Pet welfare rescues and charities have lost up to half their income during the Coronavirus pandemic, which has coincided with National Pet Month.

To highlight the issue, National Pet Month, which runs until May 10, has joined with The Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) to put out a sobering message calling for help.

David Bowles, ADCH head of public affairs and a trustee, said: “Although most of the country is on lockdown, animals still need rescuing, feeding, walking, taking care of – and all of that is extremely expensive.”

Whilst much of the fundraising activities have been postponed, this work continues. Small charities are particularly at risk and need our help now more than ever.

As a result, Michael Bellingham, chairman of National Pet Month, has put out a special request: “In any other year, right now we’d be asking UK pet lovers to stage or attend events celebrating our life with our pets, spreading the word on their care and raising funds for National Pet Month, or a favourite local pet charity or rescue, he said.

“Supporting UK pet carers and rescuers is at the heart of what we do, and 2020 is no different in that regard. We’re asking you to take to social media and use these online platforms to set up mini fundraisers for National Pet Month and other UK pet charities and rescues.”

To encourage pet lovers to join the #NPMonline challenge, lots of creative ways have been developed to raise funds such as hosting a virtual pet party on Zoom or running a pet-themed film marathon.”