Metrovets are backing a new campaign

This national campaign is being spearheaded by TV wildlife presenter and dog owner Chris Packham, amid worries some falls in vaccination rates since the start of the credit crunch may be leading to increases in pet disease across Britain. It is currently feared that 3 million dogs and 6 million cats are unvaccinated in the UK potentially leaving them at risk of a range of fatal diseases, many of which are untreatable.

Chris Packham, who presents the BBC's Spring Watch and Autumn Watch series and is the owner of two poodles, Itchy and Scratchy said: "Vaccination is a simple way to protect your own pets and the wider pet population from serious and potentially fatal infectious diseases.

"Signs that people have cut back and are not vaccinating their animals while at the same time, killer diseases such as parvovirus may be on the increase are really concerning.

"As a dog owner myself, I am hoping that this campaign could be the incentive pet owners need to get their animals back on track with vaccinations and help them stay healthy.

TV Zoo Vet Matt Brash who is also backing National Vaccination Month said: "Research shows that the main reason why people don't vaccinate their pets is a lack of awareness of disease risk. We are also concerned that given the current pressures on household budgets, more people are deciding to cut back on vaccinating their animals with the real risk that this may have a potential effect on levels of herd immunity in the longer term."

By logging onto www.nvmonline.co.uk pet owners can download a voucher for a discounted vaccination offering savings of up to £20 from Metrovets throughout May.

Dogs and cats over 18 months of age, that haven't been vaccinated for at least 18 months are eligible for National Vaccination Month.

Dogs will require two vaccinations 2 – 4 weeks apart for them to restart their vaccination course, the discount price for this course will be £ 32 if accompanied by an NVM voucher.

Cats will require two vaccinations 3 – 4 weeks apart for then to restart their vaccination course, the discount price for this course will also be £32 if accompanied by an NVM voucher

After printing off a voucher from www.nvmonline.co.uk you can make an appointment from 1st May onwards by phoning us on 0191 270 9639.

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