National Pet Month to support pandemic pet owners
National Pet Month takes place during April to raise awareness of responsible pet ownership.
The overarching theme of National Pet Month 2022 (1 April -2 May) will be education and support for pandemic pet owners, it has been revealed.
Coordinated by the National Office for Animal Health (NOAH) and the Pet Food Manufacturer’s Association (PFMA), National Pet Month (NPM) celebrates and raises awareness of responsible pet ownership through various educational campaigns and resources.
With many people taking on new pets during the pandemic – some for the first time - this year’s campaign will see a much greater focus on behaviour, with leading vets also sharing advice on companionship, diet, health and the environment.
It comes after a study by NOAH found that 27 per cent of owners of dogs or cats acquired during the pandemic are experiencing unwanted behaviour, with 31 per cent concerned they may have to give up their pet as a result.
Recognising this concerning trend, NOAH will be using NPM to encourage pet owners to reach out to their vet and other pet professionals for help.
Dawn Howard, NOAH chief executive, commented: “With national lockdowns, restrictions on travel and social gatherings, loneliness has been at an all-time high, so it’s no surprise people have introduced a new pet. The benefits to our mental and physical health are proven.
“However, although recognising a pet is part of the family, some owners are struggling to adapt as we return to the workplace and start more regularly socialising again. In some cases, our pets are finding themselves back in rescue or suffering from separation issues.
She continued: “We need this to change. That’s why NPM will be tackling important issues like separation anxiety, new owner worries and more during this year’s campaign. We want pet owners to know there is help available and encourage them not to give up on their pet.”
Throughout the campaign, NPM will be hosting live discussions on the five welfare needs through its social channels and will be sharing a variety of owner and vet stories. Among the topics include: ‘Tips for Employers on Developing A Bring Your Dog To Work Policy’ and ‘How To Keep Our Pets Active and Healthy, including Small Furries’.
Veterinary teams can get involved in NPM by setting up mini fundraisers for UK pet charities and rescues, and sharing their efforts using the hashtags #NationalPetMonth or #NPM22.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
