Ways to Celebrate National Pet Parents Day

Every year on the last Sunday of April, animal lovers celebrate National Pet Parents Day. The holiday started in 2007 to acknowledge the many Americans who consider their pets to be beloved members of the family.

Our pets bring us great joy. They are more than just cats and dogs – they are our best friends and companions with whom we share a very special bond. Ask any pet parent and they’ll tell you that their pets are there for them no matter what, and they’ve always got plenty of unconditional love to share.

As a pet parent, you take good care of your pets day after day by filling their food and water bowls, scooping their litter box, taking them out for a walk, and driving them to the veterinarian to keep them healthy. You make sure to play with your pets, to show them love, and to give them treats and toys. National Pet Parents Day is a time to celebrate all of the wonderful things you do for your pets.

Let the Celebration Begin!

How will you and your four-legged friends celebrate this special day? We’ve got a few ideas:

Take your dog to the dog park.

Your furry companion will have a wonderful time running around and socializing with new dogs, and you’ll have fun just watching. Your dog will really enjoy the sights and smells, and making new friends helps with socialization.

Spend some quality lap time with your pet.

Everybody loves to cuddle up on the couch with their favorite pet in their lap. So make it a point to enjoy the holiday with plenty of belly rubs and kisses.

Give yourself a little gift.

Your pet certainly can’t go out and buy you a gift to show their appreciation for all you do, but why not buy yourself a little memento? You can choose a pet-themed gift, or it might be a great time to pick up that special something on your wishlist.

This guy can’t wait to hit the road!

Take your dog for a drive.

Lots of dogs love riding in the car, so why not enjoy a nice drive and take in the scenery? You may even want to make a day of it. Choose a destination, like a park, where you can enjoy some quality time together before hitting the road for home.

Treat yourself and your dog.

This is the perfect day to cook a special dinner, like roasted chicken, and share it with your pet. Or, you can enjoy a delicious treat together, like ice cream. Just make sure not to let your pet over indulge and always address any potential changes in diet with your vet.

Make time to play.

Remember to set aside some quality time to play with your pet. Maybe you can pick up a new toy or spend some time together in the backyard playing fetch. If you’ve got cats, entice them with some catnip or take out the laser pointer and watch them go!

Take some selfies.

Post some fun photos of you and your pet to your social media and tell the world how you’re spending your special day together.

Adopt a pet.

If you’ve been thinking about getting a pet (or getting another pet) this is the perfect time to take the leap. With so many affectionate animals at shelters and rescues in need of a good forever home, this is the perfect opportunity to adopt a pet and share your love. Remember that adopting a pet is a life-long commitment, but one that will pay you back many times over with plenty of unconditional love and devotion.

Help your community.

The expense of buying pet food can be a real burden for many senior citizens and low-income families. So, why not get the whole community involved by organizing a pet food drive to celebrate National Pet Parents Day? It’s a great way to bring the community together and to help those pet parents who are less fortunate.

Volunteer at your local animal shelter.

You can volunteer to walk dogs, play with shelter animals, or clean up the kennels. Extending a helping hand in any way will make a big difference, and your help will be much appreciated by the shelter staff and the animals.

No matter how you decide to celebrate National Pet Parents Day, having your best friend by your side will ensure that you have a wonderful time.