As the number of abandoned pets grows, online pet pharmacy, Bestpet launches a charity support programme for rescue cats and dogs throughout 2010. The programme will coincide with the start of National Pet Month on April 4, 2010.

PRESS DISPENSARY - Wednesday, Mar 31, 2010 - As an unwelcome side effect of people tightening their belts, the recession has led to an increase in the number of abandoned pets needing the help of Britain's pet rescue centres. To raise awareness of this growing problem, online pet pharmacy <a href="http://www.bestpet.co.uk">Bestpet</a> is launching a charity support programme for rescue cats and dogs throughout 2010. The programme will coincide with the start of National Pet Month on April 4, 2010.

Charles Sweeney of Bestpet Pharmacy says: "The downturn means that more people feel they cannot afford the day to day care of their pets. The cost of keeping a healthy dog is approximately GBP 900 a year excluding vet bills, which has led to an increase in the number of unwanted and abandoned pets putting an additional strain on pet rescue organisations. Battersea Dogs Home alone has reported a 20% increase in the number of pets in its care in 2009."

Sweeney adds: "Some pet owners believed they could increase their income by breeding from their pets only to find low demand for the resulting litter, which resulted in even greater numbers of animals needing a good home."

Bestpet Pharmacy supplies prescription and non-prescription medicines for cats and dogs and other companion animals. Pet medications cost up to 40% less than the prices charged by vets, while special offers apply on pet care essentials such as Frontline flea treatment and Drontal worming tablets. This helps pet owners to care for their animals without battering their bank balance. All products sold by Bestpet Pharmacy are sourced from the same wholesalers that supply veterinary practices throughout the UK.

Bestpet Pharmacy is supporting pet rescue centres throughout 2010 in four ways. It is providing essential pet meds including flea and worming treatments, DAP and Feliway to 50 UK cat and dog rescue centres throughout April and May, starting on April 4th to mark the start of National Pet Month.

Furthermore, Bestpet is creating a cashback codes so that supporters of pet rescue centres can help the fundraising effort. Every time a customer uses a cashback code when placing an order with Bestpet, 5% of the order value will be donated to the relevant pet rescue organisation.

Using its website and newsletter, Bestpet will encourage its customers to consider choosing a rescue animal when they want a new pet. Bestpet will also provide competition prizes for rescue centres to use.

Charles Sweeney says: "Pet rescue centres tell us they would welcome support with fundraising and they need essential medical supplies such as flea treatments, worming treatments and products such as DAP and Feliway to reduce stress in pets. Our charity programme will help in these areas."

He adds: "We're addressing the problem from both sides of the fence. Thanks to our lower price tags, more pet owners who are struggling with the ongoing cost of medicines at the traditional vets can afford to maintain the health of their pets. In the case of pets with chronic conditions, obtaining prescription treatments at about 40% cheaper than the standard price tag can literally be a life saver."

He concludes: "With our cashback offer, rescue centre supporters can save money whenever they buy from us and help a rescue centre at the same time. Meanwhile, pet rescue centres can receive ongoing donations from our loyal customers, thereby generating a continuous source of much-needed income to help save pets."

Notes for editors

Bestpet is the trading name of Farmpharm Ltd, a pharmacy registered with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (pharmacy number: 1093187) and composed of veterinary surgeons and pharmacists. Based in Macmerry near Edinburgh, Scotland, Bestpet Pharmacy distributes prescription and non-prescription pet products to customers in the UK, Europe and North America. It supplies all products at the best possible cost, vastly undercutting the price charged by vets.

Rescue centres can apply for Bestpet Pharmacy support, or find more information, by calling 01875 824282 or emailing press@bestpet.co.uk with contact details, including a website address.

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