The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) is embarking on an “I heart my pet” campaign to encourage pet owners to seek expert advice on preventing disease.
NOAH research during 2007 and 2011 examined attitudes towards preventative healthcare in pet owners, which compared those who routinely prevented disease (preventers) with those who did not (non-preventers).
The research found that while both groups of pet owners clearly loved their pet, and while all pet owners considered themselves responsible, some do not see regular preventative healthcare as necessary.
“Our latest campaign is all about recognising that we know that UK pet owners love their animals and use this to encourage them to take steps to prevent illness, rather than just seek expert advice when their pets are sick,” said NOAH chief executive, Philip Sketchley.
He added: “We’ll be offering pet owners a plethora of expert hints and tips on the website, to help them take better care of their pets and to get them seeking expert advice. We warmly invite all vets and pet care specialists to get behind the campaign and help spread the message – it could bring more pet owners through your door.”
Part of the campaign will be an online craft template, designed by pet lover and craft expert Amy Fleuriot, which will be available from the website to make a gift for pets which can then be shared through social media with other pet lovers and further details can be found through the website at www.pethealthinfo.org.uk.
MP Neil Parish, who represents Tiverton and Honiton near Exeter, is supporting the campaign and commented: “As the proud owner of a labrador called Wilberforce I know that our pets really are members of the family.
“As such, it’s important that we look after their health just as much as we do our own. That means not only caring for them when they’re sick, but helping prevent this from happening in the first place. I welcome the ‘I heart my pet’ campaign and would urge owners to get involved.”
