Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick says his pets are family members in sweet post

The Laois native marked the occasion by taking to Facebook to share a photo of himself grinning as he holds onto his beloved dog Keira, who sadly passed away in September, and his cats Excalibur and Ricochet.

He captioned the post: “So much more than the word 'pet' can ever truly describe. More than just an animal we 'own', they are our family members. My animal family, past and present, have given me and so many so much. Thank you. #NationalPetDay”

The veterinary surgeon recently opened up about losing his canine companion Keira after 14 years together during an appearance on ITV’s Lorraine.

The poor pup was hit by a van a year before she died and had her life saved by Noel, who operated on her shortly afterwards.

Speaking about his adored pet, he said: “Her little grave is outside my window at work, and I just left work this morning to come into the studio, and I say goodbye to her whenever I leave and I say hello to her multiple times a day.

“It’s an ethereal thing, you can’t explain unless you’ve felt it. It’s one of those things that connect us in a sense of oneness where we feel we belong in the moment. She was my confidant and she was my best friend for 14 years.”

Noel announced that Keira had passed away back in September with a poignant tweet, saying: “It is with profound sadness I share the news that Keira, my beloved companion of nearly 14 years, has passed away. She inspired everything I do for animals and her legacy will be eternal.

"I will pay full tribute to my little girl once we have had some time to grieve.”