The Relationship between humans and pets can be traced back a few centuries. A pet no longer only means dogs and cats to people these days. Animal lovers have been seen to raise horses, rabbits, birds, fishes, reptiles, or rats as their non-human friends. This human-animal bond is special for every pet parent and to commemorate this love, Colleen Paige, an animal welfare activist, and pet & family lifestyle expert, founded National Pet Day in 2006. Since then, this day has been dedicated to celebrating the love and happiness pets bring to our families and bringing people’s attention to the pets that are waiting in shelter homes for loving families of their own.
The motto of this day is, “Don’t shop! Adopt!”
Traditions of This Day
The goal of this day is to celebrate and bring awareness to pet lovers about the special bond between humans and pets. Generally, on this day, people spoil their furry babies with lots of love and adoration. Pet parents take them out for a walk or a drive, buy their favorite treats, and spoil them a little more.
This day is one of the best days for kids to convince their parents to adopt a pet and celebrate their pets on social media by posting their pictures together.
Top 5 Ways People have been Celebrating National Pet Day
#1 Give their pet a special treat
#2 Tell them “I Love You”
#3 Buy or make them a special gift
#4 Cuddle their pet to sleep
#5 Play their pet’s favorite game with them
These are the most common ways people celebrate this day with their pets and families. While we continue to love our pets every day, this day is a reason to encourage people to help reduce the number of animals in shelters.
Celebrate National Pet Day
Here are some other ways you can celebrate this day.
- Adopt a Pet
If you’re considering bringing a new furry family member into your home, consider adopting one instead of buying. This way an animal from a shelter home can get a loving home and you can also get a loving pet.
- Have a Photoshoot
Dress your pet in cool attire (only if they like it) and use pet-safe props to photograph their best angles using various backgrounds. Give them rewards, be it treats, toys, or pats on the head, and go on a picnic with them while making and clicking memories.
- Take Your Dog to the Local Dog Park
Take your dog to volunteer as a ‘smile bringer’ to the local park. Their duty as a volunteer would only be to be themselves and bring joy and happiness to people. Maybe they can even make friends there and have a playtime of their own.
- Make Them a Social Media Star
Make your pet a social media star. Using the pictures you take of them daily or occasionally, you can create an account dedicated to them. You can share every day or special activity that your pet does. You do not have to worry about the likes; all pets are adorable and will get more likes than anyone else.
- Pamper them All-Day
After all, this day is all about your pet, so, if you like to stay in and spend some quality time with your pet that is also fun. Just pamper them; bring special treats, groom them, and spend the day doing their favorite activities.
Conclusion
There are many ways you can honor, respect, and love your pet. This day is one of the many ways to celebrate our loving pets. They make our lives better by being there for us. Celebrate National Pet day with your pet. Adopt a pet to make their and your lives better.
Remember, “Don’t shop! Adopt!”