AVMA, Auxiliary celebrate National Pet Week 2019

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National Pet Week logoThe AVMA is celebrating "A Lifetime of Love" again for National Pet Week 2019, May 5-11, and this year's theme for the Auxiliary to the AVMA is "More than a Pet, More than a Friend … Family."

The AVMA and the AVMA Auxiliary created National Pet Week in 1981 to foster responsible pet ownership, recognize the human-animal bond, and increase public awareness of veterinary medicine.

Last year, the Auxiliary held its annual poster and writing contests to generate promotional materials for National Pet Week 2019. Kyle White of Mount Gilead, Ohio, was in 12th grade when he submitted the accompanying artwork that won the poster contest. There was a three-way tie for the writing contest. The winners were S. Nicole Williams, 12th grade, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Casey White, 12th grade, Mount Gilead, Ohio; and Madison Adamcik, sixth grade, Monroe Township, New Jersey.

The Auxiliary is selling the 2019 poster for National Pet Week as well as pencils, bookmarks, balloons, a children's book, a cookbook, and a blanket. The order form is at the AVMA Auxiliary website under "Shop."

On the same page under "Contests" are details about the poster and writing contests for National Pet Week 2020. The theme will be "Pets & Vets the Perfect Duet." June 14 is the postmark deadline. The contests are open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

National Pet Week 2019 poster
Kyle White's artwork won the AVMA Auxiliary's poster contest for National Pet Week 2019.

The AVMA continues to provide a member toolkit for National Pet Week. The toolkit features images and posts for social media, logos, ways to observe the event in the clinic, and promotional marketing ideas. Through April 26, clinic owners can order a free poster for their clinic at jav.ma/AVMAposter.

The Association has chosen a focus for each day of National Pet Week, starting with selecting the right pet for the family. The focus for each day is as follows:

  • Sunday—Choose well. Commit for life.
  • Monday—Socialize now. New doesn't have to be scary.
  • Tuesday—Exercise body. Exercise mind.
  • Wednesday—Love your pet? See your vet!
  • Thursday—Pet population control: Know your role.
  • Friday—Emergencies happen. Be prepared.
  • Saturday—Give them a lifetime of love.

The National Pet Week website is focusing on messaging to the public. The AVMA will be conducting a campaign on social media, too.

Also during National Pet Week, the AVMA plans to announce the winners of the Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award, AVMA Animal Welfare Award, and AVMA Humane Award. Merck Animal Health is sponsoring the awards, which will be presented at AVMA Convention 2019 this August in Washington, D.C.