National Pet Month
Woodside Animal Welfare Trust
14th March 2019
Make Your House Lemony Fresh!
26th March 2019
April is National Pet Month. The annual event is celebrated from April 1st until 6th May and aims to raise awareness of responsible pet ownership through educational campaigns.
National Pet Month is a registered charity that is unique in bringing together animal welfare charities, professional bodies, pet businesses, schools, youth groups and pet lovers. The trustees are the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) and Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA).
The key aims of the charity are to: promote responsible pet ownership, make people aware of the mutual benefits of living with pets, to increase public awareness of the role of pet care specialists, and the raise awareness of the value of working and assistance companion animals.
National Pet Month is celebrating its 30th year in 2019 and you are invited to take part!
Thousands of people up and down the UK will be celebrating life with their pets by spreading the word on responsible pet ownership and by raising money for their favourite UK pet charities in fun-filled events.
Owning a pet is a privilege and should result in a mutually beneficial relationship. All pet owners have a legal responsibility to help protect the welfare of animals. There are many different ways
that you can be a responsible pet owner.
The British Veterinary Association’s spring 2015 Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey found that UK companion animal and exotic animal vets regarded irresponsible pet ownership as one of the most pressing animal welfare issues.
Before deciding to own a pet, you need to be ready to commit to your pet for its entire life; you need to make sure you’re financially able to look after a pet, and you need to select a pet that is suitable for your home and lifestyle.
Pets require time and care. Although it’s important to recognise that pets are a long-term financial investment, you also need to note the other factors that come with being a responsible pet owner.
As a pet owner, you will have to ensure your pet is properly trained and socialised so it doesn’t negatively impact other animals and people. Vaccinating your pet to them from what are often fatal infectious diseases. Provide your pet with exercise and mental stimulation appropriate to your pet’s age, breed and health status.
Being a responsible pet owner is about recognising your pet’s quality of life and making sure every decision you make is one that benefits them.
The decision to introduce a pet into your life is not one to jump into half-heartedly and no one knows more about the pet you are adopting than the people working at the shelter each day providing care and support for them.
By adopting, not only will you be saving a life and be supporting a charitable institution, you might also find your dream pet which is completely different than the one you first thought you wanted. You also won’t be supporting backyard breeders where the animals are kept in cruel conditions and forced to breed as often as possible.
Don’t rush it – finding the right animal may take time and that’s a good thing!
