If your show is being held as a fund-raising exercise, its financial success will depend on how many participants enter. So advance publicity is a must and there are many fun ways in which this can be done.

One of the most successful methods is to use the master copy we have provided to run a colouring-in competition amongst children a few weeks before the show. The master copy can be easily photocopied and handed out to participants.

To make the most of your publicity opportunities ask participants to print the date, time and location of the show as well as their name on the lower left hand side of the colouring-in competition sheet.

After judging the competition, the entries can be used as promotional posters and displayed in local shops and around school grounds. This type of activity generates interest and is an effective way to advertise the pet show.

The colouring-in competition also ensures that the children who don't have pets can join in on the fun of the pet show.

Another way to promote the pet show is to place a notice in the free 'What's On' section of your local newspaper. You might also arrange for a photographer from the paper to attend the pet show and photograph the most outstanding or unusual pets

One of the most important ways of achieving this goal is to teach people the joys and responsibilities associated with caring for their pet.

A Pet Show activity is a fun way of introducing people to these responsibilities. It is also an excellent opportunity for your school or community group to get together and have a rewarding time.