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National Pet Month: What is it and how can you celebrate?

During the campaign month of April to May, you can hold fundraisers and events in support of the UK’s many phenomenal pet welfare charities (Andrew Milligan / PA)
During the campaign month of April to May, you can hold fundraisers and events in support of the UK’s many phenomenal pet welfare charities (Andrew Milligan / PA)

As if you needed a reminder to show extra love for your furry friends, it will soon be National Pet Month (NPM).

During the spring, the main objective of the month is to organise an event that involves animal charities and welfare organisations.

It is an opportunity to promote responsible pet ownership and the benefits of owning pets, and a chance to celebrate your companions this April and May.

Here is everything you need to know about NPM.

What is National Pet Month?

National Pet Month, which started in 1989 as National Pet Week, celebrates and raises awareness of responsible pet ownership through educational campaigns and resources across the campaign’s various platforms.

The #NationalPetMonth campaign runs from April to May each year via various media outlets, but the important messages that NPM endorses run all year round.

When it was launched, it was an event organised in-house at the British Veterinary Association (BVA) by its Small Animals Committee and chaired by Des Thompson, inspired by National Pet Week in the USA.

The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) and Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) are amongthe founding trustees.

How to get involved

During the campaign month of April to May, you can hold fundraisers and events in support of the UK’s many phenomenal pet welfare organisations and charities.

This can be individual or larger events, virtual or in-person.

You’re also likely to see plenty of furry friends out and about, in dog friendly restaurants and pubs, for example.

Alternatively, this can be as simple as taking pictures with your pet and posting the pictures on social media with the NPT hashtag.

Here are a few examples of celebrities who have shared their love for their pets.

Other important pet dates for your calendar

April - National Pet Month

May 8 - World Donkey Day

June 4 - Hug Your Cat Day

June 27 - July 1 - Rabbit Awareness Week

August 8 - International Cat Day

August 22 - National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day

August 26 - National Dog Day

September 28 - World Rabies Day

October 10 - Animal Road Accident Awareness Day

October 12 - National Pet Obesity Awareness Day

October 27 - National Black Cat Day

October 29 - National Cat Day