It’s National Pet Day! Although we think of it as a day to take extra special care of our furry friends, National Pet Day actually has much more meaning. Founded in 2006, this day is celebrated annually to raise awareness for all those animals waiting to be adopted in shelters as well as rescue operations nationwide. National Pet Day is great time to celebrate the special animals in your life and give them a little extra love.
Here are 10 great way to celebrate National Pet Day.
1 – Adopt a Pet
If you or your family are in a place in your lives where a pet would be a good addition, National Pet Day would be a perfect day to find your furever friend. Take a trip to your local rescue or animal shelter and save a life. There’s plenty of dogs/cats/animals out there that would be the perfect fit for your family, so take the time to meet the pets and pick the one that’ll be a good fit for your family. You’ll be saving an animal in need and opening your heart to more love. Many shelters may waive their adoption fees as well, so make sure to look out for that as well.
2 – Have a Pet Picnic
Depending on what kind of pet you have, consider taking them out for a special day at the park! You can pack them a meal along with their favorite toys, and make a day out of it. You can even make a stop to the local dog park (if you have a dog) or set up a contained area for your other pets to roam around. It’s a great time to let them get some fresh air and experience something new.
3 – Bring In More Toys
I mean everyday is a great day for a new toy, but today is an extra special day! Go out and get your pets some new toys or some of their old favorites. If you’re extra handy, you can even make them a new toy as well. There’s no such thing as too many toys, right?
4 – Take a Visit to the Vet
National Pet Day is also the perfect time to do your due diligence as a pet parent and take them for a check up to their vet. Making sure your pets are healthy is the first step in them living a long and lovingly filled life. Even if you can make the appointment right away, let this day serve as a reminder to set an appointment. Your pets health is important!
5 – Pet Spa Day
Whether you do this professionally or at-home, give your pet a little TLC on this special day. Give them a good wash, brush, as well as a nail trim! Or send them off for the day to a pet spa for an extra deep cleaning.
6 – Volunteer With a Local Charity
Take the time out of your schedule to volunteer to help in a local shelter. This can be a one day thing, or a long term thing, all help is useful! There are so many things that you can do at a shelter to help pets in need, and this dedication of time is a very meaningful way to celebrate and support pets. You can even be an advocate of the ones who are up for adoption.
7 – Volunteer With Your Pet
If your pet has the personality for it, try taking them to a local nursing home or children’s ward. The elderly and sick children can get a great amount of joy when a friendly pet comes to visit. You and your pet have the opportunity to make someone’s day! Make sure to check with the location you want to visit before you show up. Most facilities have rules or programs in place.
8 – Throw a Pet Party
Invite all your pet’s friends, or friends who have pets, and throw a party! You can even have a theme and have all attendees come in costumes. Bake a pet friendly cake, and have some animal centered games. Bonus: a ton of cute photos.
9 – Give a Special Treat
Treat your pet to something especially delicious! You can cook them a home cooked meal (pet safe ingredients of course) or let them indulge in something they love, but cant always have! Your pet will definitely feel the love as they consume some of their favorite foods.
10 – Extra Love
Take the time to give your pet some extra love. Play with them a little longer, take them on a longer walk, or just give them some extra cuddles. Make sure to let your pet know that you love them and you appreciate the love and joy they bring to your life. Your pet will adore the extra love you give them.
Whatever you decide to do, there’s no denying that pets are a cherished addition to our lives. All animals deserve a loving and caring family, so remember to bring awareness to all those pets out there waiting for their homes. Have a happy National Pet Day!
Leave a Reply