National Pet Month: We meet the animals lighting up your lives during the pandemic

The annual campaign’s theme for 2021 is named Pets and People: Caring For Each Other and encourages pet owners to share how their animal has helped them through a difficult 12 months.

Each year, the campaign works to promote responsible pet ownership and share the benefits of our treasured pet companions.

Dozens of readers got in touch with us on social media to post their precious photographs and tell us a little bit about their pets. Here are some of your stories.