Paws to Protect
1st March 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOAH (National Office of Animal Health) has today launched the second phase of its Paws to Protect campaign, reinforcing a simple but vital message to pet owners across the UK: Read the label. Follow the instructions.
Building on the initial phase of the campaign, which introduced the importance of veterinary medicine compliance, phase two focuses on why following label directions matters, not only for pets, but for owners and the wider environment too.
Clear instructions. Clear benefits.
Veterinary medicines are carefully authorised and supplied with detailed instructions to ensure they are used safely and effectively.
The second phase of Paws to Protect highlights three clear benefits of compliance:
- Following veterinary medicine instructions keeps your pet safe.
Ensuring the correct dose is given, in the correct way and at the correct time, helps medicines work as intended and reduces avoidable risks. - Following veterinary medicine instructions keeps you safe.
Labels include important guidance on handling, storage and hygiene to reduce unnecessary risks in the home. - Following veterinary medicine instructions keeps the environment safe.
Storage and disposal advice helps minimise any avoidable environmental impact.
Supporting responsible pet ownership
NOAH developed Paws to Protect to increase awareness among pet owners of the need to read and follow veterinary medicine labels and instructions and improve understanding of what responsible use means in practice.
The campaign provides accessible messaging and practical reminders that apply to all veterinary medicines across all product categories.
Dawn Howard, NOAH Chief Executive, said:
“Responsible use of veterinary medicines starts with a simple action: reading the label and following the instructions provided.
“These instructions are there to protect pets, their owners and the environment. Through Paws to Protect, we want to empower pet owners with clear, practical information that supports safe and effective use in everyday life.”
Sector-wide collaboration
NOAH is encouraging veterinary professionals, retailers and other animal health stakeholders to support and amplify the campaign’s messages across their own channels.
By working together, the animal health sector can help strengthen understanding of responsible medicine use and support better outcomes for pets and their owners.
ENDS
Notes for Editors
- For more information, please contact Matthew Gibbard, Public Affairs and Communications Manager at m.gibbard@noah.co.uk or see www.noah.co.uk
- NOAH represents the UK animal health industry. We promote the benefits of licensed veterinary medicines, products and services for the health and welfare of all animals.
- For more information about Paws to Protect and to access campaign resources, visit: https://www.noah.co.uk/campaigns/paws-to-protect/