Since launching 25 years ago, National Pet Month has been promoting responsible pet ownership and helping pet charities across the UK raise thousands of pounds for their organisations.
Taking place from April 1 - May 5, this year the theme is 'Celebrating Our Pets'. One of the most common misconceptions about National Pet Month is that it's "just another charity trying to raise money".
Wrong! National Pet Month is an educational charity which spends a lot of its time spreading the responsible pet ownership message throughout schools and other organisations, working closely with veterinary professionals to get key messages across.
This year, just like previous years, their work includes visiting schools and encouraging them to build their specially devised lesson plans into their curriculum, to help youngsters to talk about pets and understand the importance of looking after pets responsibly.
The ten top tips for responsible pet ownership are:
1. Think carefully before getting a pet and learn all about it's specific habits and requirements.
2. Ensure your pet is well trained and sociable.
3. Provide your pet with a well balanced and nutritious diet.
4. Provide your pet with suitable bedding and housing.
5. Always clean up after your pet, worm it and regularly treat for fleas and ticks.
6. Protect your pet against disease, always follow veterinary advice.
7. Neuter or spay your pet, unless you are planning to breed from it, prevent unwanted litters.
8. Regularly groom your pet.
9. Control your pet and ensure it is properly identified. From April 2016, it will be against the law for you to own a dog that isn't micro-chipped.
10. Always have pet insurance to cover you for unexpected vets bills and for third party liability.
Market Veterinary Centres in Barnstaple and South Molton are participating in the Dogs Trust 'Free Micro-chipping through Vets' campaign. Compulsory micro-chipping comes into effect by 1st March 2015 (Wales) and 6th April 2016 (England). The offer is valid from 1st April 2014 to 31st March 2015 and is open to all dog owners!
Please call either of the surgeries to book an appointment. You can contact them at Barnstaple on 01271 344262 and at South Molton on 01769 572176.
