Get involved in National Pet Month - NOAH call to action to vet practices

Veterinary practices 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 Veterinary Practice Managers’ Association (VPMA) in Bristol on 26 January.

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. This year the month will run from 5 April - 5 May with the theme ‘Great British Pets’.

“Last year nearly 100 practices held events - but there are around 2000 small animal practices out there. It’s a fantastic opportunity to open your doors and show your clients - and potential clients - the high level of expertise your practice has and what goes on behind the scenes. A fun day can remove some the stress owners feel when thinking about taking their pets to the vets and provide owners with the impetus to get their pets health checked,” he explained.

“Last year some event holders reported that new clients joined after their NPM event. And these were not clients from the practice down the road - these were owners whose pets had not previously been registered with a practice - real proof that NPM can work to improve the health and welfare of pets.

“Other practices chose to go and talk to schools about pet care. This is a great way to demonstrate to children the importance of keeping their pet healthy, and the role the vet and vet nurse can play,” he added.

“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 £69000 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 will cost you nothing and there’s loads of advice and free publicity to help you,” he said. “Get involved with celebrating Great British Pets!”

Ends

26 January 2008

Notes for Editors

1. For further information contact Phil Sketchley or Alison Glennon at NOAH, tel. +44 (0)20 8367 3131, or visit the NOAH website.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. NPM is co-ordinated by three trustees: - NOAH (National Office of Animal Health) - Pet Care Trust - PFMA (Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association)

5. NPM is also supported by the veterinary profession and other pet health professionals, and many animal charities

6. Iams is the principal sponsor of National Pet Month. Companion Care, Countywide Farmers and Mikki are also sponsors.

7. For more information, see www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk