National Pet Month

National Pet Month is a registered charity dedicated to encouraging animal lovers to celebrate their beloved furry friends. Throughout April, the charity organises events around the country, from pet first aid courses to dog photography competitions, helping to raise money for animals in need. Now in its 27th year, National Pet Month promotes the health benefits of pet ownership, service animals and most importantly, responsible ownership.

Responsible Pet Ownership
Owning a pet is a rewarding experience, but it also carries many responsibilities that people might be unprepared for when first choosing a companion. When considering a companion animal, it’s essential to take into account finances, space and their personal needs. Although you may have your heart set on an Alaskan malamute, a big dog might be a poor choice for your studio apartment. When you buy an animal, you should be ready to commit for life, so it’s vital to avoid impulsive decisions to avoid the heartbreak of having to rehome your beloved friend. Pets can be a huge burden on your personal finances, especially when accounting for unforeseen costs, such as unexpected vet bills. Whether you want to share your home with a cat, dog or smaller critter, your pet will require feeding, entertaining and health checkups, all of which quickly add up.

Adopting an animal, rather than buying from breeders, can often have many surprising benefits. Although you may not be capable of providing the right environment for pet with specific needs due to neglect or abuse, there are animals available to suit every circumstance and experience level. By adopting a pet, you also can save money, as shelters often microchip, vaccinate, spay or neuter pets before they are brought into your care. When you adopt, any fees will be reinvested into the shelter, ensuring that unwanted pets receive the love and respect that they deserve. Finally, by adopting from a shelter, you can feel proud knowing that you are providing a pet with a second chance at a happy life.

Health Benefits
If you already own a pet, you’ll already be aware of the happiness they can bring to your daily life, but did you know that they can also benefit your health? Pets can have a positive influence on individuals who suffer from depression and other debilitating mental illnesses, offering motivation as well as relaxation. The companionship pets provide can be a source of comfort for their owners, providing a great way to reduce anxiety, with studies suggesting that pet owners have lower blood pressure in stressful situations.

As well as positively impacting your mental health, pets can also encourage a healthier lifestyle through fitness and exercise. Owning a dog can promote physical activity, providing a great incentive to leave the house and go for a walk. According to the University of Missouri, people who own dogs are more likely to stick to their fitness plans, with regular, low-impact exercise helping weight maintenance. Ultimately, dog walkers tend to have a better overall sense of wellbeing and satisfaction, leaving them feeling happier and healthier.

Service pets
Pets play an important role in the daily lives of many people, not just as companions but also as colleagues, and National Pet Month is the perfect time to honour these service animals and the positive impact they have on many lives. Service animals come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including dogs, cats, miniature horses, and even potbellied pigs, each specifically trained to assist humans by performing certain tasks, such as safeguarding people with disabilities and other medical conditions. In the UK, service animals have important rights, allowing them to help their owners utilise shops and services that usually prohibit pets.

Ultimately, service animals not only help fulfil daily tasks, but they can also help their owners achieve a greater sense of independence and freedom.
National Pet Month is a fantastic opportunity for pet lovers across the country to celebrate our furry friends, and you can get involved by attending one of the many events taking place across the country, or by arranging your own! Learn how you can get involved on the National Pet Month website at www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk.