Older pets and older people will share the spotlight during National Pet Month – April 1 – May 4, 2015. This year’s theme – Pets and the elderly: enjoying later years together – will shine a light on the positive impact pets have on the elderly and highlight the need for forever homes for older pets.
Older pets and older people will share the spotlight during National Pet Month – April 1 – May 4, 2015.
This year’s theme – Pets and the elderly: enjoying later years together – will shine a light on the positive impact pets have on the elderly and highlight the need for forever homes for older pets.
Pet fans across Britain are being urged to join in this nationwide celebration of pet ownership which will see all kinds of fun, pet themed events taking place up and down the country from April 1- May 4 to raise money for UK pet charities.
National Pet Month Chairman Michael Bellingham explains: “Pets and the elderly: enjoying later years together is a wonderful theme for National Pet Month 2015 and one that we hope the nation’s pet fans will take to their hearts.
He adds: “With help from our wonderful supporters and sponsors Agria Pet Insurance and The Medivet Veterinary Partnership, National Pet Month aims to highlight the incredibly positive role pets can play in our later lives, providing much needed companionship and joy.
“This year’s theme also asks us to consider the benefits of providing a forever home for an older pet, often overlooked for rehoming in their later years, so we are hoping that together the great British public can help us provide much needed support to our pets in need.”
National Pet Month, now in its 26th year, encourages people of all ages to celebrate life with pets and support a UK pet charity of their choice either by attending or organising a fundraising event.
Thousands of animal fans help spread the key messages of responsible pet ownership, the mutual benefits of living with pets, the role of pet care specialists and the value of working and assistance companion animals.
As well as all kinds of fabulous competitions for schools, pets and owners, hundreds of fun and educational events take place around the country – from cake bakes, dog walks and veterinary open days to art exhibitions, fancy dress parades, pet shows and lots more in between.
Agria Pet Insurance and the Medivet Veterinary Partnership, primary sponsors for National Pet Month’s 2015 campaign – April 1 to May 4 2015, have welcomed this year’s theme.
“Having a pet can change every day of an older person’s life, from being there as a friend around the clock, to encouraging exercise and as a way of meeting people,” says Lorraine Tannatt Nash, Partnerships Manager for Agria Pet Insurance.
“Often the perfect pet for an elderly person is one that’s a little older too – one that’s less likely to need toilet training or run up the curtains! Agria works with charities to give rescue pets of any age access to insurance, which can make it even easier for an older person to find their ideal friend for life. We hope National Pet Month will encourage even more older people to give a ‘forever’ home to an animal that needs their love.”
Adi Neil, Senior Partner for Medivet says: “Working with pets every day means that we know just how much joy they bring us. The bonds between owners and their pets only grow with time. For many of our older clients, their pets are their most constant, beloved companions.
He adds: “Ensuring our patients reach a happy and healthy old age is at the forefront of what we do. We’re delighted to be joining National Pet Month to highlight our older clients and their furry friends. We’re joining our efforts to National Pet Month to keep elderly pet care right at the top of the agenda.”
If you love pets and would like to be part of this year’s exciting National Pet Month campaign then check out www.nationalpetmonth.org.
Here you will find regular updates, be able to check out our interactive map to see what fun events are happening near you and find out how you can organise your own event in aid of a favourite UK pet charity.
