It’s here! After weeks of planning, National Pet Month 2026 officially kicks off today (1 April) and this year, we’re going bigger and brighter than ever.
Running right through to 5 May, we’ve got an extended campaign, which means more stories, more expert advice, and even more opportunities to celebrate the animal companions who bring a smile to our faces.
For 2026, we’ve given our website a new look to make it even easier for you to get involved. Look out for new graphics popping up across our social channels throughout the campaign.
This year lands at a really important moment for pet owners across the UK, with the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force on 1 May – a change that could open the door (literally) for more people to live with pets in rented homes.
We’ll be looking at what that actually means in real life, speaking to the organisations who’ve campaigned for change, and looking at how it might affect both tenants and landlords.
What National Pet Month Is Really About
At our heart, National Pet Month is all about celebrating the joy of sharing our homes with companion animals and caring for them responsibly.
We’re here to celebrate the wagging tails, the soft purrs, the joy of zoomies, as well as sharing simple, practical ways to help our pets live happy, healthy lives.
This year we’ll be focusing on the five key welfare needs:
- Companionship
- Behaviour
- Diet
- Health
- Environment
Over the next five weeks, we’ll bring each of these to life through expert advice from vet and pet professionals.
Here’s what’s in store:
Week 1: Companionship (1-7 April)
From support animals to rabbit bonding, to busting myths about rats, we’re celebrating the many different ways animals show up for us and for each other.
Week 2: Behaviour (8-14 April)
We’ll be diving into topics such as masking in cats, spotting subtle behaviour changes, and how life events, like moving house or welcoming a new baby, can affect our animals more than we realise, offering top tips to help keep them calm and happy.
Week 3: Diet (15-21 April)
We’ll be breaking down what “complete and balanced” feeding actually means for your pet, and helping you navigate the huge range of options out there, without feeling overwhelmed.
Week 4: Health (22-28 April)
From vaccinations to vet visits, routines to bereavement, this week is all about keeping our pets well, both physically and mentally, and if that sad day comes, where to go for care and support.
Week 5: Environment (29 April-5 May)
In the last week of our campaign, we look at prevention over cure, responsible treatments, and of course, what the new rental law means as it comes into effect on May 1.
Alongside all this, look out for #NPMLive shows with Asha Clearwater, as she chats with a range of expert guests on a variety of topics – from rabbit welfare and cat care to celebrating World Vet Day (April 29).
Then there’s the chance for you to get involved by sharing your own #PetPawsitivity stories. Have a browse around our new website to find out more.
National Pet Month wouldn’t be National Pet Month without you and your animal companions.
We want to see your pets, hear your stories and celebrate the little moments that make being a pet owner so special.
So, whether it’s a photo of your pet that makes you smile, a rescue story or a few heart-felt words about how your animal companion has helped you through a tough time, please share them with us and be part of this year’s campaign.
Record a quick video with you and your pet or one of your animal companion being their usual awesome self. Quirks, habits or daily chaos welcome! Tag us on social using #NationalPetMonth #NPM26 #PetPawsitivity or send it directly to asha@turquoisetiger.co.uk and we’ll give you a share.
Happy National Pet Month 2026!
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