Kokova Magazine

National Pet Month 7th April - 7th May is making its first appearance at the Education Show, NEC Birmingham

National Pet Month, now in its 23rd year, is a charity that facilitates supporter-run events across the UK that fundraise for local animal charities and raise awareness of how pets make people's lives happier and healthier and how we can repay the pets we love by looking after them responsibly.

At National Pet Month (NPM), they think it is vital that children learn how to take care of pets responsibly as it is currently estimated by PDSA that 10 million of 22 million pets in the UK are not having their needs met.

NPM believe educators can play a role in imparting this valuable information, while giving children, pet-owners and non-owners alike, a lesson they will love.

Every year during National Pet Month many schools run fantastic pet events and enter our school competitions, promoting National Pet Month's top ten tips for responsible pet ownership.

This year they want to encourage more schools, teachers, youth group leaders, in fact anyone working in an educational capacity, to get involved in National Pet Month and incorporate pet welfare education into their lessons and activities throughout the year.

So, National Pet Month has decided to take a stand at the Education Show, NEC Birmingham 15 - 17th March to talk to educators directly.

Pop along to their stand (F120) to learn more about National Pet Month, ways of getting involved and to enter our Best Pet Welfare Lesson Plan Competition. The winner will be rewarded with an exciting prize that enables them to build on their pet learning and the lesson plan will published to inspire other teachers.

You can register with National Pet Month to receive a free Event Pack that contains everything you need to put on a great event - those registering at the show will be entered into a prize draw to win a Royal Canin Pet Encyclopaedia to use in their school.

NPM are also looking forward to talking to teachers about pets and education generally so just drop by for a chat!

National Pet Month

From 7 April - 7 May, National Pet Month will be encouraging people to team up with their pets to get happy and healthy.

During the month, thousands of people will be celebrating happy times with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country. While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities,

National Pet Month is not just about fund raising. It is also all about raising awareness of how pets make people's lives happier and healthier, and how we can repay the pets we love by looking after them responsibly.

You can set up an event yourself, or enter one of the National Pet Month competitions, or just check out the website to see what's happening in your area.

Keep in touch with what's on in your area by looking on our website. We are also planning some great competitions too. National Pet Month is an opportunity for us all to learn more about responsible pet care so we can enjoy our pets and make a winning team for many years to come. By following our 10 top tips, our animals will enjoy healthier and longer lives.

Phil Sketchley, chairman of NPM

Details of how to join in and become a supporter can be found at www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk