary practices, their clients and even potential clients 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 perhaps to encourage us to help raise funds for many of the UK’s incredible charities, such as PetSavers, which helps so many of our nation’s pets in need.

He added: “National Pet Month’s top 10 tips can provide the vet profession with a simple starting point for conversations about pet care&” and reminded practices to register their events with National Pet Month so they could get the publicity they deserve.

National Pet Month is a registered charity bringing together animal welfare charities, professional bodies, pet businesses, schools, youth groups and pet lovers with the common goal of improving the welfare of pets. The trustees are National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) and Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA).

The mainstay of the month is local events run throughout the UK by supporters, in vet practices, schools and by charities.

National Pet Month’s aims are to:

Promote responsible pet ownership
Make people aware of the benefits of pets for people and people for pets
Increase public awareness of services available from professionals who work with animals
Raise awareness of the role, value and contribution to society of working companion animals

For more information, to sign up as a supporter and claim free posters and event packs, visit www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk