Get involved with National Pet Month - NOAH calls animal health distributors to action

Animal health distributors should get involved with National Pet Month. This was the advice of Phil Sketchley, chief executive of the National Office of Animal Health and chairman of National Pet Month, speaking at the annual conference of the Animal Health Distributors Association (AHDA) in Coventry on 22 January.

“Many farm and equine customers of traditional agricultural merchants, country stores and saddlers have dogs and cats,” he explained. “And new and existing businesses, including these but also a number of pet shops, are drawing on the expertise of their AMTRA qualified staff to extend in to the companion animal medicine sector.

“National Pet Month, which runs this year from 5 April - 5 May with the theme of Great British Pets, is an ideal time to highlight the role your SQP staff can play. They can promote responsible pet ownership, particularly in relation to keeping pets healthy through the authorised medicines they are qualified to advise upon and prescribe.”

He explained that at the heart of the National Pet Month charity’s activities were the events that run throughout the UK throughout its duration, and showed examples of some events that similar businesses have held in previous years.

“Last year nearly 700 events were held of which 230 were registered on the NPM website at www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk. As well as promoting responsible pet ownership, over £69 000 was raised for at least 86 national and local charities during the month.

“Look on the NPM website: make your plans, tell us you’re interested and register your event. It costs you nothing and there’s loads of advice and free publicity to help you,” he said. “Get involved with celebrating Great British Pets!”

Ends

25 January 2008

Notes for Editors

For further information contact Phil Sketchley or Alison Glennon at NOAH, tel. +44 (0)20 8367 3131, or visit the NOAH website.
The National Office of Animal Health was formed on 1 January 1986 to represent UK companies which research, develop, manufacture and market licensed animal health products. The association has 31 corporate members and 10 associate members. In 2006 the NOAH sales survey showed a total market of £373.2m, around 90% of the total UK market.
National Pet Month is a unique charity which brings together the work of animal welfare charities, professional organisations, schools, youth groups and members of the public to promote responsible pet ownership whilst celebrating the bond between people and their pets.
NPM is co-ordinated by three trustees: - NOAH (National Office of Animal Health) - Pet Care Trust - PFMA (Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association)
NPM is also supported by the veterinary profession and other pet health professionals, and many animal charities
Iams is the principal sponsor of National Pet Month. Companion Care, Countywide Farmers and Mikki are also sponsors.
For more information, see www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk