The Animal Protection Society (A.P.S) launched its community awareness programme to promote responsible pet ownership on Tuesday with a new slogan.

"Pet is family" was coined by Aniva Clarke who won A.P.S's slogan competition. Ms. Clarke, who is an animal lover, submitted several entries for the competition and one of them was "treat animals like your family members."

The slogan competition was an initiative by A.P.S. to involve the community in their awareness programme, and a total of 66 entries were submitted.

"A responsible pet owner makes sure their pets have the things they need to lead a healthy and happy life," A.P.S. Chairperson, Dr. Joan Macfarlane said. 

Dr. Macfarlane explained that the A.P.S. is trying to encourage pet owners to ensure their pets’ five basic needs are met. The five basic needs are: food and water; shelter; vet care; de-sexing; and play and companionship. 

Dr. Macfarlane encouraged people to provide these things for their pets as they will be loyal companions and easier to look after.

A.P.S Awareness Program was made possible through funding provided under the U.S. Embassy’s small grants program.  The grant has enabled A.P.S to produce radio advertisements and a series of educational brochures in both English and Samoan, which was applauded yesterday by the audience during the launch. 

There are also t-shirts and tote bags displaying the slogan ‘Pets are Family’.  These materials will be used for community education over the next few months at community events in Apia as well as in villages on Upolu and Savaii. 

An animal specialist, Dr. Harriet Thornton developed her passion for animals since joining A.P.S as a volunteer.

"I first came to Samoa last year to be a volunteer for three months but I developed such a passion to be here and A.P.S is such an exciting charity and organisation to be part of because we have so much work needed," she said.

Educating the people and the public is the biggest part of the process, Dr. Thornton said. 

"If anyone has any questions about their animals or anything you need our help for do not hesitate to contact us at our office here at Vailima and we'd be glad to help."