As National Pet Month 2026 comes to a close today, it’s a chance to pause and reflect on what the past five weeks have been all about.
At its heart, National Pet Month exists to promote responsible pet ownership and celebrate the extraordinary bond we share with our animals. This year’s campaign brought those values to life through five themed weeks, each focusing on one of the key welfare needs that underpin a happy, healthy life for our pets.
A month shaped by real stories
We began with companionship – a theme that resonated deeply from the very start. Our conversation with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund highlighted just how important companionship is for rabbits, and the response was immediate.
Through our #PetPawsitivity campaign, we were inundated with photos and videos of rabbits enjoying life with their companions and their people. Those moments – small, joyful, everyday – captured exactly what National Pet Month is all about. The strength of that response means we’ll continue sharing many more of those stories in the weeks ahead.
We also took the opportunity to shine a light on often-overlooked pets, including a special feature for World Rat Day, celebrating their intelligence, curiosity and the unique qualities that make them such engaging companions.
Understanding behaviour in a changing world
Our second week focused on behaviour, and how closely it is tied to both our pets’ wellbeing and our own lives.
We explored how everyday life changes – from holidays to welcoming a new baby, or coping with loss – can affect our pets, and what we can do to support them through those transitions. These are the moments where understanding behaviour becomes essential, helping us respond with patience, empathy and consistency.
We were also joined by International Cat Care (iCatCare) to explore feline behaviour in more depth, particularly how cats can mask signs of pain or discomfort and knowing what to look for, and when to seek advice.
Alongside this, we looked at bird and parrot behaviour, encouraging owners to better understand what their feathered companions are communicating through their actions and routines.
One of the most moving conversations of the campaign came from our NPM Live show with the Cinnamon Trust, highlighting the vital role they play in supporting people who are facing illness or changing circumstances, ensuring pets and their owners can stay together for as long as possible.
Getting the balance right
Week three turned to diet, with a clear message: one size does not fit all.
Working with UK Pet Food, we explored the importance of balanced nutrition and how the right diet varies depending on species, age and lifestyle. We also looked more closely at small animals, reinforcing how their dietary needs differ significantly and why getting that balance right is so important for long-term health.
Creating the right environment
Our fourth week focused on environment – the spaces our pets live in and how we care for them.
Guidance from National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) highlighted the importance of using and disposing of parasite treatments responsibly, helping to protect not only our pets but also the wider environment.
Supporting health, every day
The final week brought everything together with a focus on health.
From preventative healthcare and regular veterinary check-ups to everyday routines at home, the message was clear: small, consistent actions can make a big difference.
Our conversation with British Veterinary Association President, Dr Rob Williams, reinforced the value of building strong relationships with veterinary teams and prioritising prevention over cure.
We also addressed more difficult but equally important topics, including pet loss and grief, with support and signposting from organisations such as Cats Protection.
Practical advice from The Bella Moss Foundation included simple steps such as maintaining good hygiene, keeping living spaces clean, and taking sensible precautions to reduce the risk of infection for both pets and people.
Conversations that matter
Throughout the campaign, our #NPMLive shows – broadcast across Facebook and LinkedIn – brought expert voices and real experiences to the forefront, led by interviewer Asha Clearwater.
These conversations included Battersea’s No Empty Bowls campaign, insights from AdvoCATS on changes to pet-friendly renting following new legislation, a discussion on pet obesity with the RSPCA, and an in-depth look at preventative healthcare with the veterinary community.
Each conversation added another layer to the campaign, reinforcing the same central message: responsible pet ownership is built on knowledge, understanding and care.
A community that keeps growing
From the hundreds of #PetPawsitivity submissions to the ongoing engagement across our social channels, it’s clear how much our pets mean to us, and how willing people are to share those stories.
To everyone who sent in a photo, video, or a message: thank you. We’ve loved seeing your pets and hearing your stories, and we’ll continue sharing them beyond the campaign.
Looking ahead
Although today marks the end of National Pet Month 2026, the conversations and connections built over the past five weeks don’t stop here.
We’ll continue sharing advice, stories and practical guidance to support pet owners and champion animal welfare across the UK, while keeping those #PetPawsitivity moments coming.
For now, we take a moment to say thank you – to our partners, contributors, veterinary professionals, welfare organisations, and pet owners everywhere, and most of all, to the pets who bring so much into our lives, every single day.
Keep following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Threads, and look out for a new YouTube channel coming soon!
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