National Pet Day

Dog, cat, bird, frog, pig, fish. No matter what animal you call your best friend, today is the day to celebrate your pet!

National Pet Day was founded in 2006 by Colleen Paige, Pet and Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Welfare Advocate. According to her site, this day was not only created to celebrate your pet but to also bring awareness about the animals who are waiting in shelters and rescue organizations to find their forever home.

Ways To Celebrate

Adopt an animal. Have you been thinking about bringing home a furry companion? Visit an animal shelter and give an animal a forever home!
Take supplies to animals at your local shelter. Shelters are always in need of blankets, pet beds, food and water bowls, collars, leashes, etc. Pick up a few of these items to donate to the animals in need.
Pet sit for a friend on vacation. Animals are most comfortable in their own homes. Instead of boarding their cat or dog, offer to watch your friend or family’s pet at home for them!
Take your dog for an extra long walk or to their favorite dog park. Dogs love getting out for exercise and it is so good for them, too! Find a local trail to walk or a dog park nearby where your dog can run around and make friends.
Spoil your pet with their favorite treats and toys. Does your cat love catnip? How about fake mice? Spoil your kitten with some of his or her favorite items.
Dine with animals! Bring your dog to dinner with you at a dog-friendly restaurant, or go to a cat cafe where you can sip coffee or tea while cats roam freely.
Watch your favorite animal movie. We suggest The Secret Life of Pets, Ratatouille, or Dolphin Tale for some feel-good animal films.
Bring your dog to the groomer to get pampered. Make an appointment for your dog to get shampooed, conditioned, and a nice haircut!

Pet Fun Facts

Cats have 32 muscles in each ear. They can move their ears independently of each other and can point their ears in the direction of sound.
Songbirds and parrots are the two types of birds that can learn and imitate human speech.
The Newfoundland dog is large, powerful breed with a hidden talent. They have webbed feet and a water-resistant coat which was originally used to rescue people at sea and help fishermen bring in their nets.
Horses have the largest eyes of any land mammal.
Fish were established before the dinosaurs were around!
Some lizards can detach their tails if they are caught by predators or are in danger.